Thieves target Padgetts collection

West Yorkshire Police are appealing for information after a number of distinctive and historic motorcycles were stolen from the personal collection of Peter Padgett at the family’s world famous bike shop in Batley.

The theft of six historic bikes from Peter’s personal collection happened at Padgett’s Motorcycles in Bradford Road, Batley, between 6pm on Sunday, 20 December, and 3.30pm on Monday, 4 January, with the bikes stolen from a storage area next to the shop after thieves cut a hole through the metal walls. Police believe there were four perpetrators, who loaded the bikes into a white van.

The stolen bikes include:

• A 1976 Yamaha RD250C with white and red speedblock paintjob
• A orange and black 1971 Yamaha YR5
• A 1960s blue and white Vespa scooter
• A purple 1954 Ariel Square 4
• A white Yamaha DT100 with white fuel tank, made between 1976 and 1978
• A 1950s BSA Gold Flash

PC Chris Eglen, of Kirklees Burglary Team, said: “These bikes have huge sentimental value to the victim. We are keen to speak to anyone who has seen any suspicious activity in the vicinity of Padgett’s Motorcycles over the time period that this offence has occurred or anyone who has information relating to the current whereabouts of the stolen bikes.

“Anyone with information is asked to please call the Kirklees Burglary Team via 101 or to pass information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”