Police are urging Cullingworth residents to drive down vehicle crime after the number of incidents in the village doubled.

PC Ian Hemsworth said vehicle crimes in Cullingworth had increased from six in March, 2002, to 12 for the same month this year.

"I would urge people to keep valuables out of sight, lock up their vehicles and put them in garages where possible," he said. The village has been targeted by car thieves who break into homes and steal car keys.

General thefts in the village decreased from three last March to one last month. House burglaries were down from four to one although burglary of other properties was up from four to five.

Violent crime was up from one to five and damage was down from two to none. PC Hemsworth called on villagers to join the specials following a poor response to his request last month. Anyone interested in joining the specials is asked to contact PC Hemsworth on 01274 537441 or email the problem oriented policing (POP) team on.