A Harrogate hairdresser wants to raise awareness of a scam after two men claiming to be window cleaners stole her mobile phone.
Linzi Underwood had been working at Harrogate Hair Studio on St Mark’s Avenue for just two weeks when the incident occurred on Monday.
She was with a client just before midday when two men entered and waved around paperwork. She said one of them “came within half a metre of my face” and, unable to speak much English, just kept shouting “window cleaning, window cleaning”.
Within 30 seconds the pair had distracted Ms Underwood and her client enough to steal her phone and run away.
She described the experience as “intimidating”. She said her client just froze in the chair and with a man shouting in her face Ms Underwood felt powerless to do anything.
She said:
“I’m guessing they watched and waited for my colleague to leave because within two minutes they were in the shop.”
Ms Underwood’s phone contains all her bookings and client details so she is struggling to make new appointments.
She added:
“It would be great to have my phone back but I know that’s unlikely. Now I want to raise awareness. After posting on social media so many people commented saying a similar scam had happened near them.”
Ms Underwood reported the incident to police as soon as it happened and officers visited today to collect CCTV footage.
She said it is clear on CCTV the men make hand gestures in the mirror to indicate they had stolen something.
North Yorkshire Police has said the “investigation is ongoing”. It said it was aware another Harrogate business was targeted by the scammers on the same day.
A spokesperson said:
“Both incidents are under investigation. If anyone else believes they have also been targeted by the two men, please report it to North Yorkshire Police.
“We urge businesses to be alert to the tactic that uses distraction and intimidation to distract staff while the suspects steal their property.”
To report a crime head to www.northyorkshire.police.uk or call 101, if you are threatened, always call 999.
The reference number for this case is 12220061129.
Empty Ripon pub plagued with anti-social behaviour to be redevelopedThe Ship Inn, in the shadow of Ripon Cathedral, was once one of the city’s landmark pubs.
Since its closure, two years ago, the vacant site has been the location for a number of incidents of violence, anti-social behaviour and vandalism.
The area has planning permission for the creation of ten dwellings but in the meantime, the premises have been secured with metal shuttering on doors and windows, while a sign says that all internal valuables have been removed.
The former pub, is to be converted into five apartments and the 0.34 acre site will also include a detached house and four terraced houses.
Architects Watson Batty Properties LLP has submitted a planning application to Harrogate Borough Council, seeking ‘a changed location by 3m to the northwest of 4 terraced houses and revised fenestration featuring ivory sandblasted masonry walling with pewter split face feature banding.’
Once that application has been determined the site will be ready for its transformation from empty pub to residential use.
The site is close to Ripon Cathedral
Residents living on Bondgate and adjoining streets, who have witnessed gangs of youths causing trouble in the area, will hope the redevelopment of the site may help tackle the problem.
Government guidance on how new developments can reduce crime and create safer communities, says:
“Good design means a wide range of crimes from theft to terrorism are less likely to happen by making committing those crimes more difficult. It helps create safer places.”
Police issue CCTV pics of 6 people after Harrogate assault
*Update* – North Yorkshire Police has now identified the six individuals in the CCTV pictures and they are assisting officers with their investigation.
Police have issued CCTV images of six people – three men and three women, they would like to speak to following an assault in Harrogate.
The incident took place in the early hours of the morning on Sunday, February 13 at an unnamed bar on Cheltenham Parade.
A North Yorkshire Police press release tonight said:
“The incident involved a large group of people who were involved in an altercation, which resulted in a number of people in the bar being assaulted and receiving injuries.
“Despite enquiries with neighbouring police forces, the identity of the people captured in the CCTV images remains outstanding.
“Therefore, detectives from Harrogate criminal investigation department are asking members of the public to get in touch if they recognise the people in the images, as they believe they hold important information which will help the investigation.”
Police urged anyone who recognises the people in the images, or who has any information regarding the incident, to contact them by calling 101, selecting option 2 and asking to speak to Detective Constable 604 Naomi Harris.
You can also email naomi.harris@northyorkshire.police.uk.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Quote reference number 12220025651 when passing on information.
City council to make formal complaint about policing in RiponRipon councillors have voted unanimously to make a formal complaint against the city’s police amid fears that the force has lost public confidence.
Concerns about the failure to tackle and eradicate the recurring problems of criminal activity in Ripon, combined with a perceived lack of urgency in their response to 101 calls made by the public, were voiced by Independent and Conservative councillors alike.
In a further blow for residents worried about the lack of police resources to deal with violent and anti-social behaviour, members at last night’s Ripon City Council meeting were told that the provision of a custody suite at the Stonebridgegate site that police share with the city’s firefighters will not materialise.
The promised custody suite will not be added at that site that Ripon Police share with firefighters.
Former North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Philip Allott, pledged to fund the project and provide two additional cctv cameras, in a two-pronged plan to support enhanced policing in the city.
But Independent council leader Andrew Williams, said:
“The promises he made were nothing more than pie in the sky, there was no way in a million years that he was going to be able to pay for these facilities out of his community budget. The custody suite alone would have cost up to £7 million.”
Cllr Williams revealed that Zoe Metcalfe, who was elected commissioner in November following Mr Allott’s resignation – in the face of widespread condemnation of remarks he made in a radio interview about the Sarah Everard murder trial – had requested the council to submit a complaint to her about policing in Ripon.
He said:
“When I and three fellow councillors met with her last week, we had a frank discussion and after listening to our concerns, she asked the council to make a formal complaint, so that she can take the necessary official steps to address the matter.
“Resident are being asked to pay more for policing through their council tax and what they are receiving in Ripon at the moment is not fit for purpose.”
Cllr Mike Chambers, who is also cabinet member for housing and safer communities on Harrogate Borough Council, said:
“I have been pressing the commissioner for more warranted police officers on the beat in Ripon, because the PCSOs (police community support officers) have only limited powers to take action when an incident occurs.”
Cllr Pauline McHardy, an independent city and district councillor, added:
Bilton man cleans graffiti from mural bridge again“I spoke with a market stallholder who had their cash box stolen early last Thursday morning. They reported it straight away but the police didn’t send anybody to investigate the theft. This just isn’t good enough.”
A community-spirited Bilton man is determined to keep a mural looking its best after another attack by vandals.
Chris Knight was spurred into action today after the iron bridge, which connects Woodfield Drive and Claro Road, was defaced.
It is not the first time Mr Knight has cleaned the mural: he also cleaned the bridge when vandals painted a swastika and anti-Pakistani messages on it last year.
He told the Stray Ferret:
“Plenty of people were quite happy to see me cleaning the bridge today. It gives me quite the sense of achievement to do these things for the area.
“It did not take quite as long as last time, they must have used quite cheap paint. I am not one to wait around for other people to take action.
“The words of my old boss really stuck with me. There are three types of people — those who do things, those who watch people do things and those who wonder what happened.
“I have always wanted to be the type of person who can step-up.”
Emma Garness, the artist who created the mural, used special paint to protect it from graffiti, which enables Mr Knight to clean it without damaging the artwork.
The mural, which was designed to become a beacon of positivity in the area, was well received by local residents.
No.9: Persistent crime in RiponIn this article, which is part of a series on the 15 stories in the Harrogate district that shaped 2021, we look at the persistent problems on the streets of Ripon.
Stories about violent and anti-social behaviour in Ripon have featured regularly in the news this year.
Among the most disturbing, was our report in August about a terrifying ordeal for a young boy, who was held up by a man and a youth at knifepoint and robbed of this trainers, mobile phone and jewellery.
The thugs, who threatened to ‘shank’ his leg with the knife if he didn’t do as told, were soon arrested by the police and brought to justice.
In February, a Ripon retailer came to the aid of a man who was being set upon by two vicious thugs in broad daylight.
The retailer, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Stray Ferret the attack occurred when the victim remonstrated with youths who had thrown a snowball at him. He said:
“As I came out of the shop, the man was on the ground and one of the youths was kicking him in the head, while another was stamping on his face.
“I thought that they were going to kill him – I shouted at them and they ran off.”
Earlier that month, we reported on a three-hour spate of crime in Ripon on a Sunday evening that included a man carrying a machete, a robbery, thefts and gangs gathering.
The incidents, included a robbery in which a 23-year-old man suffered facial injuries after being attacked by two or three males, who stole his phone and watch.
Following the incidents, Inspector Alex Langley, head of neighbourhood policing for Ripon, tried to reassure people that the events were being taken seriously and that “we will be taking robust action against those responsible”.
Philip Allott, North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner at the time, responded by saying he hoped an increased police presence in the city would send a message that “crime will not be tolerated”. He also urged more residents to “break silence” and report anything suspicious.
“Officers know who the perpetrators are, they have made arrests, they have got a grip on the situation, and I am confident of that.
“One of the problems we have in Ripon is sometimes a wall of silence by certain families and that makes it quite difficult to apprehend people.
“The police will still get those people. It just takes a bit longer.
But further violent and anti-social behaviour in August prompted police to step-up patrols and launch investigations into four separate incidents
At the time, detective superintendent Steve Thomas, of North Yorkshire Police, said:
“Following the success of local policing operations to reduce anti-social behaviour in Ripon over recent months these latest incidents are disappointing.
“We are determined that this small group of individuals are held to account for behaviour that harms the quality of life for everyone else.
“Local residents will see an increase in police presence over the coming days and we want to reassure you that we will do everything necessary to tackle this isolated problem.”
This is just a snapshot of some of the incidents that police in Ripon have had to tackle in 2021. They have also run, in conjunction with Operation Spectre, a national campaign to engage with schoolchildren in the city about the dangers of knife crime and taking drugs.
Sergeant Heidi Lewis, of the schools liaison team, said officers were there to build relationships with the children and answer any questions. She said:
“Education at an early stage is crucial to steer children away from falling into a criminal lifestyle and becoming exploited.
“Some young people think it’s safe to carry a knife in case they need it for self-defence – but this could not be further from the truth. Any knife in the hands of anyone can cost lives.”
The city will be hoping to make headlines for more positive reasons in 2022.
Ripon councillors call on crime commissioner to keep CCTV promiseNorth Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Zoe Metcalfe has been called on by Ripon City Council to keep a promise made by her predecessor regarding the purchase of CCTV cameras to combat violent and anti-social behaviour.
Former commissioner Philip Allott, who resigned in October, said he would pay £20,000 for two cameras out of his PFCC community fund.
He pledged in September to pay for cameras for use in the Bondgate area of the Ripon, following a “mini crime wave”.
He told a meeting of North Yorkshire County Council‘s Skipton and Ripon Area Constituency Committee that his office was willing to pay for the extra cameras, costing £10,000 apiece, if Ripon City Council submitted an application — which it did.
He subsequently resigned before the cameras were bought.
The PFCC has now said in an email to the city council:
“The PFCC community fund is not, at this stage – under the funding criteria as it stands – in a position to support your application for the CCTV requested.”
The email added that the PFCC has agreed with North Yorkshire County Council that a joint strategic approach to a countywide CCTV review will proceed after the May local elections next year.
Ms Metcalfe told the Stray Ferret:
“It is deeply disappointing that the previous commissioner committed resources without advice and full consideration of the funding criteria of the community fund, and I am sorry the city council has been put in this position.
“Unfortunately, if we were to fund CCTV for one area, we would find ourselves in an impossible position of being asked to replicate this type of provision across the whole of York and North Yorkshire.
“The funding pot we have available is simply unable to support this, which is why it is important we take an overall view.
“I give my full assurance to the city council and the residents and businesses of Ripon that my team and I will support them to address their community safety concerns together with the appropriate statutory partners.”
Councillor Andrew Williams, leader of Ripon City Council, said:
“I have been contacted by the commissioner, who has offered to meet with me.
“I will be taking her up on the offer, so that I can press the case that residents in Bondgate were promised by her predecessor two CCTV cameras, which are much-needed to ensure that residents who have felt blighted by anti-social behaviour feel safe.
“The temporary camera installed in Bondgate by Harrogate Borough Council earlier this year had a significant impact and a permanent solution now needs to be delivered as promised.”
Mr Allott, stood down after making comments in a radio interview about the murder of Sarah Everard murder trial.
Police have released CCTV footage of convicted murderer Daniel Ainsley’s final movements before he killed Mark Wolsey.
Ainsley was sentenced to life in prison yesterday for murdering Mr Wolsey, 48, on Mayfield Grove on March 5.
Following sentencing, North Yorkshire Police has released footage used to prosecute Ainsley.
The three-minute clip, which can be played below, shows the 24-year-old going into Asda supermarket on Bower Road to purchase a set of kitchen knives with his own bank card.
He later goes outside the store to dispose of all but one of them before walking back to 38 Mayfield Grove where he stabbed Mr Wolsey multiple times.
At Leeds Crown Court last month, Ainsley pleaded not guilty to murder on the grounds of diminished responsibility but admitted manslaughter.
However, Mark McKone QC, prosecuting, said the CCTV footage demonstrated that Ainsley knew what he was doing and that the killing was premeditated.
He told Leeds Crown Court:
“There can be no doubt that the defendant intended to kill Mark.
“The defendant knew exactly what he was doing and did it in a calm and calculated way.”
The defence’s case that Ainsley was suffering from a personality disorder which “impaired his ability to form a rational judgement” did not convince a jury.
He was convicted of murder on October 22 and sentenced to a minimum of 22 years in prison yesterday.
Speaking after sentencing, Detective Superintendent Fran Naughton, head of crime at North Yorkshire Police, said:
“I am pleased with today’s sentence and that the court previously agreed with the prosecution that this was clearly a case of murder, and nothing less.
“My thoughts remain with Mark’s mother, children and his wider family who have had to sit through the trial and listen to the horrific details of his death. Nothing can bring Mark back, but I hope that his loved ones can take some comfort in the knowledge that justice has now been done.”
A mobile CCTV camera is to be deployed in Ripon to target hotspot areas for anti-social behaviour and crime.
Ripon City Council has this week agreed to purchase the surveillance equipment which its leader said will act as a “significant deterrent” against “frustrating” levels of crime seen during the third national lockdown.
It comes as the authority discussed using the cameras in March in an effort to tackle anti-social behaviour which has blighted the city.
Speaking at a meeting on Tuesday, Cllr Andrew Williams, leader of the council, said:
“We have witnessed in recent months problems with anti-social behaviour across the city.
“Thankfully the pressure that this council has brought to bear upon the relevant authorities has led to a significant improvement.
“But I do think it would be helpful in terms of supporting police efforts generally across the city, and reinforcing the point that the city council and city as a whole won’t tolerate anti-social behaviour, that we have a mobile CCTV camera.
“The ability to deploy a camera would act as a significant deterrent and be extremely useful.”
Cllr Williams said a “yob culture” had developed in the city with recent reports of crimes including street robberies, assaults on emergency workers and members of the public being spat at.
He previously said empty streets and dark evenings earlier in the lockdown had created the “perfect storm” for crime and that some residents – including himself – had become too afraid to leave their homes on an evening.
Cllr Wiliams also raised concerns over the number of officers patrolling the streets.
In February, North Yorkshire Police responded by stepping up patrols and said it had made “a number” of arrests, recovered drugs and seized criminal property including cash, imitation firearms and other weapons.
This was after the spate of crime prompted a meeting between city councillors and North Yorkshire, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Julia Mulligan who later said she was “confident” that officers were dealing with the problem “robustly”.
At Tuesday’s meeting, city council clerk Paula Benson said the CCTV camera could cost more than £7,000 and that the authority hoped to secure the funds through grants.
Cllr Stuart Martin said:
“It is absolutely essential that we support the police in the fight against crime and the more we can do to help them the better.
“It is a good move forward and a good use of public money.”
In a direct plea to those causing anti-social behaviour problems, North Yorkshire Police inspector Alex Langley previously said:
Mobile cameras to be used to reduce crime in Ripon“If you commit anti-social behaviour and mindless acts of theft and criminal damage we will take every opportunity to investigate and prosecute you.
“As a young person you may not realise that throwing that stone or stealing some alcohol may result in a criminal record – and that a criminal record could prevent you accessing higher education and certain types of employment.
“Please stop and think about the consequences of your actions and how your decisions today could impact on your future.”
Two mobile CCTV cameras are to be employed in the fight against crime in Ripon.
Additional police patrols in city crime hotspots have reduced tension in recent weeks after a spate of anti-social behaviour and violence.
But Ripon City Council is mindful that the recent high visible police presence is not likely to be maintained.
Councillors at last night’s virtual full council meeting agreed that cameras could play a role in helping tackle the problem.
City council leader Andrew Williams told the meeting that Harrogate Borough Council has mobile CCTV facilities that can be used in Ripon. The cameras can be attached to items such as lampposts and moved around as necessary. He said:
“We very much appreciate the stepping up of police patrols in the city, which have proved effective.
“However, in the longer-term maintaining the same level of policing on the streets is not sustainable and we need to provide the police with additional resources.”
Stuart Martin, who is also a district and county councillor, added he has approached North Yorkshire County Council to discuss the use of a mobile camera owned by the authority.
The devices would be additional to the fixed CCTV cameras used to watch over parts of the city, such as Market Square.
Bondgate in Ripon is one of the crime hotspots that may soon be covered by mobile CCTV.
Cllr Martin said:
“I have also spoken with the county highways team about the need to keep street lighting on in the areas where the mobile cameras are deployed, so that clear images can be captured.”
It was agreed that the city council will liaise with North Yorkshire Police and Harrogate Borough Council for advice on the best locations in Ripon for the mobile cameras.
This will enable them to be employed as both a deterrent and a means of identifying, arresting and prosecuting those involved in violent and anti-social behaviour.
Last year, Ripon councillors voted unanimously to join forces with the police to tackle crime in the city.
In February, North Yorkshire’s police, fire and crime commissioner Julia Mulligan told a virtual meeting with councillors that the force had ‘taken its eye off the ball’ on policing in Ripon.
Earlier in the month, the Stray Ferret reported that residents were scared to go out on the city’s streets following a spate of violent and criminal activity in the Bondgate area.