Metal detectors stolen in raid

Police said thieves had targeted a white Renault lorry parked on Common Road in the Low Moor area of Bradford.

Around 300 boxes of Minelab GPX 4500 metal detectors were stolen from the trailer of the vehicle between 8pm on January 12 and 8am the following day.

The items have a total value of around £400,000 and yesterday police said it was likely that more than one person would have been involved with the robbery as many boxes would have needed moving.

Det Con, Imran Haider, of the Bradford South Division, who is investigating the incident, said: “Whoever has taken these items must have done so using a large vehicle and it is highly likely there will have been more than one person involved.

“Removing three hundred of these devices will not have been a quick task to perform and it is possible someone will have seen this happening.

“We know that the metal detectors were taken from the rear of the vehicle and we have undertaken forensic examinations of the scene.

“A number of inquiries have been made, however; we now need the support and assistance of the public to help trace those responsible,” Det Cons Haider said.

He appealed for anyone with information about where the goods had ben taken to get in touch saying: “These are quite distinctive items and someone would clearly know if they had been offered one or had seen one in the area.

“If you have any information which could help us in our investigations or believe you may have witnessed this theft, then please contact us on the non emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.

“Likewise, if you know the whereabouts of these items, please get in touch.”