A total of 22 criminal offences committed in the Worth Valley were reported to police between October 1 and December 31 last year.

The figures were revealed to Haworth, Cross Roads and Stanbury parish councillors by Insp Andy Longden.

He told them the crimes included one robbery, two thefts from motor vehicles, three burglaries, four thefts of motor vehicles and 12 instances of criminal damage.

He said: “The latest figures are very encouraging indeed.

“The Christmas period and darker nights tend to see an increase in crime, especially burglaries. Over the last few months we have visited homes that needed target hardening and we have issued energy-saving light bulbs and timers to prevent burglaries in the area.

“Coupled with increased patrols in identified hot spot areas we have ensured that crime has remained low over the last three months.”

He said the area should now benefit from the presence of a newly arrived police officer — PC Cath Gallimore — who has taken over the role of former Worth Valley police officer Graham Jessop.

The neighbourhood policing team also has a new police community support officer — Anthony Henderson. Insp Longden added: “We’re continuing to listen to the concerns of local residents regarding speeding vehicles in Haworth.

“Recent Speedwatch operations have been carried out at West Lane, Brow Road and Mytholmes Lane.

“During operations in December and up until January 24, a total of 135 vehicles have had their speed checked at these locations and only two were travelling at excess speed.”

Cllr Barry Thorne said speeding was an issue on Sun Street and he and Cllr Alan Watts both noted that a couple of Corsa vehicles were often spotted racing around the district.

Cllr Thorne said there was a continuing problem with lorry drivers using their mobile phones while negotiating the roundabout at Cross Roads.

Cllr Philip Jolly said despite past warnings, some motorists were still parking and driving irresponsibly directly outside the parish’s schools.