A family jewellers is being forced to close down after becoming the target for repeated robberies and raids.
Norman Bolton has worked at NG Boltons, in Guiseley, for the last 74 years and only stopped working there while he joined the RAF during the Second World War.
But now the 89-year-old and his business partner and son Robert have been forced to close the family store after falling victim to 23 robberies and attacks.
The YEP reported last week that the jeweller was offering a £5,000 reward after thieves stole a watch and five rings worth £10,500 from the boot of Mr Bolton’s car while his elderly father was in the vehicle.
Other incidents have involved intruders entering the store with sawn off shotguns and lump hammers and the family’s home burglar alarms have been vandalised.
Robert Bolton said: “We have had everything from people coming in with sawn off shot guns to pick axe handles.
“We have had attacks on our own homes and we have reached a point where we really feel the risks are exceeding what is acceptable.
“The collective trauma of what’s gone before has put us in this situation where we have had enough and just can’t face it anymore.”
He also said that restrictions imposed by insurers had made it “difficult” for the business.
The store will start a clearance sale and looks set to close its doors at the end of the year.
Four people are expected to lose their jobs and a number of out workers will be affected.
Mr Bolton, a gemmologist and trained valuer, added: “We are very grateful to our customers and been privileged really to have a large number of very loyal customers.
“It’s certainly not been taken lightly.
“Bearing in mind the dangers and risks associated we feel that they have reached an unacceptable level.
“We are very regretful and we feel like we are letting our customers down but it is because of circumstances beyond our control.”
Mr Bolton hopes to continue providing a valuation service by appointment at the store or at customers’ homes.
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