More police officers are to patrol the streets of Keighley in a bid to reduce people's fear of crime.

According to police, despite a drop in reported crime in the division people's fear of crime has risen.

So now Keighley's Neighbourhood Policing Team has brought in more officers in attempts to rectify the problem.

The team has been split into two with a dedicated inspector, two sergeants, four PCs and ten PCSOs each for Keighley and Shipley.

A further 13 PCSOs will be recruited in the next few months.

Neighbourhood police Inspector Nigel Cawthorne said the influx of extra resources demonstrated the additional commitment to neighbourhood policing by West Yorkshire Police.

He said: "Keighley is one of the best performing divisions and one of the safest places to live in the county, but the public still express concerns.

"These neighbourhood policing teams will provide continuity and ownership of problems, and overcome many of the concerns which have increased the fear of crime in communities."

He said the teams' key aim was reassurance.

One of the PCs' priorities would be to be seen on the streets, and PCSOs must spend 80 per cent of their time on patrol in their areas.

Officers will also communicate with their communities through ward tasking groups and each team will also be more accessible, with a dedicated phone line, voicemail and Internet address.

The Keighley team will be headed up by Inspector Mark Allsop -- and be available for the public to contact on 01535 617119.

Shipley will be led by Insp Nigel Cawthorne and be available on 01274 537454. To e-mail either team write to Hdnpteam@westyorkshire.pnn.police.uk

Those wishing to report anti-social behaviour anonymously can also call the anti-social behaviour information hotline on 01274 537400.

Divisional Commander Supt Chris Hardern said: "This move demonstrates an opportunity to reduce crime in the division.

"The Neighbourhood Policing Teams will increase the public's confidence in the police and we can deliver what the public wants on the ground -- targeting criminal damage and anti-social behaviour and providing a greater police presence in the local area."