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Jul 2024
Suspected Bilton van thieves aged 15 and 16 stopped by firearms police
Two boys aged 15 and 16 have been stopped by firearms officers on suspicion of burglary and stealing a van in the Bilton area of Harrogate.
Police received a 999 call at 2.03am yesterday (July 30) reporting youths stealing a van, according to a statement by North Yorkshire Police.
It is believed they had broken into a house and taken the van keys before making off in the vehicle.
A patrol team backed by the firearms support unit located the vehicle on King Edward’s Drive where one suspect was still inside the van and the other was running away.
The statement added:
Following a foot chase, the other youth was arrested and taken into custody for questioning.
The 16 and 15-year-old boys have been released on conditional bail until early September in relation to the burglary and van theft while enquiries continue.
The 16-year-old has been charged with driving without a licence and insurance. He is due to appear at Harrogate Youth Court on 30 August.
Acting detective inspector Louise Pegg, from the county command, said:
This was a great example of the public and the police working together to tackle crime.
The fast actions of the person who reported the suspicious activity allowed our response officers to quickly apprehend the suspects and recover the stolen van.
Police urged anyone with information or footage of the incident to email Louise.Rawet@northyorkshire.police.uk or call 101, select option 2, and ask for Louise Rawet.
You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or make an online report.
Quote reference number 12240136098.
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