Big business has teamed up with the police to help tackle crime in the Wharfe Valley and Aireborough.

And burglary victims will receive a speedier service thanks to the sponsorship deal agreed between Weetwood Police and British Gas Home Security.

The deal, worth around £2,000, will put an extra vehicle at the disposal of Weetwood division's Crime Scene Visitors. It means an officer or officers from the four-member CSV team will be able to get to a victim's home more quickly.

Last year officers based at Weetwood, whose area includes Otley, Yeadon, Guiseley, Rawdon, Horsforth and Bramhope, investigated 3,248 house burglaries. The CSVs called on more than 90 per cent of the victims.

Chief Inspector Ray Shepherd, of Weetwood Police, said: "The Crime Scene Visitors not only take details of the crime to help the investigation but also offer reassurance to the individuals.

"The quicker they can get to speak to the victim the better."

He said the sponsorship deal with British Gas was a prime example of the police working together with outside agencies to fight crime.

The Vauxhall Astra will bear the logo of British Gas Home Security, which sells alarm systems. Philip Robinson, the firm's sales and marketing director, said: "We welcome the opportunity to support Weetwood Police for the benefit of the local community."

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