Subscribe to trusted local news
In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever. By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.
- Subscription costs less than £1 a week with an annual plan.
Already a subscriber? Log in here.
05
Aug 2022
Harrogate police accused of incompetence over attack on cleaners' car
The owner of a contract cleaning company in Harrogate has accused the police of being incompetent after a man smashed up his staff's car.
David Whan, who did not want to say the name of his company for fear of being targeted, said a man, who appeared to be drunk, accused two staff members of hitting him with their car when they parked outside the office they were due to clean off Victoria Avenue on the evening of July 19.
The staff members denied hitting him and went into the empty office to clean it.
Mr Whan said the man then returned with an axe and a hammer and tried to break into the office to attack them.
The two cleaners, seeing him return, ran downstairs and locked the front door. When the man couldn't get into the office, he started to attack their car.
The man smashed the car windows, lights and doors of the vehicle, causing thousands of pounds of damage. The cleaners called the police and the man ran off when they arrived.
Mr Whan told the Stray Ferret:
Mr Whan said the two staff members gave the police a detailed description of the man and the officer said he thought he knew who it might be, even mentioning his first name.
However, they were later told that there was "insufficient evidence" and there was nothing more they could do.
Mr Whan told the Stray Ferret:
Read More:
- Owners of missing dachshund Maggie joyful she’s back home
- Business group calls for more Harrogate town centre police
Mr Whan has written to his MP, Andrew Jones, to the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner and to the chief constable, to get some answers.
In a statement, North Yorkshire Police said officers had checked for CCTV:
0