Seven arrests in first week of major robbery investigation across region

A total of seven people have been spoken to by police in the first week of a major cross-district robbery investigation.
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Police

Bradford District CID is leading the investigation which was sparked last week following a series of robberies in Bradford, Leeds and Kirklees over the 4 and 5 January, where high performance cars were stolen by males armed with knives, screwdrivers and pool cues.

Detectives from across West Yorkshire are working on the operation which has so far seen three men charged with offences including burglary, assault, robbery and vehicle crime.

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A 25-year-old man, who was arrested in Bradford yesterday on suspicion of burglary, assault and robbery remains in custody at this time.

The first offence occurred at an address in Woodlands Crescent in Gomersal at about 6.40pm on Monday, 4 January, where a silver VW Golf GTi was taken from a driveway after two men threatened a 42-year-old man with a knife.

About two hours later at an address in Tyersal Park, a blue Vauxhall Insignia was stolen after a man was threatened with a screwdriver and punched. This was followed by an incident in Bolton Drive, Bradford at about 10pm, where a silver Mercedes A200 was taken after threats were made to the occupants.

At about 6pm on Tuesday, 5 January, four men forced entry into a property in Lumb Bottom, Drighlington and made threats to the occupants before taking a black Audi A4 estate car.

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A similar incident occurred in Langley Lane, Shipley at about 7pm, when three men in balaclavas broke into a house and threatened the occupants before taking an Audi Q7. This was recovered by police in Laisterdyke a short time later.

Then at 9pm, four men entered a house in Rooks Close, Wyke, where a woman was punched in the face before the keys were stolen to a silver Mercedes E250 car.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Gary Hooks, said: “Our detectives are continuing to follow up a number of leads as this major investigation continues.

“We would like to thank the public for the information they have provided so far, which has helped this inquiry to progress to this stage.

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“However, we continue to ask for their assistance where possible and anyone who has any information about any of these offences is urged to contact Bradford CID on 101, or to contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, which can be contacted anonymously, on 0800 555111.”