Communities in south Bradford have stepped up the fight against crime by increasing Neighbourhood Watch schemes by almost a third.

Police chiefs revealed that over the last ten months, 52 new schemes have been launched, taking the division's total to 218 and the number of homes covered to 10,000.

The force said it had also helped form three Business Watches as well as two Shop and Pub Watches.

Noel Aspinall, Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator for Bradford South, said he now planned to set up new schemes in the Marshfields, Chapel Green and Holme Top areas.

He said: "Neighbourhood Watch is without doubt the most effective example of communities working in partnership to eradicate crime from their area and improve the quality of life for everyone."

Sergeant Ian Dellow, of Bradford South Community Safety Department, said: "Neighbourhood Watch has moved on from property marking and twitching curtains.

"We want it to be more dynamic and make sure the police establish links with the local community so we can find out what's happening and what is worrying people. We want to have access to real people in the community."

Sgt Dellow encouraged members scheme's voicemail systems to pass on information as well as for finding out about crime.

And he said there were plans to extend it so that it could be used to advertise Council and health services.

He added: "We are aiming to make Neighbourhood Watch a central information exchange between the community, the police and anti-crime partnerships."

Mr Aspinall said: "Neighbour-hood Watch is an effective way of preventing crime.

"Where schemes exist potential criminals are being watched.

"Members are made up of ordinary people who care about their communities and play a vital part in policing."