7 days ago
Town terrorised by 'skeleton thief' as CCTV shows prowler in creepy outfit
The thief was still dressed in the Halloween costume as he was seen attempting to use the stolen card in Huddersfield, west Yorkshire, as police appeal for information
Police are hunting for a disturbing 'skeleton thief' after bank cards were stolen and cars broken into by a masked-up man.
The costumed suspect smashed their way into the parked car in Huddersfield, Yorkshire, on July 21 in the early hours of the morning. West Yorkshire Police say they attempted to use the stolen card later the same morning at a petrol station, all while still wearing the scary Halloween outfit.
Now an appeal has been launched for help in identifying whoever is inside. West Yorkshire Police said in a statement issued this afternoon: "We have issued CCTV images of a costumed man they want to identify with in connection with a theft offence. It comes after teenage thugs beat rough sleeper to death and laughed as he lay in street.
"The Kirklees District Crime Team would like to speak to anyone who saw the male in the Westbourne Road area on 21st July or who can provide individual about someone known to wear such a costume in the Marsh area. Officers are continuing to investigate an offence on Glebe Street committed between midnight and 1am in which someone broke into a parked car and made off with a bank card and some cash.
"A suspect wearing the costume pictured later used the stolen card later the same morning at the Shell Petrol Station on Westbourne Road, Marsh," they said in the statement, issued to YorkshireLive.
The suspect is described as of slim build, and light skinned, wearing a black/white/red baseball cap with 'ITALIA' written on it, a black skeleton top and bottoms, white trainers and a skeleton mask. He also appears to have a tattoo on the rear of his right hand.
Anyone who has information about a person known to wear such a distinctive costume should call 101, referencing crime number 13250413820.
It comes just weeks after police in quiet town of Lytham expressed their concern after a naked man took to the streets wearing only a black 'gimp mask' and trainers. Lancashire Police branded CCTV video 'concerning' as residents are urged to check doorbell footage.
He was seen in various streets in the town. Police confirmed the incident took place on July 18, despite suggestions on social media that it was on July 30. The incident was not initially reported to police, but brought to the attention of the force when it was widely shared on social media website Facebook.
Footage shows the man wearing only the mask and a pair of black‑and‑white trainers as he walks along a row of residential homes.
The Fylde Rural Task Force has conducted CCTV inquiries, as well as house-to-house calls in its hunt for information. Police insist the matter is being taken 'seriously'. Locals say the clip was then shared on the street's WhatsApp group and more footage from the night was revealed, which was posted on Facebook and has now gone viral.
'It's a gimp mask, I've watched the footage,' said one resident, who did not want to be named. "I've no idea what he thinks he's doing,' he added.
A Lancashire Police spokesperson stated: "We are aware of a concerning video circulating on social media of a naked male wearing a face covering walking around Lytham in the early hours of the morning. This occurred in the area of Westby Street, Cleveland Road and Bannister Street. We can confirm this incident occurred on the 18th July 2025 at approximately [12:50am].
"This incident was not initially reported to police and has only been brought to our attention after it has been viewed on Facebook."
" Fylde Rural Task Force are currently conducting CCTV and house‑to‑house inquiries and would like to reassure you that we are taking this matter seriously."
