Young crime-fighters have been helping to beat the burglars this summer.

The North Bradford Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) have had helping hands to deliver their home security message.

Pupils from primary schools in Allerton, Fairweather Green, Keelham, Thornton and Heaton donned mini-police uniforms and joined police officers to visit hundreds of residents and remind them to secure their property.

The West Yorkshire Police campaign, which has been running since March, urges people to stop themselves from becoming a victim of burglary by keeping windows and doors locked at all times and hiding valuables from view.

The North Bradford team have been working with several schools and youth groups in the area, including a group of 16-year-olds who helped PCSOs Cath Elder and Sam Sagar with crime reduction surveys in Frizinghall as part of the National Citizen Service scheme.

Inspector Andrew Croasdale, who leads the team, said: “We want to make sure that all our residents are taking this message on board and are very thankful to the young people who helped us to spread the word.

“Being a victim of burglary can have both emotional and financial effects.”

He said some items had sentimental value and could not be replaced.