POLICE are stepping up patrols in part of Bradford, where there has been an increase in vehicle crime recently.

Officers from Bradford East Neighbourhood Policing Team will be increasing patrols in the Idle and Thackley, Greengates and Apperley Bridge areas of the city, following a spike in vehicle crime.

Cars and vans in the area are being targeted to steal a number of different items, including in car entertainment systems, satellite navigation systems, handbags and other portable items, including dash cams.

Work vehicles are also being targeted with thieves trying to take tools and machinery and other equipment.

Following a recent increase in criminal activity, officers will be more visible in the area in an attempt to crack down on incidents.

Sergeant Andy Milner, from Bradford East NPT, said: “We’ve noticed an increase in vehicle crime in the BD10 area whereby vehicles are being targeted for items left on display, including dash cams.

“Please hide or remove valuables. We’re increasing patrols to combat this and need your help not to become easy targets.”

On resident in Thackley was targeted earlier this week, when the window of his Skoda Fabia was smashed by a thief, who stole his dash cam, leaving him more than £100 out of pocket and unable to work for half of the day.

The man, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “It feels like there is nothing you can do.

“They are not scared or afraid, and seem to have no problem getting rid of the gear, they’re not afraid of anything.

“I feel for the police, they are hamstrung by cuts, and it means these young men do not fear the police.”

In recent days and weeks, community Facebook groups covering the BD10 area have been awash with CCTV clips showing people attempting to break into cars in the area.

A user shared images of their car which was broken into on Wednesday in Haigh Hall Road, Greengates.

Users reacting this post said there were at least eight more vehicle break-ins around the BD10 area overnight on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.

One user said: “I’m sick of reading this everyday that there’s been numerous cars broken into, is anything getting done?”

Another commented: “The guy who came to repair my window told me it was a ‘professional’ job, so not just kids throwing bricks.”

Councillor Jeanette Sunderland (Lib Dem, Idle and Thackley) said: “These lads think they can get away with it, that’s why there’s an increase.

“There’s been a reduction in neighbourhoods police so I’m glad to see police are responding to calls from residents, Councillors and others.

“It’s not just the crimes themselves its how it makes people feel. People need to be vigilant themselves but when you wake up and see your car window has been smashed, people don’t feel good.

“We have to increase patrols, and actually catch some of these criminals too.”