£1,000 reward offered after masked robbers threaten elderly couple

A gang of masked burglars has targeted an elderly couple in central Harrogate, threatening them with violence and tying them up in their own home - for the sake of £200 and some small pieces of jewellery.

The burglars struck on South Park Road in the town centre between 6.15pm and 7pm on Tuesday evening, breaking into the mansion house which is set slightly back from the road.

The elderly couple, aged in their 70s and 80s, were tied up by the burglars who threatened them before stealing the £200 in cash as well as a ring and a watch.

Police say the couple, who managed to untie themselves after the burglars left and call their daughter for help, were left deeply shaken by what happened.

Gemma Wilson, Crimestoppers Regional Manager, said “This was a terrifying ordeal for the elderly couple to go through and those who committed this crime must be brought to justice.

“We would urge anybody who knows any information to come forward to help. If you don’t want to speak to the police, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously, we are not part of the police, but we can take the information you know and pass it on to them.

“If you don’t wish to talk to anybody, you can use our anonymous online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.”

Detectives are continuing their enquiries into the incident and are urging anyone with information to come forward.

Detective Inspector Bill Burns, of Harrogate police, said: “This was clearly a very frightening experience for the elderly victims and they have been left extremely shaken.

“It is important that we trace the people responsible for the incident and I am urging anyone with information to get in touch as soon as possible.

“I am grateful to Crimestoppers for offering the reward and I hope that it prompts someone to do the right thing and share any information they have with us.”

Anyone who can help officers with their enquiries is urged to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 –select option 2 – and ask for Harrogate CID.

If you prefer not to give your name, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Please quote reference number 12150011129 when passing information about this incident.