Axeman in BMW ram-raids shop during crime spree
A THIEF in a stolen car went on an early-hours burglary and robbery spree.
But despite raids on three stores, including a botched supermarket ram-raid, the suspect escaped with just cash and cigarettes.
The spree is believed to have started in Berry Brow when a black BMW 420D was stolen in an overnight burglary.
The car was used in an attempted robbery at a Premier convenience store, on Manchester Road, Linthwaite, at around 3.40am.
The suspect threatened staff with an axe and demanded money but he left empty-handed when shop staff refused to hand any over.
About 20 minutes later the stolen BMW reversed into Co-op supermarket, Town End, Golcar.
While the ram-raid caused considerable damage to the front door and a window of the shop – the door and window frame were bowed in and glass in both was shattered – the suspect was unable to gain entry and left with nothing.
A member of staff said: “The shop was ram-raided at around 4am. Nothing was taken and nobody was injured as the store was empty.”
The supermarket was closed and taped off while a police investigation into the raid took place.
And at 5.10am a suspect got out of the stolen car outside Charlesworth News, Victoria Street, Holmfirth and threatened staff with an axe. The suspect grabbed cigarettes and cash before fleeing in the BMW.
The vehicle, which was later found abandoned in Berry Brow, has been recovered for forensic examination.
Detectives from Kirklees CID are carrying out enquiries to identify the suspect.
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact Kirklees CID via 101 quoting crime reference 13210175889 or online via www. westyorkshire.police. uk/101livechat.