POLICE are urging the public to come forward with information after raiders stole shotguns from a house in Cullingworth.

The burglars wrenched a locked metal gun cabinet from a wall in a room in the property.

The raid took place overnight Wednesday/Thursday at a semi-detached house in Haworth Road.

The raiders smashed a window to gain access to the property, which is not thought to have been occupied at the time.

They then forced the gun cabinet from the wall, making off with three 12-bore shotguns.

Police said two of the weapons were in working order, but no ammunition had been stolen.

Detective Inspector Andy Howard, of Bradford District CID, said the 50-year-old male householder owned the guns. They were legally licensed and locked and secured as required by law.

He said the guns stolen were Baikal, Lincoln and Jabali makes.

Det Insp Howard said it was too early to say whether the house had been specifically targeted for the guns, but it was a line of inquiry that would be looked into.

He said: “The house was subjected to a burglary. During the course of that burglary it would appear that three licensed shotguns have been stolen. The guns were in a locked metal cabinet which was removed from a wall in one of the rooms. The licence holder kept the guns in a secure place in an approved gun cabinet, conforming to legislation requiring licensed gun owners to do so.”

Det Insp Howard added: “We are keen to trace anyone who knows anything about this offence, so that the police can make a safe recovery of these weapons and return them to their rightful owner.

“We appeal to members of the public. If anyone knows anything about where these guns are, we would like to hear from them. We will investigate this offence and follow up any leads that become available.”

Councillor Simon Cooke, leader of the Conservative group and a member for Bingley Rural, said it was concerning.

He said: “It would concern me if thieves are targeting houses where people are known to have guns. It is a rural community and quite a lot of people have guns and use them regularly entirely legitimately.

“I would hate for people, particularly the farming community, not to be able to do what they see as their job for fear of being targeted by criminals.”

Cllr Cooke added: “It would be really helpful if anyone who has got any information, either about the burglary, or about where the guns may have gone, came forward.”

Anyone with information should call Bradford District CID via 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.