Motorists in Armley have been advised to make sure cars and vans are secure after a spate of thefts from vehicles.
Sgt Richard King, of Pudsey Police, told members of the Armley Forum last night that since the last forum meeting in May there had been about 30 theft from motor vehicles offences.
He said police had so far identified three suspects in connection with the incidents but said that some of the thefts had occurred because of unlocked doors or windows that were left down.
He encouraged people to make sure vehicles were secure, and said that the crimes had been committed across Armley but there were concentrations in the Town Street and New Wortley areas.
Sgt King gave a more positive outlook on other crimes in the area. He said police focus continues red to be on tackling residential burglaries, robberies and anti-social behaviour in the area.
He said there had been 11 burglaries since the last forum meeting, two of those were from insecure homes. He added: “Please keep your doors and windows locked if you’re in the back garden or are out. Simple actions can stop you from becoming a victim of crime.”
There had been one theft from a shed or garage where people were looking for bikes and cycles, and five business burglaries with four arrests.
Sgt King said three people had been arrested following five robberies and 21 incidents of shoplifting, with seven suspects identified for seven of the offences.
Residents attending the Armley Forum meeting, held in Armley Community Hub, also raised issues around anti-social behaviour in the Burnsalls area. Meeting chair Cllr Jim McKenna (Lab, Armley) encouraged people to set up a residents’ association in order to take up some of the issues with the local housing manager. Issues with people riding scooters on roads and footpaths were also raised.
