Detectives in Leeds are appealing for information after an incident at the Morrisons Supermarket in Hunslet on Sunday evening (19 March 2017).
Whilst the store was closed to the public, staff were still working inside around 8.10pm when a white Volvo V60 began ramming the shutters at the front of the shop until it broke through them. A black Kia Sportage was then driven in to the foyer of the store and repeatedly drove at a free-standing ATM machine. Although one suspect has jumped over one of the counters, they left empty handed.
The black Kia Sportage was abandoned in the store, and the suspects are believed to have made off in a third vehicle, a white Mini.
There are believed to be at least four suspects involved, who are described as being white males and wearing dark clothing. They had their faces covered, wore gloves and spoke with a Yorkshire accent.
The two vehicles involved are believed to have been stolen from the Whinmoor Area of Leeds on 17 March and are described as a white Volvo V60, VRM M14 BBN that was being driven on false plates (VRM CV63 PXC) and a black Kia Sportage VRM YH17GZX. Both have been recovered by police.
Detective Inspector Charlotte Hails from Leeds District CID said; “This has clearly been a frightening experience for the staff at the store who were understandably shaken. There has been extensive damaged caused to the store and it is fortunate that there were no shoppers present at the time. Thankfully no one was injured.
“I would urge anyone who was in the area around the time of the incident who may have seen anything suspicious or seen the suspects or white mini leaving the area to come forward. I would also ask for anyone who has any information about the vehicles or their whereabouts in the days before the incident, or who has seen the white Mini since to speak to police. Enquiries are continuing.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Leeds District CID via 101 quoting 13170126177. Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.