Police have released images of the vehicle involved in an armed robbery at Caine’s Jewellers on the High Street in Wetherby and are appealing for further information.
The incident occurred last Friday morning (2nd Sept) around 9.14am when two masked men threatened a male member of staff with a handgun and a sledge-hammer.
Police are keen to hear from those living and working locally, who may have seen the suspects and their vehicle in the area before the robbery took place.
A metallic blue Subaru Impreza (pictured) was found abandoned on a grass track off Third Avenue shortly after the robbery took place and police believe the vehicle was in the town centre area of Wetherby in the hours and possibly days leading up to the robbery.
Detectives are keen to hear from anyone who may have seen the vehicle or the occupants, which are believed to be three white males.
After threatening the member of staff the suspects left the premises with a small amount of jewellery after smashing one of the display cases.
They have then driven the short distance to a grass track off Third Avenue, where they abandoned the Subaru Impreza and are believed to have transferred into another vehicle before leaving the area.
The vehicle, which had been stolen and was on false registration plates, has been seized by police and is undergoing forensic examination.
Detective Constable Nial Kelman, who is leading the enquiry, said:
We are aware the Subaru Impreza vehicle was in the town centre of Wetherby for a period of time prior to the robbery taking place and I want to hear from anyone who may have seen it.
There is also a strong possibility the vehicle may have been in the area in the days leading up to the robbery and may have been seen either in the town centre or near to Third Avenue, where it was abandoned.
I would ask people to look at the pictures of the Subaru and get in touch if they have recently seen it within the Wetherby area.
I would also like to acknowledge the bravery of the member of staff who stood up to suspects and undoubtedly prevented further stock being taken during what was a rare incident for the area.
Anyone with information is asked to contact DC Nial Kelman at Stainbeck CID via: 0845 60 60 606.
