Police have sounded a double warning this festive period.

Officers are telling anyone who plans to break the law over the holidays that they are in for a bleak Christmas.

And householders are also being warned - to guard against the Christmas crooks that could ruin their celebrations.

Extra patrols will be out on the city's streets over the next few weeks with officers drawn in from other areas outside of the district.

Detective Inspector Noel Devine, of the Bradford North division, had this warning: "If anyone is thinking of committing a crime over Christmas, be warned, we are hunting you."

He said that, over the past few months, police had been busy gathering information and intelligence to use in the massive festive crackdown.

"We have been watching people, looking at the clothes they wear, looking at their shoes.

"When we've been searching people's houses, people have been talking to us and telling us about others up to no good.

"It doesn't matter what kind of crime is committed, whether it is burglary or theft from a car, we will be round at your house, knocking on your door and arresting you."

As well as cracking down on criminals, police officers will also be watching and monitoring bail orders and warrants.

"Anyone seen to be breaking their bail or curfews will be dealt with and sent back to the courts," said Det Insp Devine.

"For those who think they know all our officers and all our cars, we're about to spoil their game. We have got extra officers in from other areas working alongside our teams. Criminals will not recognise them but these officers will know their faces.

"Take this as a warning, anyone who commits a crime or is suspected of wrong-doing will be arrested and locked up for Christmas."

Det Insp Devine also had tips for householders. "If you're going out at night, leave some lights on," he said. "If you're going away for the break, tell neighbours, and be a good neighbour yourself.

"Keep a look-out for any suspicious behaviour, if you see anything, ring us and tell us.

He also warned against putting boxes which had contained expensive presents out too early for the binmen.

"They become an advert for what you've got in your house. Either keep the empty packaging inside until the binmen come, or take them to a recycling tip," he said.

e-mail: kathie.griffith@bradford.newsquest.co.uk

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