12
May
Wanted man could be sleeping rough in the Pinewoods, say police
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A wanted Harrogate man could be sleeping rough in the Pinewoods, a 96-acre woodland south-west of the town, police have said.
North Yorkshire Police first issued an appeal for information about the whereabouts of Shane Betts, 29, on May 2.
The force said that Betts, of no fixed address, has connections to Ripon and Harrogate and is wanted on suspicion of theft, assault, criminal damage and burglary.
Nine days later, officers are still trying to track him down.
In an updated appeal today, police said the 29-year-old is wanted in connection with a spate of recent burglaries in Harrogate and could be sleeping rough in the area.
In a statement, the force said:
We believe that Betts has been sleeping rough in the Pinewoods in the Harlow Hill area although he may have moved on from there.
As well, as Harrogate, he also has connections to Ripon and Harrogate.
Extensive enquiries are ongoing to locate Betts, but we are reissuing our appeal to residents in the Harrogate area, particularly in the Harlow Hill area, to keep an eye on their outbuildings, and report anything suspicious.
The police statement added:
If you see him, or have any information about his current whereabouts, please call North Yorkshire Police on 101. If the sighting is immediate, please call 999.
Alternatively, you can pass on information anonymously through independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or via their website.
Please quote reference number 12250063851 when providing information.
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