Police patrols are being stepped up in two Bradford neighbourhoods which have become focal points for city car criminals.

As extra bobbies took to the streets of Girlington and Heaton, police warned motorists to protect themselves against the upsurge in offences.

While they stressed the number of crimes were still down on the rate for last year, they said there had been a marked increase in car thefts and thefts from cars over recent weeks in the two areas.

Inspector Adrian Lyles, of Bradford North Police, said: "To combat this we will be putting extra resources into these areas - including additional patrols - as part of the division's commitment to combat priority crime."

Over recent months, Bradford has witnessed a growing trend of house burglaries where intruders break in to steal car keys so that they can make off with vehicles parked outside.

Thieves have also used devices such as hooks on sticks to fish keys in view through letterboxes.

Insp Lyle said: "The public can help us by taking heed of vital crime prevention advice - don't leave valuables in your car. If you do have to leave items in the vehicle, lock them in the boot out of sight, even if you are only going to be away from your car for a short period while you pop into the shop.

"Even a coat left on the back seat could tempt a thief."

And he added: "Always lock your vehicle and when you're at home keep your car keys hidden and away from windows and letter boxes where they could be reached by the opportunist thief."

Anyone with information about people they suspect of committing car crime is asked to contact Lawcroft House Police Station on (01274) 376259 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.