One of the biggest ever crackdowns on sneak-in burglaries was launched in Bradford today.

All five police divisions have joined forces for the first time in the seasonal campaign to tackle the sneak-thief.

Crime Prevention Officer PC Fiona Wynne, of Eccleshill police, and Odsal's Crime Reduction Officer PC Barry Thorn recognised the problem was district-wide and worked closely on the project.

PC Wynne said: "Crime trends over recent years show that sneak-in burglaries increase during the summer.

"People often leave external doors unlocked while they are in the house, garden or garage.

"Any of us can fall victim to this kind of crime. It only takes a few moments for someone to sneak in through an insecure door and steal property."

PC Wynne said thefts can take place while the home owner is in another room.

"Handbags are often stolen in this way, together with car keys which are then used to steal vehicles parked in your own drive," she said.

The three-month campaign will target victims of sneak-in burglaries and their immediate neighbours.

Using a newly-designed leaflet and door sticker, residents will be given crime prevention advice and encouraged to use the sticker on an outside door as a constant reminder to lock it every time. The leaflet will be distributed throughout the district.

Chief Inspector Joan Simpson, community safety coordinator for the Bradford area, said: "I'm delighted that this scheme is being promoted across the Bradford and Keighley.

"It shows the degree of importance we place on tackling this problem."

As well as locking doors and windows, householders are told to:

put handbags and other valuables out of view

mark all valuable property with house number and postcode

remove keys in doors or windows

never be tempted to leave doors insecure, even for a few minutes

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