THE ten top burglary hotspots in the Bradford district have been revealed.

The worst hit areas range from rural Baildon to council estates such as Holme Wood and Allerton.

The burglary targets have been identified by police analysts as figures showed that crime in the district has soared.

Recorded domestic burglaries have increased by 13.3 per cent over 12 months, according to a report.

The figure mirrors a 13 per cent increase in total recorded crimes in the district for the quarterly period from April to June this year.

They are revealed in a report which will be discussed by Bradford councillors next week.

It shows that there were 841 domestic burglaries between April and June, compared with 742 for the same period last year.

The report, by an officer from Bradford Council’s environment and sport department, warns that last year a third of burglary offences took place between October and December, when the nights become longer.

It says that the Dark Nights 2016 Burglary Dwelling report, prepared by police intelligence unit analysts, had highlighted the most vulnerable geographical areas.

It identified the top ten burglary hotspot areas in the district as:

That report also provided information on offenders linked to each area, allowing their activities to be targeted.

The Council report also raises the question of crime recording practices, which police use to explain large increases in crime.

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The report states: “Recorded burglaries have been increasing and the majority of this increase was attributed to changes in crime recording practices. The change in crime recording practices has been in place over a year now, so it would be expected that the effect of the change has now largely been factored in when comparing with figures for 12 months ago.”

Baildon Conservative Councillor Debbie Davies said residents were worried about burglaries and promised to take up the issue with the Police and Crime Commissioner, Mark Burns-Williamson.

Cllr Davies said: “I am not surprised by these figures. We are concerned about the lack of resources being put into the Shipley constituency area.

“We have been told that there are more police officers on patrol in the early morning, but it is highly unlikely they are going to be around when a burglary is taking place.

“We keep telling people about crime prevention advice, like leaving lights on and keeping keys safe, but people are getting very worried and on edge about what might happen.”

“I am going to ask the PCC about how officers are distributed. I get the impression that the Shipley area isn’t as well served as other areas. It is a concern with dark nights approaching.

“I get the impression it is the same people going out night after night, burgling in different areas. We need them to be caught. It could make a huge difference.”

Councillor Jeanette Sunderland (Lib Dem, Idle and Thackley), said police were now spending too much time as “social workers”, looking for vulnerable missing people.

She said: “It’s right and proper we look for these people and get them back to where they need to be. But there is a consequence and it is reflected in the burglary figures. We need to have the confidence the police will do the job we want them to do.

“There is a flaw in the criminal justice system. There are some people who are just lawless, with no respect for people or property. We’ve got to break that cycle.”

Nicki Broadhead, Bradford District operations manager for Victim Support, said: “The figures are very worrying, particularly as not all crime is reported to police and therefore the true figure may be even higher. Crime is always a concern and it is well documented that crime increases at this time of year.”

West Yorkshire Police yesterday started its latest campaign to reduce burglaries, using primary school children to help get the message across.

Superintendent Damien Miller, of Bradford District Police, said: “This report is prepared for Bradford District Inspectors and helps them to plan for the winter months, when it gets darker earlier.

“It is compiled by analysing relevant data, which not only helps to identify areas of potential vulnerability in each ward, but also any individuals who may pose a threat.

“Police and partners across the Bradford District are committed to reducing the risk of people becoming a victim of burglary and would urge residents to also play their part.”

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