A POLICE district crime team formed last year to combat a rise in burglaries has achieved "significant progress", according to the man who heads it up.

Figures show that since the Bradford-district team was launched in April, 2023, nearly 900 arrests have been made in relation to suspected burglary offences.

Seventy-nine people have been charged, with more than 100 offences.

And a number of convictions have followed, with sentences including jail terms being handed down by the courts.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Atkinson says: "Since setting up the team we have made significant progress, but there is more we aim to achieve.

"We understand that being burgled can have a profound impact on people's lives.

"This dedicated team across Bradford district utilises intelligence in addition to assistance from the community to build a clearer picture of the burglaries in the area and identify patterns and emerging trends. This has been key in ensuring prolific offenders are charged and convicted.

"I'd like to send a message to the people who think it’s acceptable to break into people’s homes and businesses. We are committed to listening to our communities and will do everything we can to get justice for victims of burglary."