By David Mackie
A community is in shock after a 77-year-old woman was tied up and threatened by three men in her home on Bingley Road, Menston.
The men barged into the pensioner’s home on 3 July around 11pm, after she went to investigate a noise outside.
One 80-year-old resident of the street, who did not want to be named, said he himself has been burgled five times since moving to Menston in 1960. He told Yorkshire Voice: “It’s pure callousness. Obviously the robbers can’t have had any thoughts about the consequences of the robbery.
“It’s disastrous really.”
The woman was tied up by her hands whilst the robbers began searching her house. She was then dragged upstairs whilst they threatened to hurt her.
She managed to set off a personal attack alarm, which caused the men to leave, stealing a diamond bracelet and some cash.
Andrew Lockwood of Menston, said on Facebook: “I hope the police catch them. These violent burglars have no idea how much fear they strike into old people living alone.”
Police are urging anyone who has information about the crime to come forward.
Detective Inspector Phil Jackson, of Leeds District CID, said “This was clearly a really frightening experience for the victim and we are currently carrying out extensive enquiries to trace the men responsible.”
One suspect is described as being of large build, wearing grey tracksuit top and bottoms with one light stripe down each leg.
Another was wearing grey or light-coloured tracksuit bottoms, a black shiny jacket with a zip, and a light-coloured beanie hat. The third was said to be slim and wearing light-coloured clothing.
The burglary comes amid a recent heatwave. West Yorkshire Police recently warned that warmer weather often leads to a spike in the number of burglaries, and asked people to be on their guard.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Leeds District CID at Elland Road via 101 or call the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.