Women living in the area around Lund Park are to be given a safety guide by police. As police began distributing the fourpage newsletter it was revealed that Keighley police have sold over 200 personal attack alarms so far this year.

Around 100 of the battery-powered alarms have been sold since police announced they believed three attacks on woman in the Lund Park area had been carried out by the same man.

The first attack, at a Hardwick Street home occurred on December 11, the second in Lund Park on December 16 and the third, January 4, on Kensington Street. All three women victims were struck on the head.

PC Gillian Cannon says the alarms work in the same way as a hand grenade. "You pull out a pin and it goes off," she explains. The deafening screech would scare off an attacker and draw attention to the victim. A strap makes it easy to carry."

PC Gannon says: "It gives you better peace of mind. In the times we live in today, you've got to be aware there are dangers about."

The alarms can also be attached to a door as a burglar alarm, or the inside of a car.

They are available at the front counter of Keighley police station. Companies or organisations wanting a bulk load can get them from the crime prevention office at Devonshire House.

The guide sponsored by Raiseprint covers self-defence, how to be vigilant when out and about and how to react to strangers at the door.

"We want to reassure women and equip them with information which can help keep them safe," says PC Adrian Foysten, crime prevention officer. "A woman under attack has every right to use reasonable force," the leaflet says.

But stresses that carrying such items as knives is illegal. Women should avoid walking home alone at night, it adds.

The guide suggests fitting a chain and viewer to doors. And a caller's identity should be checked before they are admitted.

"If you are suspicious about anyone, call the police immediately by dialling 999," the leaflet concludes.

Detective Chief Superintendant Brian Taylor is heading the hunt says: "Thankfully, such incidents are rare in the Keighley area, but we would appeal to members of the public to take extra care and contact us with any information that may help us trace this man," he says.

The man is said to be white or light-skinned Asian, in his mid-teens to early 20s, 5'10"- 11" tall and of medium build.

He wore a black padded jacket, black jeans and a black balaclava with eyeholes. Anyone with information should contact Keighley police on 617106 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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