police are urging householders to be vigilant after an increase in sneak-in thefts in the area.

Det Chief Insp Gary Baker, of Keighley police, said that while the division had seen substantial reductions in the number of houses broken into in recent years, this particular type of offence was still a problem.

"People never imagine their home can be entered through an open door or window while they are in the house or garden," he said. "During the hot weather it is impracticable to keep all your windows and doors locked, but people should be aware that criminals are wandering up and down residential areas looking for easy pickings.

"It can happen when a person is busy in their front garden but has left the back or side door open or unlocked. People who have returned home from work or shopping have left the door unlocked and later discovered that someone has followed them in and taken their handbag or car keys. It only takes seconds and can be extremely traumatic for someone to find all their personal items have gone in a moment."

Keighley police have a good network of Neighbourhood Watch volunteers, but Det Chief Insp Baker urged everyone to be vigilant and call the police if they saw anyone suspicious. Non urgent calls can be reported on 0845 6060606.

Keighley crime prevention officer PC Adrian Foyston advised residents not to leave doors and windows open when in the garden.

"Please bear in mind that the smoke and smell from the barbecue or the sound of a lawnmower is a strong indication that people are outside at the rear of the house, making the front more vulnerable," he said. "By taking these simple precautions, it can remove the opportunity for the thief to inflict grief on the community."

Anyone who wants to discuss security or other crime prevention measures can contact PC Foyston on 617039 or PC Steve Littlewood on 617041.

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