Attempted break-in at Victoria Quarter in Leeds city centre

Police have been on the scene at an attempted break-in on Briggate in Leeds City Centre tonight (9th April 2017).

Officers were called to the area at 9.50pm where they found a car abandoned in the street, which is pedestrianised, and extensive damage to the Louis Vuitton store at the Victoria Quarter.

A Police spokesperson said:

"At 9.05pm police received reports of a silver Subaru car being repeatedly reversed into the front of the shop in Briggate by a group of men who had arrived in two cars.　

"They used the car to destroy a whole section of the shop's frontage before stealing items on display, details of which are still being collated.　

"The men then left the scene in a green Audi leaving the damaged Subaru behind. The Subaru, registration W359 CYG, has been recovered for forensic examination and enquiries are ongoing around its history"

Detective Inspector Charlotte Hails, of Leeds District CID, said: 　

"This has clearly been a planned and organised offence targeting high value goods in the store.

"Given its prominent location in the city centre and the dramatic circumstances, the incident was witnessed by a number of people.　

"We have spoken to a number of witnesses but are still keen to hear from anyone who saw any part of the incident, particularly if they filmed or photographed what was happening on their phones.　

"We are carrying out extensive enquiries around both vehicles involved and would like to hear from anyone who has seen the silver Subaru, registration W359 CYG, in the time leading up to the incident or who has seen the green Audi after it left the scene.　

"While full details of what was stolen are still being compiled, we would also like to hear from anyone who is offered any Louis Vuitton goods for sale in suspicious circumstances.　

"An offence of this nature targeting premises in the city centre is relatively unusual but will have caused understandable concern, and our colleagues in the city neighbourhood 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 log number 1944 of April 9 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.