Police initiatives to tackle burglaries in Bradford North have seen the number of victims slashed by more than a thousand.

The targeting of known suspects and pro-active police operations have seen burglaries in the division cut by 1,022 since April, compared with the same period the previous year.

Between April and December 2002 there were around 2,800 burglaries and the following year that had been reduced to about 1,800.

The initiatives in recent months have included offering free light timer switches to residents to make sure their homes were illuminated in darkness.

Officers also mounted extra, high-visibility patrols using video cameras to film areas where offences were occurring.

The initiative was used to combat burglary, robbery and vehicle crime.

Police have also held high-profile two-day operations to combat crime with other agencies, like the DVLA and Bradford Council's Park Rangers service.

The last one, in December, netted 31 arrests for a range of offences.

Detective Chief Inspector John Lazenby, crime manager for Bradford North, said: "Over a thousand fewer victims of burglary in Bradford North is a real success.

"People sometimes have a pessimistic view of this city and believe there's a much bigger problem with crime here than is really the case.

"In comparison with many other similar cities Bradford is a safe place to live."

He added: "We enjoy an excellent working relationship with our partner agencies in tackling burglary, but we continue to appeal to householders to do their bit.

"Despite numerous warnings, a significant number of the burglaries in the division are the 'sneak-in' type, where thieves simply walk into homes through unlocked doors.

"People have to get into the habit of turning the key behind them when they get home."