In a brazen late-night burglary, a gang of hooded thugs smashed their way into a motorcycle shop in North Yorkshire, making off with nine high-value off-road bikes worth an estimated £80,000. The audacious raid, captured on CCTV, involved a vehicle ramming the property and tools being used to cut through security shutters.
Dramatic CCTV Footage Reveals Raid Details
Newly released video footage shows a Nissan Juke reversing at speed into the front of Colin Appleyard Motorcycles in Keighley, causing significant damage to the shopfront. Immediately after the impact, a person wielding what appears to be a circular saw is seen cutting into the metal security shutters, sending sparks flying as they breach the property's defences.
Organised Theft Operation
Six individuals dressed in tracksuits, all wearing balaclavas and gloves to conceal their identities, then rushed into the premises. They proceeded to wheel out nine off-road motorbikes, pushing another bike over in their haste during the chaotic operation.
The thieves worked quickly and efficiently, lifting and loading the stolen motorcycles into the back of a waiting white Luton van before driving away from the scene. The entire burglary took place just after midnight on Wednesday, with police being alerted to the incident shortly thereafter.
Police Investigation Underway
Officers from Bradford's District Crime Team have launched an investigation into the sophisticated theft and are actively appealing for witnesses to come forward. Authorities have confirmed they wish to speak to seven people in connection with the burglary, including the driver of the Nissan Juke used in the ram-raid.
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Atkinson stated: 'Extensive enquiries including CCTV analysis are underway to track down the people responsible for this offence. The CCTV clearly shows the offence taking place, and if anyone recognises the suspects in the images, we urge them to come forward and provide information.'
Appeal for Information
Police have also issued a specific appeal regarding the potential sale of the stolen motorcycles. DCI Atkinson added: 'We are particularly keen to speak to anyone who might have seen these bikes offered for sale on online marketplaces or social media platforms in the aftermath of the theft.'
Anyone with information about the burglary or the whereabouts of the stolen motorcycles is asked to contact West Yorkshire Police via telephone on 101 or use the live chat facility available on their official website, quoting reference number 13260141649.
The brazen nature of the theft, involving a vehicle ramming and power tools, highlights concerns about organised criminal activity targeting high-value motorcycle dealerships. The investigation continues as police work to identify and apprehend those responsible for the £80,000 theft.
