Police are stepping up efforts to challenge an elusive Cross Hills businessman about the whereabouts of jewellery belonging to his customers.

Jeweller Stephen Perry disappeared for nearly two months earlier this year leaving people unable to reclaim their property.

He was later discovered to have merely extended a holiday with friends on the south coast. But he has still not returned to the shop in Main Street where he lived and efforts by both police and customers to resolve the matter have so far proved inconclusive.

A Cross Hills police spokesman said: "We are stepping up our efforts at the moment. We are trying to get in touch with him again and recover the property.

"Steps being taken to this end include taking statements from people who took property to him. The last I heard of him he had an address in Bradford. We are making enquiries to trace him and find out what is happening.

"He has been into Cross Hills and started returning property, but most hasn't been returned. Mr Perry is alive and well, but can't be found.

"He says he is back at the shop, but it's never open and there never appears to be any signs of life inside it."

Police say that, so far, 22 people have come forward claiming Mr Perry has their property. Items taken to his shop to be repaired include jewellery, watches and a grandfather clock.

He has been a businessman in the village for around ten years.

The mystery of the vanishing jeweller began when concerned villagers contacted police over his safety in July this year. He had not been seen for several weeks. But he was found safe and well enjoying a holiday on the south coast and was made aware of customers' concerns.

The shop which, as of late August, had been closed for nine weeks, appeared half empty with many of the display cabinets cleared of jewellery.

Cross Hills police would like to hear from anyone who thinks Mr Perry has their possessions. They should contact them on 01756 793377.

Mrs Hazel Brear, who works at The Hair Shop, Cross Hills, took a watch fob worth £50 into his shop in June to have a link soldered and says she has not seen it since.

She was particularly upset at its non-return as it was bought for her daughter Alex as a 21st birthday present.

She said: "It's as though he has vanished from the face of the earth. I have left notes for him but to no avail. Some people have received stuff back but there doesn't seem rhyme or reason as to who or why. Everyone just wants their stuff back. My daughter is upset.

"I have left it now in the hands of the police. I am fed up to the back teeth with it all."

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