Police in the Spen Valley have warned homeowners about an increase in sneak-in burglaries in the area.

Officers acted after four reported incidents in the area in seven days between May 21 and 28.

The thieves entered the properties through unlocked doors and open windows.

In the same period there were seven reported sneak-in burglaries in Batley.

A police spokesman said: “We have two instances in the area when people have popped out to exercise the dog in their garden or nearby. In many instances they just forgot to lock the door, some overnight and some for just a few minutes during the day.

“It is never safe to have your door unlocked, even when you are in. In some cases residents have been in the house when the burglary occurred and not realised someone has entered their house.”