Spate of burglaries and thefts.

POLICE in South Craven are urging people to be on their guard following a spate of burglaries and thefts.

In the last six weeks, nine homes have been broken into, with thieves getting away with five vehicles.

In five cases, locks - usually around the back of people's property- have been set fire to in order to gain entry.

In addition, a further five vehicles have been broken into, and property removed, and five more have been tampered with.

PC Andy Bell, beat manager for South Craven, said houses were being targeted both at night and 'alarmingly' during the day.

“We have found that the offenders tend to target houses where there are desirable cars on the driveway. This has been occurring during the hours of darkness and now, alarmingly, during the day," he said.

“Entry is gained to houses through either insecure doors or by forcing or burning the locks on UPVC doors, which are usually ones out of sight from the front of the properties."

He urged people to help keep homes and vehicles safe by making sure doors and windows were secure at all times.

“I am urging residents to be vigilant of any suspicious people or vehicle they see around their own or neighbouring properties. If somebody or something looks out of place, please do not hesitate to call the police on 101 or 999 if an emergency response is required. If any visual evidence such as CCTV or photographs can be obtained, this would also be very useful for our enquiries."

Superintendent Paula Booth, North Yorkshire Police’s County Commander covering Craven, said people needed to be aware of opportunistic criminals.

And, as part of annual spring cleaning, people should take a realistic look around their property and consider how easily a criminal could get in.

"The type of offender we’re talking about are generally looking for easy pickings. They will nick anything that is within easy reach and requires the minimal amount of effort or risk of being caught," she said.

People should avoid leaving windows open and back doors unlocked, even when they are just busy upstairs, or outside in the garden, and not leave spare keys under plant pots.

"The first and foremost weapon you have to keep criminals at bay is to lock doors and keep windows closed even when you’re at home. Even with the advances in security technology, this most basic and long-standing crime prevention measure remains very effective to this day."

Supt Booth further urged people to make sure garages and sheds were always secure - as not only the equipment inside could be stolen, but could also be used to break into the house itself.

Anyone wanting crime prevention advice should contact their neighbourhood police team on 101 or go to the North Yorkshire Police website at: northyorkshire.police.uk/staying-safe/home-security. Suspicious behaviour should be reported to police on the non emergency 101, or 999 in an emergency.