'Significant cultural and historical value' - Police appeal after Yorkshire mayoral chains stolen in burglary
Police are appealing for information after burglars broke into a Yorkshire town hall through the roof before stealing the historic mayoral chains.
Detectives from West Yorkshire Police would like to speak to anyone who may have information about the burglary, which happened at Dewsbury Town Hall.
The force said officers were called at 6.30am on Monday (Feb 2) following a report thieves had broken in through the roof at around 8.15pm on February 1.
The chains, which are worn by current Kirklees mayor Councillor Liz Smaje, date back to 1897 and are gold plated.
Detective Inspector Divek Ubhi of Kirklees CID, said: “The Mayoral Chains are of significant cultural and historical value to the town of Dewsbury and its residents, and this theft will cause real upset and anger.
“Detectives are investigating this break-in and we are liaising closely with our partners at Kirklees Council to do everything we can to try and identify suspects and recover the chains for communities. “
Councillor Carole Pattison, Leader of Kirklees Council, said: “We are deeply shocked following the theft of the historic Mayoral Chains from Dewsbury Town Hall. The mayoral chains are an important part of Dewsbury’s civic heritage. Their significance to the people and history of Dewsbury is even greater than their monetary value.
“We are working closely with West Yorkshire Police to support their investigation and urge anyone with information to contact the police so we can recover these local treasures.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, or online here, quoting incident number 13260064393.
Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.