Moped youths arrested in Knaresborough

Four youths are being investigated for riding a stolen moped, traffic offences and possession with the intent to supply drugs.

North Yorkshire Police said in a statement today, a police community support officer spotted three youths riding a moped without helmets in Knaresborough yesterday (Sunday, April 7).

It added five youths were subsequently arrested following “police activity” and four are now under investigation.

The statement added:

“House-to-house enquiries were carried out in the Stockwell area yesterday, however any CCTV footage would assist with the investigation.

“If you were in the Stockwell and surrounding areas yesterday between 3.30pm and 5pm please check any CCTV or ring doorbell-type CCTV for a red Yamaha moped and a group of youths.

“If you have footage or any information please contact NYP on 101 quoting reference 12240060502.”

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Police warning over spate of moped thefts in Harrogate district

Police have issued a warning today over a recent spate of moped and motorcycle thefts in the Harrogate district.

North Yorkshire Police said the area had seen a “spike” in thefts, particularly of mopeds.

The force added mopeds had often been taken without keys, with secure locks being cut off.

In a statement, police said:

“Our area has seen a recent spike in the theft of motorcycles, predominantly mopeds.

“Often these are being taken without keys, with secure locks cut off before being driven around then discarded.

“Please take extra care when securing motorcycles, and preferably keep them out of sight. If you have any information about the thefts, please call us on 101, or speak to Crimestoppers anonymously.”

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North Yorkshire Police also issued an appeal today over a spate of bike thefts in Harrogate.

The force continues to investigate the thefts, which happened on Saturday, April 8.

Police released a 50-year-old man on conditional bail in connection with the incident.

Ripon teen robber in balaclava steals moped

A group of teenage boys reportedly threatened a 17-year-old with weapons before taking his scooter in Ripon yesterday.

It is the latest robbery in the city, which is currently in the grip of an anti-social behaviour crisis which has led to demands for more police.

This robbery happened in the Hell Wath Grove area. The alleged victims told police a group of teenagers approached him just before 5pm.

He claimed that they threatened him with weapons before he handed over the keys for his moped, which was parked nearby.

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One of the teens rode off on the scooter after the incident and the others all made off on foot.

Police say the boy who rode off on the scooter is around 16 or 17 years old. He was also wearing a black jacket, grey trousers, black trainers and a black balaclava.

The other suspects have been described as 16 or 17 years old, all dressed in dark clothing.

Later that evening police say the scooter was found abandoned on Long Meadows, a short while away from the incident.

Inspector Alex Langley said patrols are increasing in areas described as hotspots for anti-social behaviour. He added:

“We believe these crimes and incidents of anti-social behaviour are being committed by local youths and we are conducting a number of enquires in order to identify these individuals.

“We would also ask parents of teenagers to pass on any information you think could assist. Do you know where your child was yesterday evening? Were they out in Ripon? Were they part of a bigger group? Do your children know anything?

“The information provided by the public is key to helping us target our patrols, identify those responsible and prevent this criminal activity in the future.”

Anyone with information should contact the police on 101 and quote reference number 12210054979.