SECURITY is to be stepped up after three cars were broken into and damaged during Bradford Bull's Challenge Cup clash with Hull Kingston Rovers yesterday.

The vehicles were parked at the Richard Dunn Sports Centre, opposite Odsal Stadium, and Bulls' officials are now appealing for anyone who witnessed the incidents to come forward.

The Bulls' stadium manager, Mark Leadbeater, said he had been in contact with West Yorkshire Police, Bradford Council, and staff at Richard Dunn to try to obtain CCTV evidence.

The incidents are understood to have taken place between 3.20pm and 4pm, and the club said it would make "every effort to support police inquiries in a bid to find those responsible."

Mr Leadbeater said: “We are working closely with Bradford Council, Richard Dunn Sports Centre, and West Yorkshire Police in order to get to the bottom of this.

“We have been informed of similar incidents which have occurred recently, in local car parks throughout the area.

“However, we are now doing all we can to ensure the Richard Dunn Sports Centre car park remains an ideal, safe place for supporters to park their cars in on match days.

“Going forward, we will be significantly increasing the amount of security staff working within our car parks.

“Rest assured, we will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to help find those responsible for the damage, and in ensuring our car parks are fully secure in the future."

A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police confirmed the force had received reports of the thefts, adding inquiries into the incidents were ongoing.