A summer surge in burglaries across Ilkley has prompted a call to householders to be extra-vigilant.

Nine houses were broken into in the town last month, compared to two in June, and eight homes in Burley-in-Wharfedale were targeted in one night.

But police insist crime remains low in comparison to the rest of the district and say steps are being taken to prevent more thefts.

Monthly figures show total crimes dropped to just 29 in Ilkley in June but rose to 48 in July, which included four burglaries from sheds or commercial premises and two thefts from vehicles. Three houses in Menston were burgled last month but only one shed and one car were broken into in Addingham.

Travelling criminals are believed to be responsible for raiding eight houses in Burley between 11pm and 7am last Thursday. Police are also appealing for witnesses after an attempted burglary on Grangefield Avenue between 8.30am last Wednesday and 11am the following day.

Statistics normally show around three or four houses being targeted each month in Ilkley and the rise co-incides with the start of the holiday season.

Patrols have been increased in the area and an automatic number plate recognition unit has been stationed on the A65.

Sergeant Jo Beecroft, of Ilkley Police, said the figures mirrored a similar increase last year and that they were monitoring the situation.

“There has been a minor increase and we are urging people to be vigilant,” she said. “We would ask them if they are going away to make sure their neighbours are aware and looking out for the property. We are also keen to encourage Neighbourhood Watch and for people to start up schemes if they are concerned.

“We have got some lines of enquiry in relation to some of the incidents and we are pursuing them.”

She added that patrols in the Burley area had also been increased since the spate of burglaries last week.

“We have obviously been hit by travelling criminals and they have taken as much as they can in one evening,” she said.

Crime prevention advice for homeowners going on holiday this summer includes ensuring their house is fully locked and secured, asking a neighbour to close curtains and using a timer switch to turn on lights.

West Yorkshire Police are also urging residents to be aware of opportunist thieves over the summer months as in around one in four burglaries entry is gained through an unlocked door or open window. Residents are advised to install a simple security chain and avoid leaving valuables such as mobile phones, handbags and keys on view.

Inspector Esther Hobbs, of Bradford District Police, said: “Burglars will always go for the easy option and sneak-ins can be incredibly frustrating for both householders and the police as they are so easy to prevent and yet can occur at this time of year.

“A handbag, wallet mobile phone or keys left next to an unlocked front door or open window can present an incredibly easy target for burglars who can take them in just a few seconds.”

Anyone with information on the burglaries or who would like crime prevention advice is asked to call Ilkley police on 01274 475301.