POLICE are asking Ilkley residents to help them spot criminals as the town was again hit by burglaries and attempted break-ins.

There were 50 crimes in Ilkley last month, according to police figures - among them 11 house burglaries or attempted burglaries.

And despite efforts by police during February to watch routes into and out of the town, there were also eight burglaries reported at other properties.

Europrofile-type cylinder locks were broken to get into some properties, while in other cases, burglars were able to sneak in.

Car keys for a vehicle parked outside were stolen in some of the burglaries.

Property was also stolen from five vehicles, and thieves stole bicycles and ornamental items from gardens, prompting police to ask residents to be on the lookout for vans and suspicious vehicles.

Neighbourhood Inspector Sue Sanderson (pictured) said: “We don’t get a great deal of intelligence. Perhaps people don’t want to bother us, but please, we would like to hear from you.”

Insp Sanderson said there had been a number of arrests in relation to crimes reported in Ilkley last month. There were 42 crimes in January, including 13 house burglaries.