A family say they were threatened with a machete when they turned detective after police were unable to attend when two motorcycles were stolen from their garage.

Kim Rands, pictured, and her family managed to recover one of the Yamaha RT100 machines after it ran out of petrol when it was spotted being ridden a short distance from their home in Idle, Bradford.

They informed police and gave them the names of the people they suspected of carrying out the theft.

But when they still felt police were not properly investigating the crime, they went to the home of one of the suspects where, they say, they were threatened by an occupant armed with a machete.

Today police apologised to Mrs Rands, of Santa Monica Road, and stressed that a full investigation was being carried out into the theft.

But Mrs Rands said it was only after contacting the Telegraph & Argus she felt the case was being taken seriously.

"I was appalled at this. Had the incident been a bank robbery for £3,000 - the cost of the bikes - I am sure the police would have attended," she said.

"I am extremely angry about the way the case has been handled.

''Crime together we'll crack it - what a joke."

A West Yorkshire police spokesman said no machete was found when officers visited the address where the family say they were threatened.

He said: "We are sorry if Mrs Rands feels unhappy her complaint has not been dealt with as she would wish but she should be assured that we take all reports of crime seriously.

"Because we deal with hundreds of calls every week, many of which are urgent or life-threatening in nature, we have to prioritise calls and could not attend on the evening this incident occurred.''

He added: "However a full police investigation is ongoing and police are keen to speak to anybody prepared to come forward and give a statement so further action can be taken."

Witnesses and anybody with information about the theft should contact Lawcroft House Police Station on (01274) 376259 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.