Police in Pateley Bridge are investigating after burglars stole the town Mayor’s regalia.
Sometime overnight between Monday 7 February and Tuesday 8 February 2011, offenders broke into the Mayor’s home on Old Church Lane by reaching through the letter box and taking the keys from the lock inside the door.
Once inside they stole a number of items including the Mayor and Mayoress’ regalia, before stealing the keys to a red Honda Civic, which they made off in.
Police believe that the suspects may have approached the house from the direction of Springfield Close and are appealing for anyone who saw any suspicious activity in the area to come forward.
PC Bill Hickson, of Pateley Bridge Safer Neighbourhood Team, said:
“The victims in this case have had a number of valuable items stolen from them, however the theft of the mayoral regalia has caused them the most distress.”
“The regalia are obviously very distinctive items and I would urge the public to keep an eye out for them. They may have been disposed of as they would be difficult to sell on, however if you are offered the items for sale, please contact the police or Crimestoppers.”
“I would also appeal for anyone who noticed any suspicious activity in the area at the time of the incident, or has any other information that could help the police with their enquiries to get in touch.”
Officers are also investigating two further burglaries in Pateley Bridge which occurred at around the same time the Mayor was targeted.
On the same night a shed was broken into at a farm in Bouthwaite and offenders made off with a black and red Yamaha quad bike.
The previous night, between Sunday 6 February and Monday 7 February 2011, offenders targeted a garage in Stean, near How Stean Gorge, in Upper Nidderdale.
They forced open the door and stole a bicycle and fridge.
Around the time of the incident a white van was seen acting suspiciously in a nearby farmyard and officers would like to hear from anyone else who saw the vehicle.
Anyone with information that could help the police with their enquiries into any of the three burglaries is urged to contact PC Bill Hickson, of Pateley Bridge Safer Neighbourhood Team, on 0845 60 60 24 7.
Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.
