Police today unveiled a campaign to cut the rising number of robberies and muggings in Bradford.

Operation Eagle will be in force throughout the summer, placing high-visibility patrols in crime hot-spots supported by undercover officers and video surveillance units.

The new strategy hopes to address fears of street crimes, such as the rising number of robberies for mobile phones.

Detective Inspector Rob Sumner, of Bradford South CID, said: "Bradford city centre, like every other in West Yorkshire, attracts its share of criminals intent on committing crime, much of which is opportunist."

He said the main offenders were young men who would take anything they could, but highlighted a growing trend in mobile-phone robberies.

"However small the amount taken, incidents like these are still very traumatic for the victim," said Det Insp Sumner.

"We intend to put the fear back on to the criminal."

The operation will begin on June 4, targeting known offenders and robbery hot-spots within the city centre.

The initiative will be supported by the force's robbery reduction team and its 'Safer Streets' van, which carries out video surveillance to snare offenders.

A poster campaign will warn would-be robbers and thieves that plain-clothed officers will be watching them while advising potential victims to be vigilant.

High-visibility patrols will be stepped up in the city centre and Little Horton areas.

Liaison officers will be working at schools to warn children of the dangers while officers will work with local businesses to reduce the risk to them.

Det Insp Sumner said reducing robberies was a high priority this year and urged the public to play their part by taking steps to protect their mobile phones.

He urged people to keep a record of their phone's International Mobile Equipment Identity Number which could help trace thieves and stolen handsets. This can be obtained by dialling star, hash, zero, six, hash.

He also advised:

l keep mobile phones out of sight and do not use them unless necessary, particularly in busy precincts

l only make essential calls in the street

l mark your post code and house number with an ultra-violet pen. The best place is under the battery near the SIM card and on the back of the battery.