Smokey and the bandit

May 22 2003 By Andrew Hirst, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

A ROBBER took his dog with him when he went on a raid - and then let slip his canine accomplice's name!

The thief tried to steal cash from a trustee at Fartown Supporters Club and threatened to use his dog as a weapon.

The club's members are Giants fans and the 69-year-old trustee was locking it up on Corby Street in Fartown at midnight on Tuesday with another couple when they were approached by the robber.

He had a brick in his hand and demanded money.

He threw the brick, but it missed all the victims.

When they tried to grab him, he threatened to set his dog on them.

After a brief struggle, the man fled with his dog.

During the fracas he called his dog Smokey.

He is a light-skinned African-Caribbean man aged between 17 and 19, 5ft 7ins to 5ft 10ins tall and skinny.

He wore a dark, lightweight hooded anorak with a horizontal band around the middle.

Pc Dave McSweeney, of Huddersfield police, said: "It is certainly unusual for a robber to take a dog with him, but then he let slip the dog's name too.

"The dog is small and dark and is possibly still only a puppy.

"Someone must surely know who this man is."

Anyone with information should get in touch with Pc Neil Dunne. He can be telephoned on 01484 436659.