Harrogate couple threatened by masked burglars

Masked burglars broke into a house in Harrogate, threatening the homeowners before making off with tens of thousands of pounds worth of jewellery and watches.
By The Newsroom
Published 13th Feb 2015, 10:49 BST
Items stolen in the burglary on Brackenthwaite Lane. (S)Items stolen in the burglary on Brackenthwaite Lane. (S)
Items stolen in the burglary on Brackenthwaite Lane. (S)

Police say the three men, all wearing masks covering their faces and dark clothing, struck at the house on Brackenthwaite Lane in Pannal on Friday evening.

They threatened a couple in their 40s, leaving one person with facial injuries and stealing cash and jewellery including Rolex and Tiffany watches, rings, earrings, and bracelets.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Police were called at around 9.20pm, after the burglars had fled.

Detectives are now appealing for any witnesses, or anyone with information to come forward.

“Fortunately the victims were not seriously injured in this incident, however they are understandably shaken by what has happened to them,” said Det Insp Nichola Holden, of Harrogate CID.

“I am appealing to the public to help us identify the people responsible and I urge anyone who saw any suspicious people or vehicles in the area around the time of the incident to contact the police or Crimestoppers with information.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I would also like to hear from anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the Brackenthwaite Lane area over the past few weeks to get in touch.”

This is the second aggravated burglary reported in Harrogate in recent weeks.

On January 20, an elderly couple aged in their 70s were tied up in their own home on South Park Road by three masked men who stole jewellery and cash.

The victims managed to untie themselves after the burglars had left, contacting their daughter who called police.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Detectives say this latest investigation is still at a very early stage and any possible links with previous incidents will be part of the “extensive” police enquiries into the burglary.

They are not linking the two different crimes at this stage, police added, although they are looking at all similarities.

“I would like to reassure the public that every effort is being made to identify the people responsible for this incident and bring them to justice,” said Det Insp Holden.

Any witnesses, or anyone with information, is asked to call North Yorkshire Police (NYP) on 101 and ask for Harrogate CID.

Information can be given anonymously to charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800555111, quoting reference number 12150020733.