Six arrests and stun gun seized in HGV theft probe

Six people have been arrested across Leeds on suspicion of stealing goods from the back of a lorry.

The five men and one woman, who are aged between 27 and 56, were arrested at addresses across the Kirkstall and Belle Isle areas of the city and are in custody, police said.

Controlled drugs and weapons, including a stun gun, were seized during the arrests.

Police declined to confirm where or when the alleged incident took place, but they said the probe is related to a wider investigation into the organised theft of cargo from HGVs nationally.

Det Supt Al Burns said: "Organised theft from heavy goods vehicles is a significant issue nationally, with an average of nine offences per day amounting to a total cost of £65m last year.

"The wider impact includes the trauma caused to drivers who confront the thieves, as well as damage to vehicles, replacement transport, missed deliveries, insurance costs, and disruption to supply chains, with customers often facing higher prices as a result."

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