Residents of a Bradford estate which had been plagued by burglaries are being urged to enlist in the war against crime.

Detectives said the number of break-ins in Scholemoor had dropped dramatically following the arrest of criminals who targeted the area.

Now they are calling on the public to ensure the problem doesn't return.

As part of the Scholemoor Burglary Project - funded by a £60,000 Government crime reduction grant - Toller Lane police are encouraging residents to enlist as Special Constables, sign up to Neighbourhood Watch schemes or simply employ crime prevention measures. At the centre of the scheme is a meet-the-police open day at the Scholemoor Community Centre.

Some of the grant helped to fund intelligence work during a purge on burglars by Toller Lane detectives. In December 1995 there were 51 burglaries on the estate.

Det Chief Insp Phil Sedgwick said: "So far this month there have been none. Last month there were only two."

He said: "We have offered a short-term fix by arresting offenders who have either been sent to prison or been given help to combat drug addiction. We now need to set up systems which will stand the test of time."

Ward councillor Syd Collard (Lab, Great Horton) welcomed the scheme, saying: "We need to get the community involved if we are to overcome this problem."

A greater police presence through the deployment of Special Constables and effective Neighbourhood Watch schemes would "work miracles", he said.

Community Safety Projects Officer, Sgt Keith Boots, said the planned open day - on December 21 between 3pm and 8.30pm - will allow officers to address public concerns while a youth services worker will launch a Special Constabulary recruitment drive. SCs from various backgrounds will be on hand to give a first-hand account of the job.

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