Detectives today called on the public to help them catch a gang, thought to have carried out at least half-a-dozen raids on shops in the Otley area.

Police believe the organised gang has been using a stolen vehicle to carry out the series of late night burglaries at commercial premises.

And they say the thieves are probably keeping the vehicle out of sight in a garage between raids.

Acting Detective Inspector Martin Harrison, of Weetwood CID, said the blue Subaru Impreza - registration N214 AJX - had been stolen from the Pickering area in North Yorkshire several weeks ago.

Since then the gang has targeted Victoria Wine on Kirkgate, Otley, three times within nine days, taking hundreds of pounds worth of cigarettes and alcohol.

The same gang is also believed to have taken a haul of property from Alpha Telecom in Broadgate, Otley, and cigarettes from a shop in Collingham near Wetherby.

And the same vehicle is thought to have been used during at least three other similar raids on commercial premises in the Leeds area.

Acting DI Harrison said: "We believe the same vehicle has been used on at least half-a-dozen occasions now.

"It is quite unusual to keep the same vehicle for so long but they're quite organised and won't be using it on a daily basis, probably keeping it in a garage and out of sight in between.

"They'll just bring it out for these jobs and it's possible the registration plate may even fluctuate.

"Our inquiries are ongoing but it would be helpful if anyone who thinks they may have seen the vehicle or who has any other information would come forward.''

He said it was possible the gang could be locally-based as it appeared they had good knowledge of the Otley area.

l Anyone with any information is asked to call Weetwood CID on (0113) 2413 459.