A SENIOR councillor has said it is “time for police to act” after a man was tasered and threatened by a gang of machete-wielding men who robbed him of his car in a quiet street.
The incident occurred at around 9.10pm on Thursday, when the 47-year-old victim was parking his white VW Golf R car in St Matthew’s Grove, Wilsden.
A silver Vauxhall Vectra was pulled up behind him and four men in dark clothing, believed to be carrying weapons, got out and demanded the man get out of his car. He did so and then threw the keys towards the gang.
One of the suspects then tasered the man before the cars were both driven away.
The victim was said to be uninjured, but neither he or his family wanted to comment on the incident yesterday.
Other neighbours on the leafy cul-de-sac said they had seen police outside the house, but had not witnessed the robbery.
Councillor Simon Cooke (Con, Bingley Rural) said there were real concerns in the area over an increase in burglaries, in particular those targeting high-value cars.
“We have had conversations and meetings with police, but it is now time for them to step up, realise there is a problem, and take these crimes seriously,” said Cllr Cooke, who is also leader of the Conservative party on Bradford Council.
“I appreciate their issues, but it is time to act. This robbery is the culmination of months of similar incidents that do seem to be escalating and the last thing we want is for people to be frightened.”
The suspects are believed to have fled towards Royd Street. One of the men is described as being about six feet tall and slim with short cropped hair. Another suspect was described as shorter, at around 5ft 8ins tall.
Both men were believed to have been carrying machetes.
Detective Inspector Matt Walker, of Bradford District CID, said: “We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen the Vectra shortly before this incident, or either vehicle in the Wilsden area shortly after it occurred.
"We have a number of enquiries we are currently progressing, but would ask anyone with information to contact Bradford District CID on 101, quoting 13160502407, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.”
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