Police are to join forces with retailers as part of a seasonal drive to foil festive thieves in Bradford.

Officers from the Eccleshill Neighbourhood Policing Team will hold a stall at the Forster Square Retail Park on Saturday to help shoppers protect themselves against car thieves and pickpockets.

Officers will give residents tips about keeping personal possessions safe while shopping and about how to park safely. A free licence plate fixing service will also be on offer to some drivers.

Police patrols will also be stepped up in Shipley and Keighley town centres in the run-up to Christmas.

Inspector Pete Tuff, of the Eccleshill Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “The festive shopping season always sees an influx of shoppers into our stores and we want to help make sure that while Christmas is a time of plenty it only provides lean times for thieves.

“Issues such as pickpocketing are certainly no worse in Bradford than any major city but what we want to do is make sure residents are aware of the few simple precautions which can play a real part in keeping them safe from these types of crime.”

People are advised to keep bags zipped and in sight at all times, never to leave shopping unattended and not to carry excess cash. Shoppers should not carry wallets, cash or mobile phones in back pockets where they can be easily spotted and stolen by opportunist thieves.