POLICE have vowed to continue to crack down retail crime after arresting a gang of women shoplifters from Bradford who were targeting stores across West Yorkshire.

Officers discovered an "Aladdin's Cave" of stolen quality clothing, stored and ready to be sold on, after raiding a string of addresses in the city.

The haul, worth more than £10,000, was found when police executed warrants at five homes, in Holme Wood and Fagley, on Monday.

Five women - aged 22, 27, 34, 38 and 55 - were arrested on suspicion of theft and handling stolen goods. They have been bailed pending further police inquiries. Two of the women are related.

A 20-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of possession of a Class A drug and bailed after some bags of white powder were found at one of the addresses.

Police recovered more than 100 items from the five properties, mainly children's clothing, but also adult's clothes and other accessories.

The suspects were identified by local officers after they were caught on CCTV at the stores.

Police said they had uncovered a suspected organised shoplifting ring.

Inspector Andy Gallant, head of the Bradford City Area Neighbourhood Team, said the gang had targeted around a dozen stores across West Yorkshire, including in Bradford city centre and the Forster Square retail park.

He said: "We have recovered more than 100 items from five different home addresses. It is quality clothing, predominantly children's clothing - shoes, girl's dresses, trousers, shorts and tops - and mostly from one store chain.

"We found a large quantity of clothing in different rooms. Some were loose and others were in boxes. They appeared to have been stored around the addresses, we believe to sell on. It was a bit of an Aladdin's Cave."

Police began their investigation after receiving information about suspected stolen clothing and accessories being sold on online auction sites.

Insp Gallant said officers used local knowledge to identify suspects from CCTV footage.

He added:"Retail crime will not be tolerated in Bradford District and police will use all powers necessary to tackle those who prey on our shops and businesses.

"We are already working with Westfield developers to make sure Bradford is not an easy target. The message we are getting from shoplifters is that Bradford is becoming a more difficult place to steal from."

Anyone with information or anyone who may have suspicions about people selling stolen goods is asked to report it to their local area neighbourhood team by calling 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.