The owner of a Bradford jewellery shop targeted in a broad-daylight ram-raid has vowed to return “bigger and better”, as police confirmed an arrest had been made and a customer suffered minor injuries.
A Nissan Navara was deliberately driven into the front of Pakistan Jewellers on Duckworth Lane shortly after 1pm on Saturday, 5 September, according to West Yorkshire Police.
Officers were called at 1.19pm following reports of the vehicle striking the shopfront.
CCTV footage from inside the premises shows customers holding on to one another as the vehicle repeatedly reverses towards the building and crashes into its frontage.
A number of masked people then entered the jewellers and attempted to steal jewellery, police said.
A 47-year-old woman who was inside the shop as a customer was treated for minor injuries following the incident.
Detectives have since arrested a 38-year-old man on suspicion of aggravated burglary. He has been released on bail while enquiries continue.
No charges have been brought and the police investigation remains ongoing.
Footage seen by Asian Standard appears to show a group dressed in black, with their faces covered, arriving outside the business in several vehicles.
The Nissan Navara is seen reversing towards the shop after an initial impact apparently fails to break through the frontage. It then strikes the premises several more times.
Inside, customers can be seen reacting in fear and holding on to one another as the vehicle crashes into the shop.
CCTV also shows a man from the shop confronting the group and throwing objects towards them.
The group subsequently fled the scene in two vehicles, described as a blue hatchback and a silver sports utility vehicle.
It has been reported that no jewellery was taken during the attempted raid. Police said those who entered the premises had attempted to steal a quantity of jewellery.
Despite the frightening nature of the incident and the extensive damage caused to the shopfront, Mr Ali, owner of Pakistan Jewellers has delivered a positive message to customers and the wider community.
In a video posted on social media, he expressed gratitude that nobody had suffered serious harm and thanked people for the support shown to the business.
“As you can see, we have had an incident and, Alhamdulillah, everyone is safe and sound,” he said.
“Inshallah, the shop will be closed for a week, but when we open, we will have one of the biggest and largest offers.
“Thank you very much for your support, everyone. Inshallah, we are going to be back bigger and better.”
His response has been welcomed by people who have expressed concern for the owner, staff and customers following the circulation of footage showing the raid.
The business is expected to remain closed temporarily while the damage is addressed.
Local resident and campaigner Sophie Bibi described the incident as “deeply shocking” and said it had added to concerns about crime in the area.
“It is extremely concerning, especially as I believe this area has been targeted before,” she told Asian Standard.
“Thankfully, no one has been seriously injured. I am extremely concerned about the level of crime in this area.
“No one should have to experience this kind of violence in their own neighbourhood. We should be able to walk through our communities without feeling afraid, but unfortunately, some days it’s not like that. The reality is very different.”
She urged anybody with information to assist the police investigation and called on people living in the area to continue looking out for one another.
The incident follows an earlier attack involving another jewellery shop on Duckworth Lane this year, intensifying unease among some local residents and business owners.
Bradford CID is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding Saturday’s raid.
Police are appealing for witnesses, as well as anybody who may have relevant information or footage, to come forward.
Anyone who can assist is asked to contact West Yorkshire Police by calling 101 or using the Live Chat service on the West Yorkshire Police website, quoting crime reference 13260506012.
Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.
