A Bingley police officer is calling on residents to play a part in fighting crime in a district village.

PC Ian Hemsworth urged villagers at the Harden neighbourhood forum meeting to sign up as special constables and act as the police's "eyes and ears" after a spate of vandalism at St Saviour's Church.

"We can't be everywhere at once but people who live in the village can act as our eyes and ears and someone walking around in a uniform can have a big effect and help to deter crime," said PC Hemsworth, of the Bingley-based Problem Orientated Policing (POP) team.

"If villagers become specials we will have more cover out here and it has been proven in other areas that residents can really help in tackling crime."

Earlier this year the Telegraph & Argus reported how young vandals were running along the roof of the church on the corner of Wilsden Road and Long Lane.

They were also seen throwing slates onto the ground and breaking church windows.

PC Hemsworth encouraged residents to report more incidents and to give as many details as possible about the young offenders.

"The POP team identifies hotspots and if we see that there are lots of calls from people about crime in a certain area then we see there is a big problem and we will investigate," he said.

He said young people who were consistently a nuisance could be made to sign an Acceptable Behaviour Contract and if this was breached they would be sent a warning letter followed by an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ABSO).

Councillor Robin Owens (Con, Bingley) said a school governors' meeting at Harden Primary School, next to the church, was interrupted by youngsters banging on the window.

"It is a big problem in this part of the village between about 7.30pm and 9.30pm every night and people living in this part of Harden may be able to identify the culprits," he said.

Anyone interested in becoming a special constable can contact PC Hemsworth on (01274) 537441.