Warning after park thefts

8:09am Saturday 5th July 2008

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Thieves targeted vehicles parked near one of Bradford’s most popular parks.

Police say offenders have been forcing locks and smashing windows to gain entry to cars parked in North Park Road and Oak Lane, near Lister Park, Manningham.

They have stolen stereos, satellite navigation systems, speakers and other valuables left on show. Most of the incidents have occurred during evenings or at nights.

Police are asking residents and visitors to the area to be extra vigilant when parking their vehicles and report any suspicious behaviour to the police.

Officers are currently running their ‘Lighter Nights’ initiative in and around the park to keep the area as safe as possible during the summer months when it is very well-used.

In recent years, there has been an increase in personal robberies of mobile phones, handbags and wallets in the area during summer.

Police are increasing patrols in the park, operating CCTV cameras and using mounted horse patrols.

A police spokesman said: “We would ask that people are not alarmed by this and carry on using the park as normal. We would, however, ask people to be vigilant and keep their valuables safe.”