Town’s leisure centre affected by break-in

The culprits forced their way into Batley Baths and Recreation Centre in Cambridge Street between 3.30am and 4am on Tuesday, April 7.

Det Insp Steph Wiseman, of Kirklees CID, said: “Whoever has done it has approached the side of the building and forced open a weak latch on the fire door.

“They went through the premises and activated the alarm.”

The offenders tried to dismantle the building’s CCTV cameras and made a mess at the facility.

“It doesn’t look as though they’ve taken anything. We don’t have a report of anything stolen at the minute.

“Enquiries will be made to see if there’s anything on CCTV.”

Officers from the Batley and Spen Neighbourhood Policing Team are now on the hunt for the culprits.

A spokesman for Kirklees Active Leisure, who deliver the service, said: “A break-in took place, however due to security measures in place very little was stolen. 

“Unfortunately damage to the centre caused by the break-in meant that although the centre still opened, it was delayed until 10.30am.”

A variety of sports activities are offered at the centre. Batley Baths re-opened in 1986 with a refurbished swimming pool and fitness suite after a fire in 1978 gutted 90 per cent of the old large pool.

Anybody who has any information about the attempted burglary should call the Batley and Spen Neighbourhood Policing Team on 101.