Police chiefs in Bradford insist they are reducing crime despite figures which show a force-wide increase.

Crime in West Yorkshire rose by 2.1 per cent between January and March this year, compared with the previous year.

But the force fared better than North Yorkshire and Humberside, where crime has risen by six per cent.

In the Bradford district, including the Bradford South and Airedale and North Bradford police divisions, dwelling house burglaries are up by ten per cent, from 1,399 to 1,539, and thefts from vehicles rose by 13 per cent, from 1,108 to 1,254.

But violent crime was down by more than 19 per cent, from 1,627 to 1,314; robberies fell by 11 per cent from 161 to 142; and cases of anti-social behaviour went down by more than 17 per cent, from 6,680 to 5,529.

Chief Inspector Mark McManus, of Bradford South Police, said: “We are heading in the right direction and continuing to see overall reductions in crime.

“Since January, we have seen a notable drop in robbery, violent crime and vehicle crime. In particular, incidents of anti-social behaviour have gone down by 27 per cent compared to the same period the previous year.

“This is simply a result of the continued determination from the police and our partners to directly tackle the priorities which are set out by local residents.

“The combined figures for the district, however, should be viewed as an early snapshot of the year as they are often subject to seasonal crime trends as well as other contributory factors.”

Detective Chief Inspector Steve Thomas, of Airedale and North Bradford Police, said: “We have seen some significant crime reductions across the district and are working hard to tackle priorities such as burglary and car crime.

“A major operation launched in March this year saw more than 30 burglars arrested with many charged and we are also stepping up work in Airedale and North Bradford to target car crime with a new division-wide operation underway, targeting the theft of number plates which are used to then steal fuel.

“We are also pleased to note significant falls in anti-social behaviour and a 23 per cent drop in violent crime in Airedale and North Bradford.

“Officers are dedicated to tackling the concerns of residents and we are focusing resources to address the issues which matter to them and keep them safe.”

West Yorkshire Police Authority chairman, Councillor Mark Burns-Williamson, said the force-wide increase was a concern because it was the first rise for a significant amount of time.

But he added: “When you look at it in comparison with other areas, particularly in Yorkshire, relatively speaking it is a pretty good performance.

“But it is hard to look at one quarter in isolation. It is better to look at the crime figures over a longer time period.”