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24
Aug 2024
Concerns over derelict Harrogate hotel remain despite ‘successful’ anti-crime operation
Concerns about a derelict Harrogate hotel have persisted despite an anti-crime operation at the site being “successfully completed”.
The former Kimberley Hotel on King’s Road, which closed in December 2020, fell victim to an arson attack in 2023 amid continuing concerns about it becoming a hotbed for crime and drugs.
After the fire, North Yorkshire Police said it would contact the owners to ensure they secured the premises and would take action if they failed to comply.
The Stray Ferret published an update on the case in June following complaints the site was still an eyesore more than a year on.
The force said at the time a “problem-solving” plan to tackle continual crime and anti-social behaviour at the disused hotel had ended “due to its success”.
Police added eight incidents, which were linked to the property, happened in August 2023 alone:
At the height of the concerns in August last year, there were eight incidents linked to the property during that month alone.
These reports involved a mix of young people, vulnerable adults, street drinkers and sometimes the homeless. As well as trying to use the building, associated crimes included criminal damage, evidence of drug use and arson.
Since the turn of the year, there were no incidents reported in January, one in February, a blip in March with five, one in April and none to date since May.
Damage inside the hotel, caused by the fire. Picture: Harrogate Fire Station.
However, one couple, who live near the hotel, feel the operation may not have been quite as successful as police believe.
The couple, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Stray Ferret the hotel has become “increasingly more derelict” over the last four years, adding it is a “total eyesore”.
They also said it is a “magnet to the local youth”, some of whom have been entering the hotel through unsecured windows.
Those accessing the abandoned hotel have allegedly been stealing residents’ bins to help them reach an open window (pictured) – including the couple’s own bin.
Bin used to access open window at the hotel.
They said:
The bin shown is not ours. Ours was stolen but we retrieved it, so they pinched someone else’s.
It’s pretty had to keep up with the comings and goings at the hotel, but we have a feeling it is occupied most of the time.
However, the couple did not place blame on the police force, and instead said they feel officers can do “no more than are doing”.
“We do not want to alienate or antagonise anyone”, they told the Stray Ferret, but added the windows should be made secure “at the very least”.
Police received 'occasional reports' of suspicious activity
The Stray Ferret contacted North Yorkshire Police about the concerns. A spokesperson said:
Since our problem-solving plan was implemented in 2023, there was a marked reduction in reports of crime and antisocial behaviour, however, we realise that is no comfort to anyone if they are still experiencing crime in their neighbourhood.
Since the plan came to an end, we have received occasional reports of suspicious activity and anti-social behaviour but not to the previous levels seen at the location.
We are aware of damage caused to a window and have notified the hotel’s management.
Police said the hotel remains on their local patrol plans, adding they encourage people that witness crimes or anti-social behaviour to report is "as soon as possible".
The force added:
Please call 101 to report an incident, but if you see a crime in progress and the suspects are still at the scene, please call 999.
We also approached a representative of the hotel owners, including to ask if the owners would put preventative measures in place, but the spokesperson declined to comment.
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