Det Con Russ Conlon in his weekly column: Conlon on Crime
A NEW breed of criminal is targeting Huddersfield.
We have fallen victim to a gang who seem to be stealing cars from the town’s garages.
Last week, The Examiner featured a report on the theft of a VW Golf from Quarry Garage at Mount, by a man who asked to go for a test drive.
The firm offered a £5,000 reward for the recovery of the vehicle.
Now we have details of four similar offences at other commercial premises.
And we believe the gang are also likely to be scouring the car trade magazines and private advertisements, looking for potential victims who are selling their cars.
There have been three newer vehicles stolen from car show rooms in Huddersfield since the last week of May.
An Audi A4 was taken from Huddersfield Audi; a Vauxhall Vectra was stolen from Arnold Clark, Leeds Road; a Honda Jazz was taken from W M Hepworth, Leeds Road; and a Ford Fiesta was stolen from Polar Ford, St Andrew’s Road.
All of the vehicles headed towards the Manchester area; one was recovered on a farm track leading to Heights Farm, Harwood, Bolton, minus two front wings and a bonnet.
Three men are thought to be involved. One was a white man, late 20s to mid 30s, 5ft 11in to 6ft 2in tall, of slim build, with mousy-coloured hair in a crew cut. Some witnesses said he had a Liverpool accent.
We would urge anyone who may be selling a car to be on their guard.
If someone does turn up and ask for a test drive, please ensure someone goes with them and that you are not outnumbered by people in the car.
If you can help ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
