Bradford holiday-makers can relax on the beach this summer knowing police are keeping a watchful eye on their homes while they are away.

Officers from the Eccleshill Neighbourhood Policing Team will be offering a free Temporary Unoccupied House service, which will see them check properties are safe for householders while they are on holiday.

After being informed residents are going away, officers and Police Community Support Officers will be able to check on the property and speak to neighbours while they are out on patrol.

Police believe the scheme, which was reintroduced in Eccleshill in 2009 after proving popular a number of years ago, helps them to prevent crime in the area.

Officers say it will also help them to contact householders quicker in the event of a criminal incident taking place, as they will already have their full contact details.

As well as offering the TUH service this summer, police will continue to carry out car security patrols in the Eccleshill area.

Police will contact the owners of any unlocked parked vehicles they find to warn owners they are at risk of becoming the victims of thieves.

Inspector Pete Tuff, of the Eccleshill Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Through the car security checks and Temporary Unoccupied House service, we are hopefully providing a bit of reassurance to residents that we are taking extra measures to help them stay that little bit safer this summer.

“By far the best way to reduce crime is to prevent it in the first place and simple steps, such as making sure parked cars are left secure, really will put off opportunist thieves.”

Anyone who wants to apply for the Temporary Unoccupied House scheme should call in to Eccleshill Police Station and pick up a form, or e-mail officers at hanpt5@westyorkshire.pnn. police.uk.

  • Read the full story Thursday’s T&A