Crime in Keighley has been slashed by a quarter since street wardens hit the town.

Thanks to a joint effort between police officers, councillors and Bradford Council's street wardens, crime has plummeted in the three months from August to October this year compared to the same period in 2002.

Commercial burglary in the town centre dropped from 50 to 29 offences, robbery fell from 11 to four and theft from motor vehicles fell by almost half from 61 to 32.

This is an even bigger reduction than that seen in the rest of Keighley Division, where most types of crime have fallen over the same period.

Inspector Nigel Cawthorne, of Keighley police, said: "The street wardens and the police community support officers (PCSOs) in Keighley have given our officers some very practical support in tackling crime and the fear of crime. Their visible presence is having a real impact on how safe people feel in the town centre.

"Things are on the up in Keighley, crime is falling and local businesses and organisations are keen to get involved and help us tackle crime in our community."

To build on the past few months' success, Bradford Council's street wardens are joining forces with PCSOs and regular officers to form the Town Centre Team.

Residents can also join the war on crime with a series of new weekly meetings.

Keighley Pub Watch chairman Rob Brown, who also lives in the town centre, will chair the meetings with street wardens, PCSOs, local beat officers, traffic wardens, security staff representatives from town centre management, bus companies, taxi firms, district and town councillors and the Anti-Crime Partnership.

Chairman of Keighley Town Centre Partnership, Councillor Andrew Mallinson said: "Making the district a safer and friendlier place for shopping is a top priority and we're delighted with the impact the wardens have had.

"We intend to build on that success."