By Anna Riley
An ex-soldier has been left in a state of shock after burglars stole his Help for Heroes motorbike and threw his medals around his house.
Police are appealing for information following the theft of the distinctive motorbike with the logo of the service charity on it, in a burglary at the ex-soldier’s home in Leeds.
Thieves broke into the house in York Street, Gipton between 10am on Sunday, December 4, and 2pm on Wednesday, December 7.
PC Andy Storey, of Leeds North East Neighbourhood Patrol Team, said: “This burglary has understandably come as a real blow to the victim just a short time after he medically retired from service in the British Army and also in the run-up to Christmas.
“Not only have the thieves taken a large amount of valuables, they have needlessly vandalised parts of his home and thrown his military medals around.
“They have also deprived him of his prized motorbike which was helping to give him some freedom and independence following his injury.
“The stolen blue Yamaha R6, registration MA08PTZ, has a very distinctive custom paint job, with the Help for Heroes logo on the fuel tank and down the two side fairings and we would hear from anyone who has seen that bike since the burglary or who has any information that could assist in identifying the people responsible.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact PC 0907 Storey via 101 quoting crime number 13160725085 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.