Householders are warned to be on their guard against cowboy burglar-alarm install-ers. The warning follows incidents in which people - particularly the elderly - have been asked to part with thousands of pounds for simple alarms.

One woman paid £2,500 for a small alarm and was ready to part with a further £2,000 when her bank became suspicious and contacted the police.

Frank Gee, director of a Keighley security company, says: "People should not pay silly money for burglar alarms. They should expect to pay between £400 and £600 for a normal domestic alarm."

The warning is reiterated by Keighley police sergeant Allan Gee who told us: "People should always ensure when buying an alarm that they get it from a reputable company. Before committing themselves, they should get at least three quotes for any job."

Keighley parents have been warned to mark their child safety seats to keep them safe from thieves. At least three of the seats have been stolen from cars in Keighley over the past fortnight. Police spokesman PC Zoe Brooks-bank says the seats cost around £100 and are easy to sell on at places like car boot sales. She says owners should mark the seats with postcodes or registration numbers and ensure they are strapped in.

Police are appealing to anyone who saw a red vehicle used in a vicious attack on a Sutton man last week.

This critical piece of information is the latest update on last Tuesday's incident in which the Harker Street resident was hit and robbed by two youths. The 46-year-old man was returning home early that morning from work when he was assaulted by the youths who were carrying a steel bolt. The man received treatment to his head and shoulder in Airedale Hospital after being left bleeding in the street. His bag, which had contained a small amount of cash, was later discovered under a bush in Haworth park.

It is believed the car may have been used by the youths to travel from Sutton to Haworth with the small sports bag. Anyone who may have seen the vehicle on the day in question is asked to contact either Det Cons Andy Deville or Det Cons Andy Roberts at Skipton police on 01756 793377.

A handbag with contents was stolen from a house in Brown Bank Terrace, Cross Hills, on Monday evening. Police are appealing to witnesses who may have seen anyone acting suspiciously at the time. They are asked to call Skipton police on 01756 793377.

A Ford Maverick, stolen from Sutton, was recovered in Barrowford, Lancashire, this week with its wheels missing. The vehicle was stolen from Holme Lane on Sunday night and is believed to have been recovered by Colne police early Monday morning.

Burglars escaped with goods together worth around £5,000 from a house in Skipton Road, Utley, on Saturday. The haul included a JVC hi-fi system, a CD player and a stamp collection.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.