Ram-raiders strike Leeds designer shop

At about 10.50pm last night (25/6), police were called to Flanders on Vicar Lane, where a silver Transit van had been repeatedly reversed into the front window to gain entry.

Chain of events

• A group of about 5 suspects in balaclavas then loaded clothing from the store into a black Audi estate and drove off leaving the van at the scene.
• The Audi headed up Vicar Lane and turned right onto Eastgate where the boot of the car opened and items of clothing fell out onto the road.
• The car stopped further along Eastgate and one of the suspects got out. The car then reversed knocking him down with the open door.
• Other suspects then gathered up the dropped clothing and were joined by the other man before all sped off in the vehicle towards Eastgate roundabout.
• A short time later, police received reports of vehicles acting suspiciously outside the Yorkshire Rider Social Club, in Railway Street, where items appeared to be being loaded into other vehicles. A false numberplate that the Audi had been bearing was found at the scene.

Detective Inspector Richard Holmes, of Leeds District CID, said: “This has clearly been a planned and organised burglary targeting the high-value clothing that the store sells.

“We have been carrying out extensive enquiries throughout the night and are continuing those today to identify those involved.

“The scene at the store and the transit van that was left behind are undergoing detailed forensic examination and we are carrying out checks on CCTV in the area and conducting enquiries around the vehicles.

“Enquiries have shown that the van used was stolen from Sweet Street, Holbeck, on June 18 and we would like to hear from anyone who has seen that vehicle since that time bearing either its genuine registration of EF12 ZYN or the false one it was carrying at the time of the incident, AK13TUV.

"We would also like to speak to anyone who witnessed the vehicles acting suspiciously at the Yorkshire Rider club in Railway Street, particularly if they have any information on the other vehicles seen there.

“We are aware that the incident was filmed by members of the public on their phones and we would appeal for anyone who has such footage to come forward. Even if they think their footage is no different to what other people have already posted to social media, we would still like to make that assessment ourselves.

“At this stage, we are not linking this incident to any previous similar offences in the city centre but we appreciate it will have caused understandable concern and our colleagues in the city neighbourhood policing team will be working to provide suitable support and reassurance to businesses and the community.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Leeds District CID via 101 quoting crime number 13180309802 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111