Vigilantes are not the answer to a village's problems, according to Keighley police.

The police are urging residents in Haworth not to take the law into their own hands following claims last week that vigilante behaviour was being considered to combat crime.

Angry residents threatened to take drastic action, as they believe vandalism in the area is rising now they are without a village bobby.

Chief Superintendent Derek Bonnard, has dismissed these claims, saying: "The perception that crime has escalated in Haworth since the removal of the community officer last month is wrong, there were fewer burglaries in April compared to March.

"We would not condone them taking the law into their own hands. We have valuable links with the public through the parish council, Neighbourhood Watch schemes and the Special Constabulary, and we urge the local community to make a positive contribution by supporting and joining these partnerships."

Police figures show that only two houses were broken into in April compared with ten in March, though there were three more vehicle crimes in April than in March.

Chief Supt. Bonnard added: "Officers do regularly patrol and target areas where there are problems with rowdy youngsters and, where there is evidence of offences being committed, they do take action.

"We are working closely with our partners in the local authority and other agencies to provide the facilities and activities which will divert young people away from hanging around on street corners and stop them engaging in anti-social behaviour."

The police have set up a Haworth Car Crime Forum and Action Team to address the rising car crime issues in the village.

Plain clothed officers from the Car Crime Team have already been working in the area.