It is now one week since an aggravated burglary took place at a young family’s home in High Birstwith near Harrogate.
Four masked men of Asian appearance burst into the house at around 5.15pm on Friday 6 December 2013. They threatened the family with crow bars before stealing six shotguns, a rifle and a collection of expensive jewellery.
The men left the scene in the family’s white Porsche 911, which was later found abandoned on White Wall Lane in Tang.
Since the incident was reported officers have been making extensive enquiries at the family home and in the surrounding area and are following a number of lines of investigation.
Today (Friday 13 December 2013) officers will be in High Birstwith handing out leaflets and talking to the local community to encourage witnesses to come forward with information.
The investigation team have also released images of some of the stolen jewellery and one of the shotguns.
The items of stolen jewellery includes a 9.77 carat pear cut platinum claw set solitaire ring, a men’s 18 carat white gold Patek Philippe Grand Complication Chronograph watch, and a pair of 18 carat gold and 8.58 carat brilliant cut diamond claw set earrings.
Officers are appealing to anyone with information about who is responsible for the burglary to contact them as soon as possible.
Detective Inspector Andrea Kell, of North Yorkshire Police, is leading the investigation.
Detective Inspector Andrea Kell said:
It is one week now since this young family were left traumatised after being confronted in their own home by four masked men who stole a some very expensive and treasured possessions.
It was a horrible experience for them to go through and we are determined to find out who was responsible.
Since our earlier appeal for witnesses a number of people have contacted us with information and we have a number of lines of enquiry which we are actively following.
However, we are still seeking further witnesses and I urge you to come forward if you have any information which can help the investigation. This incident took place between 5pm and 6pm as people will have been returning home so they may have noticed a suspicious vehicle in the area around High Birstwith.
The jewellery and the stolen shotguns have still not been recovered and DI Kell is also urging anyone with information about the whereabouts of the items to come forward.
Detective Inspector Andrea Kell added:
It is important that the stolen shotguns are located as soon as possible. They could be dangerous in the hands of someone who doesn’t know how to use them properly.
The jewellery is very expensive and some stolen items are commissioned pieces and therefore distinctive. I would urge people to vigilant if they are offered any jewellery for sale particularly jewellers or dealers who should know what they are buying.
If you are offered any of the stolen items for sale it is very important that you come forward as you may have information which can help us to identify the people responsible for this incident.
Anyone who can help officers with their enquiries is urged to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 – select option 2 – and ask for Harrogate CID.
If you prefer not to give your name, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111.
Please quote reference number 12130211258 or Operation Hebron when passing information about this incident.
