Three jailed over ‘Asian gold’ burglaries

Thursday, 16 August 2018 07:00

Three men have been jailed as a result of an investigation into so-called ‘Asian gold’ burglaries.

Detectives from Leeds District Crime Team charged the men as part of an investigation into a series of offences where homes appeared to have been specifically targeted for high value gold jewellery.

These included a burglary at Sunny Bank Lane, Thornbury, and a further offence at Chatsworth Road, Pudsey, both on 5 July.

Witnesses to the second incident contacted the police and the three men were arrested following a pursuit by officers with support from the National Police Air Service helicopter and a police dog unit.

Anthony Hardisty, aged 26, of Mark Close, Bradford, and Michael Darling, aged 26, of Moorlands Avenue, Bradford, were both jailed for 27 months and Martin Stokes, aged 23, of Kettlewell Drive, Bradford, was sentenced to 31 months in prison when they appeared at Leeds Crown Court, each charged with two counts of burglary. Stokes was also given a four-month sentence for possession of an electric stun gun.

Detective Inspector Al Burns, of Leeds District Crime Team, said: “This is an excellent result as part of our ongoing work to bring to justice offenders who are involved in organised burglaries across Leeds.

“We hope the imprisonment of these men will provide suitable reassurance to our communities, particularly those who have been targeted for high-value Asian jewellery.

“The vigilance of community-spirited members of the public played a vital role in these men being caught and we urge people to continue to report any suspicious activity in their streets immediately so officers can take action.”

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