NEW figures from West Yorkshire Police have revealed more than four vehicles were stolen in the Bradford district every day in the past 12 months.

The statistics, obtained by the Telegraph & Argus under the Freedom of Information Act, have shown 1,653 vehicles - ranging from hatchbacks and vans, to tractors and Lamborghinis – were stolen across the district between August 1, 2019, and August 1, 2020.

Across the next few days, we will be delving deeper into these figures to reveal the most commonly stolen vehicles, the areas which have been hit hardest by vehicle thefts over the past year, and also looking at some of the more unusual and unique vehicles stolen by criminals.

The number of vehicles stolen are drop on previous years; in 2018, 2,082 vehicles were stolen, and in 2017 the figure was 2,039.

This reflects work done by West Yorkshire Police to tackle offending in the district through Operation Steerside and other work in the community.

However the impact of Coronavirus and the national lockdown may also have had an impact on the numbers, with people ordered to stay at home vehicles have spent more time parked at people’s homes and less people have been out and about in public, making car thieves stand out.

West Yorkshire Police has said vehicles are stolen for a number of reasons; by opportunist criminals, for use in other crimes, to be stripped and sold as parts, and as part of burglaries.

The force has also reminded the public of the best way to protect themselves and their property from being victims of crime.

Superintendent Mark Jessop, of Bradford District Police, said: “Officers in Bradford District are working hard to tackle crime involving the theft of vehicles.

‘This highlights the work of the Steerside Enforcement Team, who work with partner agencies on every day on operations tackling this area of criminality, as well as officers from Operational Support.

“Vehicles are stolen for a number of reasons. Some will be taken by individuals with links to organised crime groups who work across force areas and may either strip it down to sell on the parts, or indeed use it to commit offences.

“Some will be taken by opportunist thieves who walk along streets trying door handles, so motorists can assist us by checking these before leaving their vehicles unattended.

“There will also be those taken in burglaries, where thieves enter a property with the intention of taking your vehicle(s).

“We would remind people to make sure your doors and windows are locked at all times and that keys cannot be seen from outside. If your garage is available, it would be more secure within and out of sight.

“If your vehicle does not have an immobiliser or alarm then consider having one professionally fitted to the Thatcham quality assured standard.

“You may also want to consider a tracking device if you have an expensive or high performance vehicle, as this can make increase the possibility for police to recover it, and make arrests should it be stolen.”

Vehicle crime prevention advice can be found on the West Yorkshire Police website, and if you are unlucky enough to have your vehicle stolen, you are urged to report this to police by calling 101, or using the live chat facility on the police website.