A blitz has been launched against Keighley's car criminals.

A special police team has been set up to target offenders.

And multi-agency partnerships have been formed in four areas of the local police division, including Keighley town centre and Haworth, to tackle the problem.

A division-wide initiative staged last month -- part of Operation Poldark -- was a massive success, and is providing a launch pad for further measures.

The number of reported vehicle-crime offences during December was 309, down 17 per cent on the same period in 2001.

Individual categories each saw a drop -- thefts from vehicles were down 6 per cent to 190, the number of vehicles stolen fell by 21 per cent to 34, and offences of taking a vehicle without the owner's consent slumped by 34 per cent to 85.

Detective Inspector Trevor Gasson (pictured), of Keighley CID, said: "The figures indicate that last month's operation was a success and we are very pleased, but we have to keep the momentum going and build on what has been achieved.

"The initiative included days of action when we went after specific offenders, roadshows to educate the public and to highlight the need for motorists to 'keep a clear vehicle', and the provision of a high-visibility presence in various locations."

He said crime-busting partnerships, known as MACRO (multi-agency crime reduction opportunity) beats, had been established in four areas, bringing together a host of businesses and organisations.

And a team of four police officers -- headed by a detective sergeant -- has been set up, dedicated to vehicle crime.

It will specifically target offenders and disrupt their activities.

Figures show that many of the offences are committed by a relatively small number of people.

Det Insp Gasson said that motorists could do a great deal themselves to help, by ensuring items were not left on view in vehicles when unattended.

He added: "If everyone made sure their car was clear of property when they parked up, vehicle crime could be cut by about half."