Drivers in Bradford now under watchful eye
Car thieves in Bradford can expect to be stopped in their tracks as police mount an intensive operation to check vehicles using the city's roads.
During the night Bradford South Police will be stop-checking vehicles with the registration prefix F to N. Analysis shows these are the most likely vehicles to be stolen in the division.
Det Chief Insp Roger Gasson said: "It is highly likely that thieves target these older vehicles because the standard of security on them is not as good as in newer cars. We are finding that they are sometimes stolen and used in other offences, before being burnt out, or taken by young thieves who drive around in them before abandoning them.
"I would urge all motorists to use crime prevention equipment as a deterrent, such as steering wheel locks, and, if you have a garage, use it.
"I am sure that law-abiding citizens who own vehicles registered from F to N will support our efforts to crack down on this crime. They may be stopped by officers and checked if they are driving in the city at night, so they might wish to carry their documents with them to prevent any inconvenience. However, I am certain they will understand that we are doing this to help prevent them becoming a victim of car crime.
"Likewise, thieves driving around in stolen cars should be under no illusion - we will stop you and we will arrest you."
Meanwhile, officers are urging all motorists to take part in the '25 Scheme'. Under the initiative motorists place a West Yorkshire Police sticker which says '25' on it in their rear window to indicate that the legitimate driver is over the age of 25. If the car is seen out at night and the person driving appears to be under the age of 25 the vehicle may be stopped and checked. The stickers are available from any West Yorkshire police station.
DCI Gasson added: "I would also ask the public to prevent themselves becoming a victim of car crime by removing valuables from their vehicles and reporting anyone seen acting suspiciously around vehicles in their neighbourhoods.
"There is also an increase in the theft of number plates and an easy way to prevent this is by using screws with tighten only heads, which are available from DIY shops."