A massive reduction in robberies, burglaries and car crime in the Bradford South police division is being attributed to smart new tactics and a special arrest team.

The plummeting crime rate follows a range of operations by police which has led to 1,300 extra arrests over the past year. These arrests are entirely through specially targeted initiatives and are on top of arrests for everyday offences.

Robberies have been cut by nearly a third, burglaries by a quarter and vehicle crime by more than 11 per cent.

The reduction has followed the introduction last June of the Taskit Team, a dedicated arrest squad geared up to remove persistent criminals from the streets. It also targeted people wanted on police warrants, those who had absconded and people who had breached supervision licences.

Other cutting-edge initiatives involved the use of hi-tech computer equipment to check passing traffic to target known criminals.

Another new move which has reaped dividends in the fight against crime has been the Scientific Hits Team, a group of specialists snaring criminals by means of forensic evidence, DNA and fingerprinting.

The close co-operation of beat officers, police community support officers, traffic wardens and street wardens has also had an impact, say police.

Last month police revealed that these groups working closely together had made a huge impact on city centre crime, which is part of the Bradford South division. For the first time the city centre saw a two-week period with no robberies.

Inspector Scott Bisset, Bradford South police co-ordinator, said: "People often take a dim view of this city and seem to think there is a much greater problem with crime here than there actually is.

"We are proud of these reductions but will never become complacent."

The crime breatkthrough is welcomed by local community groups who say they have seen tangible differences in the area.

Independent Wibsey councillor Keith Thomson said: "It's quite clear there has been a marked improvement in rounding up criminals and a reduction in criminal activity."

He said other measures had also contributed to the reduction, notably the Secure By Design initiative in Buttershaw which made homes virtually impregnable.

The Reverend Stuart Gregg, of Buttershaw Christian Family Centre, said there had been a more visible police presence on the streets, but beleived there should be a return to the days of community police officers who knew the estate well.

"It's better to have someone who knows the area and its challenges instead of behind a desk at Odsal Top."

He said dealing with disaffected youth was also a priority.