Appeal after theft of tools results in ramming of police car

We’re appealing for witnesses and information to help identify the offenders responsible for a spate of crimes in Craven on Monday 26 September 2022.

A Black Mitsubishi L200, registration VK56UBU, was stolen around 2.25pm from premises between Hellifield and Otterburn – the vehicle is still outstanding. 

At around 4.15pm, the same offenders stole a number of MAKITA tools from a van in Main Street, Rathmell, Settle. Officers attended the scene and pursued the offender’s vehicle, a Grey VW Passat registration OW15HDN, which was heading in the direction of Wigglesworth.  Thi

During the pursuit, the offenders rammed the police car and one of the offenders smashed the windscreen with a hammer, causing significant damage and resulting in an officer getting glass in his eye.

The vehicle made off out of North Yorkshire towards Lancashire.

The same offenders also attempted to steal vehicles at Halton West and West Marton earlier the same day.

The tools stolen were:

• Cordless impact driver
• Cordless circular saw
• Cordless router trimmer
• Cordless multi-tool
• Cordless jigsaw

Anyone who witnessed the incident, saw any suspicious activity in the area at the time or has any information about where the stolen tools might be, is asked to get in touch.

Dial 101, press 1 and speak to the Force Control Room.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Please use reference number NYP-26092002-0296 when passing on any information.