POLICE have responded to social media claims of a 'spike' in burglaries and robberies in the BD5 area.

In a joint message, Inspectors Carl O’Brien (Bradford South) and John Toothill (Bradford East) said they wanted to provide reassurance amid the concern.

The Inspectors said: "You may have seen on social media recently claims of there being a ‘spike’ in burglaries and robberies in the BD5 area. We understand these messages have caused some concern and are making this statement in the hope it will give you some reassurance.

"While there have been some reported incidents in BD5 recently where weapons are alleged to have been used - and there are ongoing investigations into these matters - to say there has been a rise is incorrect.

"In fact, our figures for recorded crime show that year on year (so to compare figures from the same periods in 2018 and 2019) there has been a reduction in offences of 30% in the Bradford East area between 1 May and 17 November.

"Part of BD5 crosses into the Bradford South area and our figures for these wards also show reductions for the same period – in Little Horton ward by 29% and in West Bowling by 26%.

West Yorkshire traditionally sees a rise in burglaries during the winter period.