Police are warning Bradford motorists to watch out for a persistent car thief who has just been released from prison.

West Yorkshire Police have taken the unusual step of releasing a photograph of prolific offender Dominic Khan in a bid to safeguard the public.

Khan, 28, who has numerous convictions for vehicle crime offences, was released from prison yesterday after serving his second custodial sentence for breaching an Anti-Social Behaviour Order imposed on him.

And as he stepped out to freedom, police issued his photo to enable the public to recognise him.

Detective Chief Inspector Roger Gasson, of Bradford South Police, said: "We have thought long and hard about releasing this photograph and have decided that it is in the interests of motorists either living in or visiting the Bradford South area to be aware of this man.

"He is subject to some very stringent conditions as part of his five-year Anti-Social Behaviour Order."

Khan is described by police as a "prolific and persistent offender" in the Bradford South division, which includes the city centre.

Magistrates imposed an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) on him in January this year. It lasts until January 27, 2009.

The terms of the ASBO include prohibiting him from loitering around parked and unattended vehicles which do not belong to him throughout West Yorkshire.

He is also banned from entering Bradford city centre, unless he is attending appointments with statutory bodies or travelling through the city centre on a bus - he must get on and off buses outside the area.

In February this year he was sentenced to six months in jail after breaching the order by associating with someone he was prohibited from being with.

He was released on July 30 but was sent back to prison on September 3 after he breached the order again.

Det Chief Insp Gasson said: "We will always seek to take positive action against people who persistently commit offences in our city.

"Vehicle crime has an effect on everyone. Not only is it distressing for victims but it leads to increased insurance premiums and a negative view of this city.

"Along with our partners we will use every tool at our disposal to stamp down on vehicle crime."