Yorkshire hit with bizarre spate of car bonnet thefts

Parts of Yorkshire have been hit with a spate of bizarre car bonnet thefts, triggering alarm and shock.

Police have urged residents to be vigilant as their investigations continue, and many of those affected have taken to social media to share photographs of their stripped vehicles, including Emma Pemberton, 22.

Emma was visiting her boyfriend at his home near Ripon Spa Baths when she discovered her wrecked Vauxhall Corsa on Sunday morning, April 2, that she had parked outside.

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Can you assist police with their investigations? The passenger window had been smashed to release the bonnet, and the bumper, grill, front headlights and number plate had all been taken.

Emma said: "I was in shock, I rushed inside and told my boyfriend to look at it. I just sat on the kitchen floor crying my eyes out. It's just the last thing you need.

"People work very hard to have their cars, and this is just awful. At first I thought it had been vandalised, but when the mechanic looked at it he said it looked like a professional job. Whoever it was had obviously done it before and knew what they were doing.

"What's worrying is that it was really quiet during the night, we didn't hear anything. There was no alarm, nothing. I think parts are being stolen to order - they are very expensive. Police are urging anyone with information to come forward.

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"I lived in a city for three years at university and nothing ever happened like this. You just don't expect it. If anyone saw something, or knows anything at all that could help, it could really make a difference. If anyone has any CCTV on their house that could show anything, get in touch."

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said: "Police are investigating a number of thefts of vehicle parts from parked cars in Ripon, including bumpers, lights and spoilers. Enquiries into the incidents are ongoing. Motorists are asked to be vigilant, and, if possible, park their vehicles in a secure or well-lit location."

Anyone with information should North Yorkshire Police on 101, quoting reference number 12170055369.