Detectives are warning Ilkley businesses to take care in the run-up to Christmas following a high street ram raid.

Criminals used a stolen white Rover 416 to reverse into the entrance of Boots, in Brook Street, at around 4.10am on Monday, December 16.

They loaded the car, which had been taken illegally from Wapping in Bradford, with designer perfume from behind the shop's front counter before driving off.

The incident was the second break-in Boots has suffered in the last month.

Police are now examining CCTV footage to try and piece together more information - and appealing for the people of the town to help.

Detective Chief Inspector Roger Gasson, of Keighley Police, said: "The white saloon vehicle reversed at an angle through the wooden framed glass of the shop's doorway causing considerable damage.

"We are still trying to find out exactly how much was taken and in what direction the car left.

"We would like to appeal for witnesses because although this has happened at a very quiet time of the morning for Ilkley, perhaps a milkman or postman might have been passing and seen something.

"This was a seasonal crime and happened at a time of year when many shops are putting their stock near their front window so people will see it and be tempted to buy it.

"We would urge businesses to remove such stock from access areas out of hours. If they do, it can only reduce the chances of this type of thing happening."

Anyone with information about the ram raid, or who saw the stolen car, registration number K187 WVV, around the time of the crime can contact Keighley Police on 01535 617083.

A Boots spokesman, meanwhile, said: "We are fully co-operating with the police during their investigation.

"We are also reviewing our security following this incident."