Police 'satisfied overall' with Otley crime figures (From Wharfedale Observer)

Police 'satisfied overall' with Otley crime figures

8:00am Saturday 20th October 2012 in Local news By Jim Jack

An attempted robbery by a man armed with a knife was the most alarming crime in Otley last month.

New police statistics for September show a fairly quiet month, with six burglaries, six thefts from vehicles and seven cases of thefts from vehicles.

But a member of staff at Rhythm And Booze in Kirkgate got a nasty shock on September 23 when a man entered at about 8.30pm with a large kitchen knife in his hand and demanded money.

The employee retreated into the back of the shop and the suspect, who is known to the police, left empty handed after failing to open the till. He did not make any threats.

Inspector Richard Coldwell said he was satisfied overall with September’s crime figures, but urged residents to take extra measures to secure their garages and sheds.

He said: “I am concerned about people breaking into outbuildings and stealing expensive bicycles, in particular, not just in Otley but across our area.

“There have been quite a few arrests made already, and we have some people on bail with enquiries ongoing.

“But some of the bikes being taken are worth £4,000 or £5,000, and what’s worrying me is people are spending so much money on their bikes but then putting them in a £300 shed with a £5 padlock, so they’re just not secure.

“There are simple, but effective measures people can take to protect their bikes and other property in outbuildings, such as shed bars.

“I would urge anyone wishing to improve their security to contact us so one of our Police Community Support Officers can come out and see their property and give some advice.”

Of the break-ins that took place in Otley between September 1 and 30, two in Cambridge Street and Cambridge Grove involved cars being stolen.

Thefts from vehicles involved break-ins to three cars parked on the East Chevin Road car parks, while the seven incidents of criminal damage included three broken windows – at a house on Mount Pisgah, the Red Lion pub in Kirkgate and a Bridge Street business.