We're spilling the beans on a new trend emerging in Leeds, which has seen some young people swap out eggs for baked beans as part of a new prank.
According to officers, a new 'beaning' trend is emerging in the city - seeing local kids covering people’s houses and cars in baked beans.
In what some have described as ‘worrying’, some young people have apparently been caught throwing (or in some cases, delicately placing) the bright orange breakfast favourite on top of parked vehicles and local properties.
In response, police officers in Morley have now urged shop workers to be aware of "youths" buying "large quantities of cans of beans."
They have also told parents to be on the lookout for children "removing cans of beans from the family home."
Suffice to say, these kids need to learn to treat people like the human beans they really are.
It’s not just happening in Leeds, either. Further afield, a woman in Cumbria recently returned to her car to find that a can of beans had been gently laid on top of the bonnet in retribution for her supposedly 'blocking a gate.'
Whilst she was initially upset, with the benefit of Heinz-sight Emma also admitted that she found the beaning funny - despite complaining that it’s "also time I don’t have to waste cleaning them off my car."
Emma had left her car in a car park used by BAE Systems employees in Barrow, and came back to find not just beans but also an offensive note stuck to her vehicle
In this case, given the contents of the note, we don't think that local children can possibly be to blame - suggesting that perhaps the new police warning should also be extended to include irate adults, too.
The angry note read: "This is not a parking space. People need regular access to these back gates and you're stopping them!!! There is clearly signs on both gates indicating that access is needed and not to park near them.
"Do this again and we will contact BAE systems HR department and we will also go to the council.
"If you want a proper car parking space wake up earlier.”
On a serious note, we do realise that, just like 'egging', 'beaning' is technically an act of vandalism. Still, we can't help but wonder if it's all bean blown a bit out of proportion.
News
Retail giant Uniqlo delays opening date for new Leeds store
It's official, Uniqlo is making its way to Leeds. Well, it's about time isn't it?
You may remember last June that murmurings of Uniqlo opening in Leeds were happening.
The news spread after planning documents appeared for new ‘Uniqlo’ signage on the Store House building on Briggate.
We've been keeping our fingers crossed that the news was actually true, and it is.
Uniqlo themselves have confirmed that three new stores will be popping up across the UK over the next two years, with one of them being right here in Leeds.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Their first store of the roll-out opened in Birmingham's Bullring, followed by a new store in Bristol this year.
Leeds was also meant to open this year, but unfortunately, Uniqlo has announced things are delayed and its opening will be pushed into 2027.
The Leeds store will be 1,100 square metres and will be located on Briggate in the old House of Fraser site.
CGI mockups from firms Thirty One Design and Ink Associates include the glass fronted store with Uniqlo’s signature red signage hanging above the door and off the building.
These will be made from sheet metal with a “sprayed finish” – sounds pretty swanky if you ask us.
Uniqlo UK COO Alessandro Dudech stated: "Uniqlo remains committed to strengthening its presence within the UK retail sector by expanding both our physical store network and ecommerce capabilities nationwide.
"As part of this strategic initiative, we look forward to introducing Uniqlo to the communities and visitors in the North of England, at the new Leeds location and simultaneously reaching customers in the South West in Bristol's Cabot Circus.".
Uniqlo is known for its affordable and minimalist clothing, stocking everything from raincoats and puffer jackets to jeans and a wide range of accessories.
We’ll keep you updated on the timeframe, as to be honest we’re just as excited as you are to be welcoming Uniqlo to the high street.
Police urgently appeal after teenage boy was stabbed in Leeds over bank holiday weekend
Emily Sergeant
Detectives are appealing for witnesses after a teenage boy was stabbed in Leeds over the bank holiday weekend.
West Yorkshire Police explained that officers were called out to Roundhay Road at around at 6:05pm on Monday 31 August following reports that a 13-year-old boy had been stabbed, and once they arrived on the scene, the victim was located and subsequently taken to hospital, where he received treatment for an injury described as non-life-threatening.
Police say the incident occurred near to the Leeds West Indian Carnival, but are keen to assure the public that they believe this was an 'isolated and targeted' act.
Following further enquiries, it is now believed that the actual offence occurred on Shepherd’s Lane, potentially near the junction with Back Hares Avenue.
Investigating officers have released information on the suspect and identified several people they are keen to speak to.
As the police investigation is ongoing, Detective Chief Inspector Scott Hartley commented: "This is clearly a concerning incident in which a young teenage boy has suffered a significant stab wound.
"We have extensive enquiries ongoing, including house to house enquiries and reviewing CCTV. We are conscious though that this offence has occurred near to the Leeds West Indian Carnival and there will have been a large number of people in the vicinity who may not necessarily be from the Chapeltown area.
“The suspect for this offence is described as being male, around 15-16 years-old and was wearing a balaclava. He was with two girls. We are keen to speak to anyone who believes they may have seen this group in the area or who witnessed any part of this incident.
"Although this was a serious incident, our enquiries so far suggest it was an isolated and targeted act... [and] we remain focused on identifying those responsible and providing reassurance to the community."
Can you help? Anyone with information is asked to contact Leeds CID online, or by calling 101, quoting crime reference 13260496572.
Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Georgina Pellant -
14th September 2021 
