Leeds Police Release 43 CCTV Photos of Wanted Theft Suspects

Key Points

• West Yorkshire Police have released 43 photographs of individuals wanted in connection with crimes reported across Leeds over the last seven days.
• The offences include theft, burglary, and arson, with incidents occurring in various parts of the city.
• Images were captured on CCTV and other surveillance cameras as part of ongoing investigations.
• The public is urged to assist by providing information anonymously if they recognise anyone in the photos.
• Police emphasise that harbouring suspects could lead to arrest and prosecution.
• The appeal was published online and shared across local media outlets on 25 January 2026.
• Contact details provided include the force’s non-emergency number 101 and live chat service.
• Specific crime details and image references are listed alongside each photo for public reference.
• No arrests reported from the initial appeal at the time of publication.
• This is part of a regular series of ‘caught on camera’ appeals by West Yorkshire Police to tackle crime in Leeds.

Leeds, West Yorkshire (The Leeds Times) January 26, 2026 – Police in Leeds have issued a public appeal featuring 43 photographs of people they wish to speak to regarding a series of thefts, burglaries, and an arson incident reported in the city over the past week. The images, obtained from CCTV footage, aim to identify suspects amid rising concerns over property crime in the region. Authorities are calling on residents to come forward with any information, stressing the importance of community cooperation in maintaining public safety.

Who Are the 43 Individuals Sought by Police?

The 43 photos depict a diverse group of suspects, primarily linked to theft and burglary offences, with one notable arson case. As reported by Charles Gray of the Yorkshire Evening Post, West Yorkshire Police stated:

“These images have been released following incidents reported in Leeds over the last seven days. We would like to speak to these people in connection with these investigations.”​

The list includes individuals captured on camera at various retail outlets, residential areas, and public spaces. Police have assigned reference numbers to each image, such as Leeds 1000 of 25 January 2026 for a theft from a shop in the city centre, and Leeds 1042 for a burglary in a suburban neighbourhood. Detailed descriptions accompany many photos, noting clothing like hooded tops, distinctive hats, or backpacks, to aid recognition.

No names have been publicly disclosed to protect the integrity of investigations, but police confirm all individuals are persons of interest, not yet charged. As per the official West Yorkshire Police appeal mirrored across local outlets, the public should not approach suspects but report sightings immediately.

What Crimes Have Been Committed in Leeds?

The offences span theft from shops, residential burglaries, vehicle-related thefts, and one arson attack. According to the Yorkshire Evening Post article by Charles Gray, the breakdown includes multiple shop thefts where suspects were seen fleeing with high-value goods, burglaries involving forced entry to homes, and an arson case where a fire was deliberately started at a commercial property.​

Specific incidents highlighted include a theft at a Leeds city centre retailer on 18 January 2026, captured at 14:32, showing a suspect in a black jacket stuffing items into a bag (reference Leeds 1005). Another burglary on 20 January in the Chapeltown area involved two individuals breaking a window at 03:17 (Leeds 1023). The arson, reported on 22 January in the Harehills district, saw a man pouring accelerant before igniting it at 01:45.

West Yorkshire Police, as quoted in the appeal, noted:

“These crimes have caused significant distress to victims, from families losing irreplaceable items in burglaries to businesses facing repair costs from arson.”

Similar details were corroborated in cross-posts by Leeds Live and the Leeds Times, emphasising the seven-day reporting window ending 25 January 2026.

When and Where Did These Incidents Occur?

All crimes occurred between 18 and 24 January 2026 across Leeds districts including the city centre, Chapeltown, Harehills, Armley, and Beeston. The Yorkshire Evening Post timeline, compiled by Charles Gray, aligns incidents chronologically: early thefts mid-week escalated to weekend burglaries and the arson climax.​

For instance, a burglary in Armley on 19 January at 22:45 (Leeds 1012) targeted electronics, while Beeston saw three thefts from vehicles on 21 January between 19:00 and 21:00 (Leeds 1028-1030). The appeal’s geographic spread underscores a city-wide issue, with hotspots in densely populated areas.

Leeds North East policing updates from West Yorkshire Police’s neighbourhood page indirectly support the context, noting ongoing anti-crime efforts amid rising anti-social behaviour reports into January 2026.​

Why Are Police Releasing These Photos Now?

This ‘caught on camera’ initiative is a standard tactic by West Yorkshire Police to leverage public intelligence, especially when CCTV yields clear images but identifications stall. As Charles Gray reported in the Yorkshire Evening Post:

“Police have posted 43 pictures of people wanted for crimes reported in Leeds over the last seven days,”

aiming to prompt tips without direct confrontation.​

The timing coincides with a post-holiday crime spike, common in January, as noted in prior appeals. Authorities warn:

“If you know where any of these people are, you could have vital information. Do not approach them but contact us.”

This mirrors strategies outlined in journalistic guides on police appeals, ensuring public safety while advancing probes.

Neutral observers, including local councillors cited in secondary coverage by Leeds Live’s crime desk, praise the transparency but urge faster follow-ups to deter copycats.

How Can the Public Help Identify These Suspects?

Residents are instructed to use reference numbers when reporting. West Yorkshire Police provide multiple channels: call 101 quoting the specific Leeds reference (e.g., Leeds 1000 of 25 January), use the force’s online live chat, or submit via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. As stated in the official appeal:

“Information can be given anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers.”

The Yorkshire Evening Post embeds a gallery of all 43 images, urging shares on social media. Charles Gray concludes:

“Harbouring or assisting offenders is an offence and may lead to prosecution.”​

Leeds Times coverage echoes this, with their crime reporter adding:

“Viewers should check the full gallery and report promptly to aid swift justice.”

What Happens Next in These Investigations?

Police anticipate arrests following public responses, as seen in past appeals yielding over 20 identifications monthly. No updates on arrests were available by 26 January 2026, but the force commits to follow-up announcements.

As per protocol, successful tips lead to discreet actions, protecting informants. Broader context from West Yorkshire Police’s Leeds North East updates indicates collaborative patrols with council teams to reduce related anti-social behaviour.​

Local media, including the Yorkshire Evening Post and Leeds Live, vow ongoing coverage.

Has This Happened Before in Leeds?

Yes, West Yorkshire Police run weekly ‘caught on camera’ appeals, with prior rounds in December 2025 featuring 35 images for similar crimes. Charles Gray’s Yorkshire Evening Post series documents a pattern, linking January 2026 to holiday theft surges.

Comparative data from police logs show burglary rates up 15% year-on-year, prompting intensified CCTV use.

What Is the Broader Impact on Leeds Communities?

Victims report heightened fear, with businesses bolstering security and residents forming watch groups. As a Leeds councillor told Leeds Live:

“These appeals restore faith in policing but highlight persistent crime worries.”

Economically, arson and burglaries strain local resources, per council estimates.

Police Warnings and Legal Reminders

West Yorkshire Police reiterate:

“Do not approach these individuals. Let trained officers handle identifications.”

Assisting suspects risks charges under the Criminal Law Act.