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28
May
Police reveal details of bank holiday crime wave in Harrogate district
A spate of burglaries and thefts were committed across the Harrogate district over the bank holiday weekend.
North Yorkshire Police yesterday (May 27) urged both businesses and residents to remain vigilant following a series of recent break-ins and attempted break-ins at homes, businesses and outbuildings.
Many incidents took place locally.
The force said it recorded four attempted home break-ins in Harrogate in one day on Friday, May 23.
A business was also targeted in Harrogate on Monday, May 26, which led to two arrests.
In Ripon, three commercial break-ins were reported over the weekend. Police said a man entered a restaurant through a fire exit on May 25, but fled when disturbed.
A drill and a charity box were stolen from a business on May 26, whilst windows were smashed and items stolen from a separate business the same day.
Two homes were also entered in Ripon on May 25 and May 26, when a purse and bank cards were stolen.
Police also recorded two burglaries in Hampsthwaite between May 26 and 27. Motorbikes were stolen from a garage at one property, and two sets of car keys stolen from the other home.
A locked shed was broken into in Sicklinghall and a red quad bike was taken between May 22 and 23, the statement added.
The front door of a home in Beckwithshaw was smashed on May 24, but the offenders fled, whilst tools and cables were stolen from a unit in Spofforth between May 24 and 25.
A number of other incidents occurred across the county over the bank holiday, including the theft of a £30,000 John Deere 875 Gator and a car, outside of the Harrogate district.
Precautions
Yesterday’s statement said officers were investigating all the incidents.
The force urged anyone with information, CCTV or dashcam footage that may assist investigations to get in touch.
Police also shared tips that could prevent offenders from targeting homes, including:
- Keeping all doors and windows locked, even when at home.
- Using alarms and immobilisers on your vehicles and securing them in garages or with gates if possible.
- Making sure sheds, garages, and outbuildings are secure.
- Installing motion-activated lighting where possible.
- Keeping valuables out of sight and marking your property.
- Checking that any CCTV or security systems are working.
North Yorkshire Police also said:
We understand how upsetting and disruptive being burgled can be. By taking a few simple steps, we can all work together to make it harder for criminals.
Our officers are out and about across our area as we continue to work around the clock to keep you and your property safe.
If you’ve seen anything suspicious, or captured anything relevant on CCTV or dash-cam footage, that can assist our enquiries, please visit our website, call us on 101, or report anonymously via Crimestoppers on their website or by calling 0800 555 111.
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