A claim that a crackdown on street robberies in Leeds is leading to an increase in car crime is being dismissed by the police.

A survey by the vehicle glass replacement company Autoglass says that Leeds is now the worst place in the country for thefts from cars.

Ian Reid from Autoglass says: "Our concern is that muggers and robbers are staying one step ahead of the police by seeking out other targets."

But this is disputed by West Yorkshire Police.

National trends

In a statement, the force says that the Autoglass survey "will falsely raise fears on the part of the public of Yorkshire."

It says the force has seen some increases in vehicle crime but these are in line with national trends.

"There is no evidence to suggest that street robbers are turning to this type of offending," said the statement.

The Autoglass survey is based on 1,100 motorists who had vehicle glass replaced by the company during October.

Stereos are the most popular target for thieves and are taken in 45% of car break-ins.