A Bradford couple have praised the efforts of police officers who managed to return items stolen from their business within one hour of the crime.

Hayley De Luca, owner of Eternity beauty salon, in Main Street, Cottingley, was left shocked and scared when a man in his 30s walked into her salon and grabbed her handbag and iPhone from behind the counter.

The incident happened at about 8.40am last Saturday and in less than an hour of reporting it to West Yorkshire Police, officers managed to trace the man who had thrown the handbag in a neighbouring garden and returned both items to the couple.

Mrs De Luca’s husband, Mario, has praised the work of the officers who helped catch the man.

He said: “I just want to highlight the fantastic work the police have done. They get a lot of stick but here is an example of the system working. I just can’t fault how they handled the situation in any way.

“My wife was left scared and shook up after the man just walked in and helped himself, he had no respect at all.

“We both can’t thank them enough. I want to give the public a bit of faith back in the police.”

Yesterday, police confirmed they were called to reports of a burglary at a commercial premises in Main Street, Cottingley, at 8.41am on Saturday.

It was found that the stolen mobile phone had a tracking device installed, which was then activated and officers were quickly able to trace the items.

Inspector Sue Sanderson, of the Bingley and Worth Valley Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Officers responded quickly to the incident and were able to locate the stolen items.

“This demonstrates the importance of a quick response but also tracking software that is easily available that can be installed into every-day items such as mobile phones.”

l A 28-year-old Halifax man has been charged with burglary and bailed to appear at Bradford and Keighley Magistrates Court.