Police are investigating after an expensive handbag was stolen from Northallerton Equestrian Centre.
Sometime between 1.30pm and 2.30pm on Sunday 6 February 2011, a black Calvin Klein handbag was stolen from a white Fiat Ducato van, which had a horse box attached.
The victim, a 38-year-old woman from Ripon, returned to her vehicle which was parked at the rear of the riding centre, to find that her bag and its contents had gone.
The leather bag, worth around £350, contained two Calvin Klein purses, a number of ladies’ jewellery items, and a silver Panasonic camera.
One purse is black leather, the other is brown leather with the CK emblem embossed all over it. The items of jewellery stolen include: a gold engagement ring with a single 18 carat diamond solitaire, a gold wedding band with silver strips running through it, a gold eternity ring with three diamonds inset, and a large ruby ring with diamonds set around the edges.
Officers are appealing for anyone who can help locate the missing items to get in touch.
PC Nicola Pattinson, of Northallerton police, said: “The victim is understandably upset that her property and some items of great sentimental value have been stolen. “Some of the items taken are fairly distinctive and I would urge anyone who may be offered them for sale to get in touch with the police. “I am also appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident itself or noticed any suspicious activity in the area on Sunday afternoon to contact the police or Crimestoppers with information.”
PC Pattinson also appealed for the public to be vigilant and ensure that they take care to protect their property from thieves. She added: “Most thieves are opportunistic, so it is important not to make life easy for them by leaving valuable items on display. “When leaving your vehicle unattended ensure you take anything that would be attractive to thieves with you, or at the very least put them in the boot.”
Anyone who can help the police with their enquiries is urged to contact PC Nicola Pattinson, of Northallerton police, on 0845 60 60 24 7, quoting reference number 12110020502.
Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111. Further crime prevention advice can be found on the North Yorkshire Police website www.northyorkshire.police.uk/crimeprevention
