A SENIOR police officer has said he is becoming increasingly dismayed with the public's approach to crime prevention after a recent spate of thefts.

Chief Inspector Richard Spedding, Harrogate area commander, said residents had a blas and 'it wont happen to me' attitude.

He was speaking after a man was forced to watch as two cars were stolen from the driveway of his Harrogate home.

Raiders broke in through an insecure door and took the keys to the house and cars. They then locked the occupants inside and took the vehicles.

In a second offence, thieves hooked vehicle keys through the letterbox in the front door.

Chief Insp Spedding said: "My officers are becoming more and more frustrated at having to attend crimes where the victims do not carry out basic crime prevention.

"Crime prevention advice is regularly given out, asking people to make sure their houses are secure, regardless of whether they are present or not, and not to store keys near to doors.

"Both these incidents have shown what the effect can be on not heeding such advice."

Other recent examples of complacency included a burglary at an unsecured house in Kirk Deighton, near Wetherby, and vehicles broken into after valuables were left on display.

Chief Insp Spedding said: "Although the public of Harrogate and district are extremely fortunate to live in a relatively low crime area, with continued reductions, they must still help themselves and not become complacent."