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08
Jul 2021
Harrogate jeweller not warned about 'terrifying' police VIP exercise
A Harrogate jeweller has spoken of her terror when specialist officers took over her shop as part of a VIP training exercise.
Mona Norman, who owns Fogal & Barnes on Oxford Street, spotted the plain clothed officers on the street before they made their way into her shop on Tuesday morning.
She said she had no warning so feared, with one of the officers blocking the door, that she was going to be the victim of a robbery.
The Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit (CDSOU) had planned the visit in advance but did not tell Mrs Norman.
Harrogate is often the stage for such training exercises. However, the unit should have asked for permission in advance.
A senior officer on behalf of the CDSOU has since apologised to Mrs Norman and admitted that it fell short of standards.
Mrs Norman told the Stray Ferret:
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She said she lost money during the two hour long training exercise and believes that she deserves compensation from the police.
A Durham Constabulary spokesman said in response:
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