Nicola Adams Burglary
Police are appealing for information after items belonging to Olympic and Commonwealth Games boxing champion Nicola Adams were stolen in a burglary at a family member's home in Leeds.
Thieves broke into the property in the Halton area at about 8am on Wednesday and stole the keys to her matt grey Hyundai Veloster Turbo, registration VL08STR, and a silver Ford Focus TDCi, registration YH09DLU and an i-phone. Both cars were then driven away.
Boxing equipment belonging to Nicola was in the boot of the Hyundai ahead of her taking part in the national championships in Liverpool at the weekend.
The items were in a red Team GB 2012 holdall and a Louis Vuitton overnight bag.
Among the items taken were three pairs of boxing boots, including the pair she wore in the Commonwealth Games.
Three pairs of boxing gloves were also taken. They are a Winning brand black 14oz lace up pair, a Winning blue 12oz velcro strap pair with her name on them, and some red Adidas competition gloves. A white Winning headguard and the shorts and vest she was due to compete in were also stolen. Those have her name on them.
An Omega Seamaster watch with diamonds around the face was also taken. The watch was a gift to Nicola to mark her victory at the 2012 Olympics. Alongside the above, Nicola’s nutrition products were also in the car and other personal items.
She said, “These items would mean very minimal to anyone else but are of sentimental value to me. I would be very grateful for the return of my car and stolen belongings, some of which were gifts to me following my much-recognised wins for England and Great Britain as well as personalised items meant for my next national match. Thank you to the district neighbourhood team who are doing everything they can to trace my car and items.”
Detective Constable Will Tsang, of Leeds District Neighbourhood Crime Team, said: "Nicola is understandably distraught at the loss of these items that have such significant sentimental value to her. Much of the boxing equipment is very distinctive and we are appealing for anyone who may have been offered these items for sale or found them abandoned to contact us immediately.
"We would also like to hear from anyone who has seen either of the vehicles since Wednesday morning.
"We are carrying out enquiries to try and identify the people responsible and would like to hear from anyone with any information that could assist the investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to contact DC Tsang at Elland Road via 101 or call the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.