POLICE are appealing for help following a spate of break-ins to charity shops in a town.

Otley's British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research, Scope, PDSA and St Gemma's Hospice stores were all targeted last week.

The burglaries took place overnight on Sunday, March 13 and were discovered between 8am and 9am on Monday, March 14.

Several of the incidents involved forced entry and two, at the St Gemma's shop on New Inn Court and the BHF store on Kirkgate, saw safes attacked.

The intruders failed to get into the St Gemma's safe despite using hammers and screwdrivers, but they did access the one at the BHF shop after using a power tool, and stole £100.

A variety of items, including men's clothing, cash, old mobile phones and a silver tea set were also taken from the targeted shops, while several doors were damaged.

West Yorkshire Police are asking anyone with information that might help to contact them by calling 101 or Crimestoppers, confidentially and anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Information can also be sent by e-mail to outernorthwest@westyorkshire.pnn.police.uk.