Historic mayoral chains stolen in Dewsbury Town Hall burglary
Police are investigating a break-in at Dewsbury Town Hall last night
Last updated 3rd Feb 2026
Police are investigating after the historic mayoral chains of Dewsbury were stolen in a burglary at Dewsbury Town Hall last night.
Officers were called to the scene at 6.28am this morning.
It is believed the thieves broke in through the roof at around 8.15pm the previous evening to access the building.
Once inside, the suspects targeted a cabinet containing the gold-plated chains, which date back to 1897. They left the building through the roof after stealing the items.
Detective Inspector Divek Ubhi of West Yorkshire Police said:
“The Mayoral Chains are of significant cultural and historical value to the town of Dewsbury and its residents, and this theft will cause real upset and anger.
“Detectives are investigating this break-in and we are liaising closely with our partners at Kirklees Council to do everything we can to try and identify suspects and recover the chains for communities.”
Councillor Carole Pattison, Leader of Kirklees Council, said:
“We are deeply shocked following the theft of the historic Mayoral Chains from Dewsbury Town Hall. The mayoral chains are an important part of Dewsbury’s civic heritage. Their significance to the people and history of Dewsbury is even greater than their monetary value.
“We are working closely with West Yorkshire Police to support their investigation and urge anyone with information to contact the police so we can recover these local treasures.”
DI Ubhi further appealed for witnesses, saying:
“Anyone who saw persons behaving suspiciously on the roof of the town hall or nearby it from about 8pm on Sunday night or who has any information at all about the theft is urged to contact us."