Dawn raiders smashed their way into outbuildings during a string of burglaries in East Morton early on Tuesday.

Several householders woke to find garage doors had been forced open and a shed ransacked by the thieves, who are thought to have struck at about 4am.

“The electric door on my garage had been levered up and a lot of expensive all-weather clothing was taken,” said one resident, who asked not to be named.

“It’s very worrying because whoever did it would have to be really determined characters.

“This is an out-of-the-way place.

“They could easily have been disturbed, and this is not the sort of area where it’s a quick get-away.”

At least three properties were targeted in High Fold, Green End Lane and Moor Grove, and a car was also broken into in Hartley Square and a mobile phone taken.

“Police were here very quickly, certainly within an hour, and have taken statements and details from everyone,” the householder added.

“And scenes of crime officers have been searching the area for any clues.

“But it seems to have been a very professional outfit that decided to pick on East Morton.”

A West Yorkshire Police spokes-man appealed for any information about a battered white Transit-type van seen being driven suspiciously around the village during the Easter weekend.

“If anyone has anything to report, call 101 or dial Crimestoppers on 0800 555111,” the spokesman said.