RESIDENTS of the Spen Valley area have been warned to make sure their doors are locked after a spate of burglaries from unlocked houses.

Seven properties in the Birstall and Heckmondwike area have been burgled in the last fortnight due to being left unlocked either overnight or in the at some time through the day.

A police spokesman said: “Criminals need only seconds to enter your home and steal valuables or car keys, and the results can cause havoc. It is believed several offences have been committed with the theft of car keys in mind. Please do not take the security of your home for granted.”