North Yorkshire Police appealing for information after series of overnight burglaries in Nidderdale

Officers received three reports of residential burglaries on the morning of Thursday, September 3, involving properties in Pateley Bridge, Dacre Banks and Summerbridge.

It is believed the offenders gained entry to the homes during the early hours with the intention of stealing vehicle keys before making off with residents' cars.

The incidents are being treated as ‘2-in-1’ burglaries, where offenders break into properties specifically to locate car keys and steal vehicles parked outside.

Detective Sergeant Tom Barker, of North Yorkshire Police, said: "At this early stage of our investigation, we want to reassure local residents that incidents like this are rare, and all the information we have suggests the offenders were targeting vehicles.

"Thankfully, no one has come to any physical harm.

"You may notice an increased police presence in the area over the coming days while we carry out enquiries.

"If you live in the Pateley Bridge, Dacre Banks or Summerbridge areas, please take a few moments to check any CCTV, doorbell camera or dashcam footage for suspicious activity that may assist our investigation.

"While it is unusual for offenders to return to the same area in quick succession, we would encourage residents to remain vigilant and ensure appropriate security measures are in place to make it as difficult as possible for criminals to target their homes and vehicles."

If you have any information that could help the police with their investigation, you should call 101.

Alternatively if you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or by visiting http://crimestoppers-uk.org/

You should quote the North Yorkshire Police reference number 12260172459 when providing any details regarding the incidents.