A 19-year-old male from Harrogate appeared in court on Saturday less than 24 hours after being arrested on suspicion of possessing crack cocaine with intent to supply.

North Yorkshire Police’s Operation Expedite team, which tackles county lines drug crime, arrested the man on Cheltenham Mount, Harrogate on Friday morning.

Officers chased the male on foot after suspecting a drug deal was taking place.

A quantity of suspected crack cocaine was seized by officers.

The 19-year-old was charged with possessing Class A drugs with intent to supply and remanded in custody.

On Saturday morning, he appeared at York Magistrates’ Court (sitting in Leeds). The case has been sent for trial on November 9.

Read more:

• A suspected stabbing left a man with a punctured lung but the attacker was spared from prison. 
• The police said the stabbing on Harcourt Drive, Harrogate, is “not suspicious”. 

The police said typical signs of cuckooing – drug dealers taking over a vulnerable person’s home to sell and store drugs – are:

• Increased callers and cars at the property
• Increased antisocial behaviour at a property
• Not seeing the resident for long periods of time

Signs that a young person may be being exploited, include:

• Frequently going missing from school or home
• Unexplained money, clothes, or mobile phones
• Carrying weapons
• Significant decline in school results / performance
• Significant changes in emotional well-being

If anyone has any information, they can call North Yorkshire Police on 101. To remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police have charged a 72-year-old Harrogate woman with producing cannabis after a raid in the town at the weekend.

North Yorkshire Police attended reports of a disturbance on Saturday evening and found “cannabis littering the entire street” on Alexandra Road.

The officers investigated a house on the road and discovered a “large quantity” of cannabis plants inside.

Not long after the police also discovered two other cannabis grows on Somerset Road and on Woodlands Road.

1/3 *Last Night*
Attended a street in #Harrogate following the report of some vehicle disorder. At scene we have found a large quantity of cannabis littering the entire street. A nearby property was identified as insecure and evidence of a substantial Cannabis grow found.. pic.twitter.com/AVmpFtgw83

— Just Dave! (@PC_769) September 27, 2020

Six other suspects travelling in two vehicles left the scene of the original incident on Alexandra Road but Hertfordshire Police intercepted and arrested them.

The six people were charged with possession of class B drugs with intent to supply. They were sent to court, which remanded them in custody.

A man in his 20s was also arrested on Monday and has since been released on bail, taking the total number of arrests up to eight.

The 72-year-old woman was charged with three counts of cannabis production and awaits a trial at crown court on bail.

The measure was designed to reduce the spread of coronavirus but some fear that the 10pm curfew on pubs, bars and restaurants will have the opposite effect.

Shocking scenes from around the country of people partying on the streets minutes after 10pm.

While there were no street parties in the Harrogate district a viral video captured by Joshua Murphy in York uncovered how some responded to the new rule.

In the video hundreds of people gathered, danced and sang before a police van turned up to try and disperse the crowds.

https://www.facebook.com/JoshwaaaaaDJ/videos/10158693489882480

Read more:

• Arrests after heroin and crack cocaine seized in Harrogate
• Fifteen arrests in North Yorkshire county lines crackdown
• Ripon businessman jailed for 80mph police chase in Knaresborough

North Yorkshire Police released a statement in response to the viral video from York to say they did not make any arrests but dispersed people in under 30 minutes.

The force has said it will support hospitality businesses to ensure crowds do not gather outside premises and to ensure that customers observe the rule of six.

Superintendent Mike Walker, gold commander for North Yorkshire Police’s response to Covid-19, said:

“It’s very clear that we are at a turning point now, where everyone’s personal choices will have a significant effect upon the rate at which this virus spreads over the coming weeks. Through engagement and encouragement, we will continue to support and assist those who are taking the necessary steps to suppress the spread.”

Rob Bowles, chair of North Yorkshire Police Federation, told the Stray Ferret:

“The federation supports North Yorkshire Police’s response to the street parties over the weekend. In order to prevent something like this happening again I think the government needs to educate the public not just on what the restrictions are but also why the restrictions have come into place.”

A 20-year-old man and 16-year-old boy were arrested in Harrogate on Saturday after being found carrying large quantities of class A drugs.

North Yorkshire Police said the pair were seen acting suspiciously in the Library Gardens area of town.

Officers from the force’s Operation Expedite team, which tackles drug crime, stopped the males.

A large quantity of suspected heroin and crack cocaine was seized and the pair were arrested on suspicion of possessing class A drugs with intent to supply.

The 20-year-old was later released on bail and the 16-year-old released while under investigation. The police said enquiries are continuing.

This arrest was part of North Yorkshire Police’s attempts to disrupt county lines drug dealing.

The drugs found on the pair were suspected class A drugs.

Read more:

• The police have released footage of a high speed chase through Knaresborough. 
• During its week-long crackdown on county lines activities North Yorkshire Police made 15 arrests and visited 64 vulnerable people. 

County lines dealing is when dealers travel from outside the county to bring drugs into its towns. Vulnerable and young people are often forced to sell the drugs.

To report information of drug dealing in the area, call North Yorkshire Police on 101. To remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or contact them online here.

A 16-year-old girl from Harrogate has been arrested following reports of multiple damaged cars in two streets in Harrogate.

Four vehicles and some sunflowers were damaged on St Andrew’s Avenue and Fairfax Avenue, between 2.15am and 2.40am on Sunday morning.

The girl has been released under investigation as the police continue their enquiries.

Detective Sergeant Alex Jackson said:

“A 16-year-old girl was arrested following reports of cars and sunflowers being damaged in Harrogate and has been released under investigation whilst enquiries are ongoing.

“Anyone with any information, CCTV or dash cam footage that can help our investigation should please come forward and speak to us.

“If there are any further victims who have had their cars damaged in the area recently, please report it to us if haven’t already done so.”

Anyone with information is being asked to call North Yorkshire Police on 101 and quote the crime reference number 12200165553.

Read more:

• Police are appealing for information after a spate of burglaries took place in Harrogate last week.
• A large-scale cannabis farm has been discovered in a former nightclub in Ripon. 

North Yorkshire Police are appealing for witnesses after a spate of house burglaries in the Harrogate area in recent days.

The incidents occurred on Beckwith Road, Grove Street, Hutton Gate, Chatsworth Place and St John’s Road from Tuesday to Friday.

Burglars entered the homes through insecure doors and took car keys, house keys, a wallet and a handbag, which were within easy reach,

A North Yorkshire Police statement said:

“We are requesting the public’s assistance to help establish the full circumstances surrounding the incidents, including details about youths who have reportedly been going door-to-door trying for any insecure premises.

“If you have seen any suspicious vehicles or persons please contact the police.”

Police have urged people to keep their houses secure at night.

Read more:

• Harrogate police treatment centre reopens
• Police arrest man after incident in Harrogate Town centre

Anyone with information can contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2, and ask for Elizabeth Estensen . You can also email elizabethestensen@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk.

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

Quote the North Yorkshire Police reference number 12200162246.

The son of the police officer who lead the investigation in to Dennis Nilsen is running this year’s London marathon for the Harrogate Police Treatment Centre.

Simon Jay is the son of DCI Peter Jay, who is currently being portrayed by actor Danny Mays on ITV’s drama Des.

The programme, whose last episode aired last night, follows the police investigation into the London serial killer which resulted in a life sentence for six counts of murder and two of attempted murder.

Simon speaks of his father as his “hero” and says seeing him on the screen is “strange”. Peter Jay died only a few months before the ITV researchers contacted him, and since then Simon has met them to offer his father’s files and information on the case.

After suffering with his own mental ill health, Simon works within that sector and closely with the Police Treatment Centres charity.

Simon said:

“It’s very strange – he’s always been my hero so it’s nice for everyone else to see him like that – it makes me very proud.

“It took five years to research – although it’s a drama it does tell the story as it would have happened. The only difference is that he wouldn’t have been scared of anything at the crime scene, but it’s to get the drama across.

“He was a little more assertive and would always take control, when Danny says, ‘He gets away with nothing’, that was Dad all over.

“I think he’d have been quite embarrassed by the show, but he would have liked that all the officers were highlighted rather than just him. To him it was just a job.”

Simon, with his mum Linda and dad Peter three months before he passed away.

Simon is running this year’s virtual marathon in aid of the Police Treatment Centres, including its service on Harlow Moor Road in harrogate. The charity treats around 4,000 police family patients each year from across the country, offering support for physical and psychological injuries.

He added:

“I was blown away by their dedication to police officers. They are so passionate and I knew they needed more support and I wanted to help.”

To support Simon, click here.

A spokesperson for the Police Treatment Centres said:

“We are delighted that Simon is taking part in the Virtual London Marathon in aid of The Police Treatment Centres. Simon has worked alongside us for some time now to facilitate a roll-out of the Thrive mental health app for our patients.

“As a charity, we rely heavily on donations. Whilst we had to close our residential facilities during the pandemic, we lost income. Fundraisers like Simon play a key role in raising the funds we need to ensure we are there for future generations of the police family.”

A police officer has alleged that he was bitten and spat at by a man claiming to have coronavirus in Harrogate.

The police attended a shop on Railway Road at around 5pm to reports that a 32-year-old man was being abusive and threatening towards customers and staff.

Read more:

• Appeal for information after cars damaged in Harrogate
• Fairfax residents call for support after weeks of disturbances
• Assaults on North Yorkshire police up 60% during lockdown

When the police got there the suspect allegedly resisted arrest and said he had coronavirus.

They managed to arrest a man from Bradford on suspicion of racially-aggravated abuse. He remains in police custody for questioning.

After a 12 hour shift, the last thing I expect is my colleague to have to visit A&E after a suspect bit him & spat in officers faces during arrest in #Harrogate The individual is now in custody for numerous offences & thankfully my colleague is safely home #ProtectTheProtectors pic.twitter.com/IrAQCN52ef

— Sgt Paul Cording BEM (@OscarRomeo1268) September 10, 2020

In the arrest one of the officers was spat at and suffered a bite to the hand. He needed to attend A&E for medical treatment.

North Yorkshire Police said the officers adhered to coronavirus safety measures throughout the incident and appealed for witnesses to come forward.

Anyone with information has been urged to contact the force on 101 and quote reference number 12200158787.

Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111.

Police are appealing got information after a number of cars were damaged along St John’s Road in Harrogate around 11.30pm on Tuesday.

Three youths – one girl and two boys – dressed in dark clothing are believed to have been involved.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said:

“We are requesting the public’s assistance to help establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

“In particular, we are appealing for any witnesses who saw the damage take place or for any CCTV or doorbell-camera footage which may have captured something relevant.”

Anyone with information should call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2 and ask for Jessica Deacy – 1568.

To remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. The reference number is 12200157107.

Read more:

• Police are appealing for information after a man was assaulted during the day on Sunday. 
• The police made over 160 drug arrests in Harrogate between January and July this year. 

A total of 166 drug arrests were made in the Harrogate district between January and July this year.  North Yorkshire police said it is committed to continue its drive to tackle the issues caused by county lines drugs.

The arrests include all drug offences, other than drug driving. Across the whole of North Yorkshire there were 808 arrests and the Harrogate district ranked the third highest area for arrests.

County lines is a serious issue for the police in Harrogate – which now has one of three dedicated teams in the county.

This form of organised crime sees drug dealers from more urban areas exploit vulnerable people, including children, and force them to deal drugs in smaller towns and cities.

Acting Superintendent Andrew Colbourne of Harrogate, said:

“The exploitation of young people and vulnerable adults, and the levels of violence associated with county lines makes it a foremost priority for North Yorkshire Police and its partners.

“Proactive policing also plays a big part in the number of drug arrests. We have dedicated teams across North Yorkshire Police – including Harrogate –  that target the supply of drugs and work alongside partners to protect vulnerable people on a daily basis. Information from members of the public is also vital.

The Stray Ferret has previously reported on police raids in an attempt to combat drug crime. In March we reported on parent’s concerns about how easy it was for their children to get access to drugs.  

Superintendent Colbourne, added:

“Enforcement activity has not stopped as a result of the coronavirus pandemic – indeed, over the last few months, we have executed a number of warrants to tackle suspected drugs offences.”

Read more:

• What is county lines and what are the warning signs for parents?
• Lockdown blamed for the increase in recreational drug use in Harrogate.

The police said the public can offer vital information that results in arrests. Any suspicions involving exploitation or drug dealing should be reported to the police or Crimestoppers.