Police have made eight arrests as part of a crackdown to make Wharfedale and Aireborough a “no-go area” for burglars.

The arrests were made across the Leeds North West Outer area, including in Otley, Yeadon and Horsforth, last Wednesday by the Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) working with the CID.

The swoop followed a spike in break-ins in Otley the week before, when six homes and four sheds or garages were burgled.

Those arrested included: Three men from Bradford, in connection with burglaries in Otley A local man for burglaries in Yeadon A Horsforth man, who has now been charged for the theft of a vehicle.

Inspector Richard Coldwell, of Leeds North West Outer NPT said: “We are committed to tackling this and we’re going to keep coming at them to make this a no-go area for burglars. The work will continue. We’re keeping tabs on all known people and potential suspects almost daily and really turning the screw.”

The Otley homes targeted in the recent spate were in North Parade, Tealbeck Court, Wellcroft, Wren-beck Avenue and Wrenbeck Drive. The outbuildings burgled were in Chevin Terrace, Chevin Side, Orchard Street and East View Terrace.

The NPT has also this week started a crime-prevention aware-ness raising operation in Otley, which will be rolled out across the division, in a bid to prevent future incidents.

Letters from the police and Community Action and Support Against Crime have been delivered, with details of follow-up visits, telling residents how they can have a free security check carried out.