Video: Thieves break into Leeds William Hill bookmakers at end of bumper betting weekend
Thieves broke into a Leeds bookmakers overnight – following one of the busiest weekends in the betting calendar.
They are thought to have removed part of a wall at William Hill in Harehills in an attempt to steal a safe, but were forced to abandon it and flee empty-handed.
The break-in was reported when a worker arrived at their job nearby to find the property damaged at about 6am.
Police were at the Harehills Lane premises this morning and the side of the building was cordoned off as investigations were carried out.
Bricks could be seen scattered on the ground at the spot where the thieves are thought to have got in.
A sign on the shop door said: “Sorry, closed for now.”
Acting Detective Inspector Mark Atkinson, of Leeds CID, said: “We would like to hear from anyone who saw anyone near the premises or witnessed anything suspicious in the time leading up to when the offence was discovered this morning.”
The incident took place at the end of a weekend when sports fans placed millions of pounds in bets on events including the Grand National, the Masters golf tournament and Manchester United versus Manchester City in the Premier League.
Anyone with information is asked contact Leeds District CID via 101 or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.