Harrogate district police inspector reveals local crime hotspots

A Harrogate district police inspector has revealed the district’s crime hotspots — and what police are doing to tackle them.

Inspector Ed Rogerson addressed members of Harrogate Borough Council’s overview and scrutiny committee last night.

Insp. Rogerson, who works for North Yorkshire Police’s Harrogate outer area, identified five areas as causes for concern.

1 Around McDonald’s in Harrogate

Insp. Rogerson said the area around McDonald’s and Oxford Street in Harrogate had “always been an issue” and attracted “lots of anti-social behaviour reports”. He attributed this to it being a meeting point for young people plus the fact the restaurant is open 24 hours and includes free WiFi. He said police were working with businesses to take a ‘more active role’ to address problems.

2 Strawberry Dale, Mayfield Grove and Nydd Vale Terrace in Harrogate

Insp. Rogerson said “some particular residential streets” had issues, and named Strawberry Dale, Mayfield Grove and Nydd Vale Terrace. But he said these streets had “seen a considerable reduction” after the main problematic property in that area was subject to a closure order obtained by the multi-agency community safety hub, which works collectively to address crime. He said police continued to liaise with the landlord and would continue to hold ‘community surgeries’ at which local people could talk to officers and “pass on concerns”. Insp. Rogerson also said there had been an increase in tackling traffic offences on Strawberry Dale and the nearby Asda as part of the police’s Operation Chrome operation.

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3 Bower Street in Harrogate

Insp. Rogerson said Bower Street was the only location reported more than once as making people feel unsafe. Police experts on long-term crime solving were considering what to do. He added:

“It’s still an open case with the community safety hub who are seeking funding for environmental improvements in the area to reduce reports of anti-social behaviour.”

4 Boroughbridge

Insp. Rogerson said “a small group of young people in Boroughbridge are causing anti-social behaviour and crime problems at the moment”. He said police were working with social care and schools and there were likely to be “some charges coming in the future” which would enable the perpetrators to get support from youth offending teams. He added:

“We don’t want it to escalate. We want to help the children so it protects them and the community as well.”

Councillor Robert Windass, a Conservative who represents Boroughbridge, told the meeting he had received “numerous reports” of drug taking in the Back Lane car park and urged police to “up patrols and get rid of drug dealers”. Insp. Rogerson said two new police community support officers were joining his team and he would ensure everyone was aware of the problem.

5 Knaresborough housing sites

Insp. Rogerson said there had been a spate of burglaries from new build housing developments in Knaresborough and surrounding areas. Boilers and new white goods were particularly targeted, he said.

“There’s a lot of new build sites in and around Knaresborough and these locations are vulnerable. It’s hard to keep an eye on everything even with 24-hour security.”

He said the force was “updating its problem solving plan and will be working with housing developers to reduce” such incidents.

Insp Ed Rogerson and Lisa Winward

Inspector Ed Rogerson and chief constable Lisa Winward at last night’s meeting.

‘Still one of the safest places’

North Yorkshire chief constable Lisa Winward, who also attended the meeting, said overall crime levels were “fairly consistent” in the Harrogate district but reports of anti-social behaviour were down by 43% and the number of fatal road traffic collisions had fallen by 50%.

The chief constable said North Yorkshire remained “one of the safest places in the country” and some 200 extra officers were being recruited as part of the UK government’s bid to get 20,000 more police.

She added 101 and 999 response rates were “still not where we want to be” but added she had recently signed an agreement with the North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for an additional budget of £1.9m to increase staffing in the force control room.

Man charged following Harrogate town centre burglaries

A man has been arrested and charged following reports of burglaries in Harrogate.

The man, who is in his 30s, was charged with stealing cash and high value items from two businesses in the town centre yesterday morning.

He was due to appear before Harrogate Magistrates Court today (Tuesday, January 17).

A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said:

“Just 24 hours after receiving reports of these burglaries, a suspect was in custody and was scheduled to appear before the courts.

“While some investigations take a considerable amount of time to complete,  it’s rewarding and reassuring for victims when we can conclude an investigation so quickly.”

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Police release CCTV after Ripon Rugby Club burglary

North Yorkshire Police has released a CCTV image of a man it wants to speak to following a burglary at Ripon Rugby Club.

The clubhouse was broken into at 10.47pm on December 18 and bottles of alcohol were stolen from the bar.

Officers today appealed to the public to get in touch if they recognise the man pictured or know where he can be found.

A statement from police added:

“Anyone with any information is asked to email paul.griffiths@northyorkshire.police.uk or call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2 and ask for Paul Griffiths.

“If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

“Please quote reference number 12220223467 when passing on information.”

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Man pleads guilty to headbutting two police officers in Boroughbridge

A man has pleaded guilty to headbutting two police officers in Boroughbridge last year.

Jonathan Carradus, 32, was charged with assaulting emergency workers and occasioning actual bodily harm on July 10, 2022.

Carradus appeared before Harrogate Magistrates Court on Thursday and spoke only to confirm his name and enter his plea.

The 32-year-old, who gave an address in Cumbria, was charged with assaulting the officers in the town.

Antony Farrell, prosecuting, told the court that Carradus had an argument with his girlfriend and had left the property on the street to get into his car at 11.15pm.

Officers from North Yorkshire Police then stopped him after responding to reports of an “ongoing domestic” in the area.

The court heard that Carradus refused to offer a specimen and began being aggressive with the named police constables.

Mr Farrell said the 32-year-old headbutted one of the officers and a struggle started.

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Carradus then assaulted the second officer and continued to resist arrest, the court heard.

His defence said that he had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity and that the incident “went the wrong way”.

The magistrates ordered Carradus to appear before the court on January 27 to be sentenced.

Knaresborough man admits assaulting two police officers in Harrogate

A man has admitted assaulting two police officers outside Tesco Express in Harrogate town centre.

Jonathon Bogg, 31, pleaded guilty to two charges of assault by beating of an emergency worker on December 11, 2022.

The court heard how Bogg had been spotted by the officers on Cambridge Road and tried to run.

The 31-year-old was being pursued by police for another offence. Once caught, he punched both officers in the face and head.

Bogg, of Windsor Lane, Knaresborough, appeared before Harrogate Magistrates Court this morning where he spoke only to confirm his name and enter his plea.

He also admitted a further charge of being in possession of 10mg of diazepam, which is a class C controlled drug.

Bogg was bailed and ordered to appear before the court on January 27 to be sentenced.

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People urged to ‘be vigilant’ for Ripon man missing for two weeks

Police have urged people to be vigilant for sightings of a Ripon man who has been missing for two weeks.

Gavin Dhont, 45, was last seen in the city on Tuesday, December 6 and officers said they are extremely worried for his welfare.

Gavin enjoys walks in areas including the Hell Wath, Studley Roger, Studley Royal Park and along the River Ure. He also enjoys visiting Ripon Wetlands.

North Yorkshire Police has urged people to keep an eye out for him over Christmas.

Inspector Ed Rogerson said: 

“We’re doing everything we can to try and locate Gavin but you, the public, are vital extra eyes and ears to help look for him.

“We know many people will be out and about enjoying the countryside over the festive period and we’d really urge you to be vigilant for any sightings of Gavin.

“We’d also ask everyone in the areas near Gavin’s home and where he is known to walk, to please check any doorbell footage which may give information as to the direction he travelled in.

“If you have any information which could help please call 101 or 999 for an immediate sighting. Your support is invaluable, thank you.”

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Police are asking residents and business owners in these areas, and along Princess Road and Lead Lane, to check any video doorbells which may hold footage of Gavin.

The force has also issued posters and leaflets in the area to encourage people to keep looking for him.

Gavin Dhont

Gavin Dhont, who has been reported missing for two weeks.

In an appeal last week, Luc, Gavin’s dad, said:

“Gavin if you see or hear this appeal please contact someone. 

“Either call myself or another family member or friend or call the police. 

“We all want to know you are OK and bring you home safely. We are all very worried about you.”

Gavin is described as of thin build with short dark brown hair.

Anyone who has seen him since he went missing or who believes they know his whereabouts is urged to contact North Yorkshire Police as a matter of urgency on 101, or call 999 in an emergency and quote either his name or reference 12220219012.

Criminals damage third business on Harrogate’s Cold Bath Road

A salon has become the third business in quick succession to fall victim to criminals on Harrogate’s Cold Bath Road.

Sara Pugh Hairdressing put four mini Christmas trees in plant boxes outside the shop and decorated them with lights to spread seasonal goodwill.

But one tree has been stolen, another uprooted and the lights on all four vandalised.

Charlie Woolley, a stylist at the salon, said her friend alerted her to the damage when she noticed it on her way to work early on Sunday morning. Ms Woolley said:

“It’s just really bad and immoral. Sara does so much for charity and put so much effort into the Christmas display so it looks nice for children on their way to school.

“It’s so sad that people enjoy doing this.”

Sara Pugh hairdressing

One tree was uprooted and another was stolen.

Fortunately the giant toy bear outside the shop, which is brought inside at night, was not harmed.

Last month Dangerfield & Keane, another salon just yards from Sara Pugh Hairdressing, had its Christmas lights vandalised for the first time in 14 years.

Days later two thieves smashed their way into  James Barber Tobacconist on the other side of the road closer to town and stole cigars and whiskey.

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North Yorkshire Police urged to explain 20mph zones enforcement

Police and North Yorkshire crime commissioner, Zoe Metcalfe, are facing mounting pressure over claims that 20mph zones in the county are never enforced.

Councillors from across the political spectrum in North Yorkshire have said residents deserve answers from both the force and Ms Metcalfe after they declined to answer questions over why 20mph zones are not even enforced in areas such as outside schools.

Recent meetings of North Yorkshire County Council’s constituency committees have heard that although many residents want the number of 20mph zones increased or introduced across all built-up areas, zones which have been in place for 15 years had never been policed.

Councillors have said while the force’s safety camera vans enforce 30mph restrictions, irresponsible motorists appear to be able to drive with impunity in the 20mph zones.

In responses to questions over why North Yorkshire Police did not enforce 20mph zones, neither the force nor the commissioner denied 20mph zones were not policed, and the police appeared to suggest it would largely be up to trained volunteer residents to do so.

A police spokesperson said: 

“When concerns are raised by a local community about a 20mph zone, this may result in a Community Speed Watch outcome via our speed management protocol process. This process is speed and collision data-led and determines the most appropriate outcome for each complaint received.

“Anyone exceeding the speed limit whilst CSW are on deployment can be dealt with. Our roads policing officers may also be requested to conduct speed enforcement as part of their daily duties wherever it is determined necessary – again based on data.”

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When asked why 20mph zones were not being enforced, Ms Metcalfe said operational policing, such as deciding where and when to enforce the law, was the chief constable’s responsibility.

She said: 

“I am hearing that road safety is becoming more of an issue for some communities and next year I will be holding a public accountability meeting to look, in depth, at how North Yorkshire Police are keeping our roads and communities safe.

“Speeding motorists and anti-social behaviour on our roads has always been a major concern with communities and I will continue to raise this with the chief constable to ensure that the force are taking the most appropriate action necessary.”

Speed review

Cllr Keane Duncan, executive county councillor for highways, said the authority was reviewing the most effective approach to speed limits following a request by elected community representatives for a default 20mph zone throughout their area.

He said: 

“We must ensure that all of our efforts, particularly when resources are tight, are focussed on saving lives and avoiding injuries.

“As part of this review, we will be formally asking the police about their approach to speed enforcement inside 20mph limits so that councillors can consider this.”

Richmond Independent councillor Stuart Parsons said when a large 20mph zone was introduced in the town police stated there would be no enforcement, which made the zone “totally pointless”.

He said: 

“The police should be explaining why they are not enforcing the law in its entirety. 

“If they’re not there enforcing the 20mph, then they’re not going to be out there enforcing it when the cars are driving at 40mph, 60mph or 80mph. The boy racers know they risk nothing.”

While Cllr Parsons described the Community Speed Watch scheme as a farce as residents faced indefinite waits to be trained,  Stray, Woodlands and Hookstone Liberal Democrat councillor Pat Marsh said volunteers had to give motorists advanced warning of speed radar guns, which undermined the deterrent.

Cllr Marsh said she had double checked the force did not enforce 20mph zones, adding: 

“They do monitor 30mph areas, but they don’t even do that very often, they want this Community Speed Watch, which isn’t accurate and what surprises everybody is there is an allowance for people to drive at up to 37mph without incurring a fine.

“If the police and the commissioner know how people are feeling why aren’t they addressing that?”

North Yorkshire Police strip searched 90 children in three years, figures show

North Yorkshire Police carried out strip searches on 90 children over the last three years, figures show.

Figures obtained by the Stray Ferret through a Freedom of Information request show 34 children were searched in custody in 2019 alone. Twenty-seven were searched in 2020 and 29 last year.

The force said the searches involved removing jacket, overcoat and gloves and carrying out a procedure known as a “more thorough search”.

None of them involved an “exposing intimate parts” search, which the force said has not been conducted on a child under 18 in the last three years.

While the figures show the number of individuals who have been strip searched by officers following an arrest, they do not reflect whether the child had been searched on multiple occasions. 

North Yorkshire Police also revealed it had conducted a total of 43 strip searches as a result of stop and search on children since 2019.

Table showing strip searches carried out by North Yorkshire Police. Data: NYP.

Officers have the power to order an individual to remove clothing as part of stop search, if they have reasonable grounds to suspect they have a dangerous or prohibited item.

The figures come as the Children’s Commissioner for England criticised the Metropolitan Police in August this year after it was revealed the force strip searched 650 children over two years – the majority of which were found to be innocent of the suspicions against them.

Iryna Pona, policy manager at The Children’s Society, said the Home Office and police forces should investigate the practice.

She said:

“Strip searches are intrusive and traumatic for children, and we are urging the Home Office and police leaders to investigate the concerning scale of this practice.

“Guidance and training for officers needs to be reviewed to ensure strip searches only happen when absolutely necessary, and that children and young people are treated with dignity and respect. Nationally, we’ve heard examples where safeguards like an appropriate adult being present, are not followed, and we see an over-representation of black children in strip search figures.

“When police officers arrest or stop and search children this should be a golden opportunity to identify risks like exploitation to courier drugs and work with other services to offer protection and help.”

Police response

In response to the figures, a North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said:

“Alongside our partners, we work hard to engage with and educate children and young people about the consequences of crime.

“Our dedicated anti-knife crime operation, Operation Divan looks to reduce the number of young people carrying weapons by challenging misconceptions and educating them on the consequences of doing so. Working in partnership with education, social care and youth justice any young person identified as potentially carrying a weapon or being involved in county lines, drug or child exploitation is invited to take part in the scheme, which has recently been recognised by the Howard League for Penal Reform in their community awards.

“Thanks to our preventative approach and our close partnership working, the number of children arrested has also fallen year-on-year since 2018, as reported by the Howard League – The Howard League | Child arrests in England and Wales reduced by 74 per cent in a decade

“Sadly though there are some children who do become involved in criminal activity and in order to safeguard them and keep the public safe, at times it is necessary to conduct searches. Stop and search is a valuable tool in preventing and detecting crime and we recognise it is essential that its use is legitimate and proportionate, in order to maintain public trust.

“We follow guidance from the College of Policing regarding the use of stop and search and we have a number of measures in place to ensure that decisions around its use are recorded and scrutinised. We believe transparency is important to maintaining public trust, so our stop and search figures are published to our website on a monthly basis. Stop and search | North Yorkshire Police”

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A spokesperson for the children’s charity the NSPCC said:

“Like all forces, North Yorkshire Police must fully acknowledge that safeguarding should be at the heart of their policies and procedures when it comes to searching children.

“National guidance on the use of these searches would provide clarity and help to ensure young people’s rights and needs are paramount in these situations.”

Harrogate solicitor jailed after breaching restraining order

A solicitor who rammed his car into his wife’s home in Harrogate and subjected her to “mental torture” has been jailed for breaching a restraining order designed to protect her.

Richard Wade-Smith, 66, was spared jail in September after he admitted harassment causing fear of violence, damaging property and drink-driving.

That followed an unrelenting harassment campaign against his now-former partner which culminated in the incident on Boxing Day 2021 when Wade-Smith, who was drunk, rammed his Nissan Qashqai into his wife’s home in Slingsby Walk. 

On that occasion, Wade-Smith received a three-year community order with a rehabilitation programme and restraining order banning from contacting the victim or going anywhere near her property. 

It was hoped that a non-custodial sentence would enable him to “rebuild his life”, but within four days of it being imposed, he went to his wife’s house and knocked on the door.

Restraining order breach

Barrister Kelly Sherif, who was prosecuting at the initial sentence hearing, said it was about 8.15am on September 19 when Wade-Smith’s wife heard a knock at her door. Wade-Smith walked off but about two hours later he returned, knocked on her door again and called her name.

The named victim went to the door, but Wade-Smith, a former “high-powered” lawyer, walked off again.

A neighbour called police and Wade-Smith was arrested. He was charged with two counts of breaching a restraining order and remanded in custody. 

He admitted the offences and was due to be sentenced in October, but Judge Sean Morris adjourned the case to look into the possibility of new hostel accommodation as an alternative to jail.

York Crown Court

York Crown Court.

Wade-Smith, of no fixed address, appeared for sentence at York Crown Court today.

The court heard that under the terms of the restraining order, Wade-Smith was supposed to go straight to Harrogate Borough Council’s offices to seek emergency accommodation following his release from custody in September.

However, Brooke Morrison, prosecuting at today’s adjourned sentence hearing, said there had been a delay in releasing him from custody which meant that when he was freed, the council offices had closed for the day and there was no room for him at any hostels in Harrogate.

He had slept rough on his first night of freedom and failed to get in touch with the council the following day, which meant that his request for hostel accommodation was turned down.

The lawyer slept in an expensive hotel for “one or two nights”, but then got drunk and ended up sleeping on the street.

He claimed that while sleeping rough he had been robbed of his credit cards and woke up in hospital. 

He said that with “nowhere else to go”, he headed for his former marital home. 

Too drunk to get out of car

Wade-Smith, who had worked for various law firms in Yorkshire and latterly ran his own legal service from Wedderburn House, was nearly twice the drink-drive limit when he rammed his car into his wife’s home on Boxing Day.

His wife was woken by a terrible “smashing” noise which she initially thought was an “explosion”. 

Wade-Smith was so drunk that police had to help him out of the car, which was damaged along with the front of the semi-detached home. 

The incident followed months of marital discord in which Wade-Smith falsely accused her of being unfaithful and forced her to flee the house.

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Wade-Smith, a Cambridge law graduate, had been in a relationship with the victim for about 22 years, but in 2021 his behaviour changed after he started drinking again.

He would “disturb (his wife’s) sleep”, waking her in the middle of the night and demanding she “answer questions” of a personal nature, said the prosecution.

In November last year, she started receiving nasty messages on a “daily basis” from Wade-Smith. On one occasion inside the house, he told her: 

“If you don’t go now, I’ll kick you down the stairs.”

Wade-Smith was said to have been suffering from psychosis and “hypermania” after becoming bipolar in middle age. 

Defence barrister Ayman Khokar said that Wade-Smith “wasn’t in his senses” when he went back to the victim’s home and breached the order.

‘Re-triggered trauma’

Judge Morris, the Recorder of York, told Wade-Smith it was his “own fault” that he was now facing a jail sentence. 

He said although it was true that he had only knocked on his wife’s door, it had “re-triggered the whole trauma of the past and that is why it has caused this (victim) very serious distress”.

He added: 

“She is in a bad way because of you, and it is a form of mental torture.”

Wade-Smith was given a 10-month jail sentence, but he will only serve half of that, less the time he had already spent on remand, before being released on prison licence. 

The judge ordered that the restraining order would remain in place indefinitely.