Detectives are continuing to search for historic mayoral chains worth tens of thousands of pounds after releasing a suspect on bail following his arrest over the Dewsbury Town Hall break-in.
The 47-year-old man from Mixenden was questioned on Saturday 7 February on suspicion of theft and possession of criminal property before being released pending further enquiries. Police seized him from an address as part of the Kirklees CID-led investigation into the theft of the gold chains dating back to 1897.
Officers were alerted at 6.28am on Monday 2 February that thieves had broken into the building through the roof at approximately 8.15pm the previous evening. Once inside, they targeted a specific cabinet containing the mayoral chains before escaping back through the roof with their haul.
The chains were the only items taken during the raid, described by police as having significant monetary value as well as even greater historical importance to the town. Detective Inspector Divek Ubhi stated the chains are “quite simply irreplicable” as a symbol of Dewsbury’s history and heritage.
Multiple lines of enquiry remain active as detectives and local officers work alongside council partners to examine all potential avenues, including investigations into how the chains might be sold on. Crime scene specialists have examined the town hall whilst officers have been speaking with businesses near the building to recover CCTV footage.
Detective Inspector Ubhi appealed for anyone with footage showing suspicious behaviour at the time of the break-in or just after to contact police. “We are continuing to pursue a number of lines of enquiry to recover these chains and are well aware of their value to the people of Dewsbury,” he stated.
The detective urged anyone with information about persons trying to sell the chains to get in touch with authorities. Extensive CCTV trawls have been conducted since the theft as investigators attempt to trace the movements of those responsible and locate the stolen property.
The 127-year-old chains hold particular significance for Dewsbury, representing more than a century of civic tradition and local government history. Their irreplaceable nature has prompted intensive police efforts to recover the items before they can be melted down or sold.
Information can be provided via 101 or through the West Yorkshire Police website at www.westyorkshire.police.uk/livechat, referencing crime number 13260064393. The independent Crimestoppers charity also accepts anonymous information on 0800 555 111.
Police have not disclosed details about what led to the arrest of the Mixenden man or whether additional suspects are being sought in connection with the break-in. The investigation continues with officers examining forensic evidence recovered from the scene and pursuing leads regarding the potential sale or disposal of the stolen chains.
The 47-year-old remains on police bail whilst detectives continue their enquiries. Further arrests have not been ruled out as the investigation progresses and officers work to establish the full circumstances of the theft and the current whereabouts of the historic mayoral chains.
