North Yorkshire Police has urged people not to support online child abuse activists and said it will not work with them.
The constabulary issued a statement today saying the number of online vigilante groups had increased in the county but they risked hampering prosecutions and often targeted innocent people.
Such groups often use a decoy victim – an adult pretending to be a child – to snare suspected child abusers.
They then live-stream or post videos on social media of them confronting suspects, often calling the police at this stage.
The statement said:
“We have specialist teams working hard around the clock to identify and bring offenders to justice and all too often these groups put the lives of innocent people in danger, interfere with our ongoing investigations and risk the course of fair justice.”
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Detective Inspector Paula Eccles, from North Yorkshire Police’s safeguarding team, said:
“The police service does not endorse online child abuse activist groups and we will not work with them.
“Unlike our highly-trained officers in the online abuse and exploitation team and the digital forensics unit, they operate without any procedures to keep people safe.
“Accused people can become vulnerable to self-harm and there are cases around the country of people dying by suicide because of the action of such groups.”
‘Cause cases to collapse’
Det Insp Eccles added some groups operated as a cover for crimes like blackmail and extortion and there was “no way of making sure that these groups act on reliable evidence”.
She added:
“The standard of evidence that is gathered is also often poor, there are issues with legal disclosure, and the way the groups share their evidence publicly online before it has been tested at court.
“Some evidential issues can even cause cases to collapse. This is completely unacceptable.”
Police nationally arrest more than 400 people for child sexual abuse and protect more than 500 children from harm each week.
North Yorkshire Police said its specialist teams “have the expertise and experience to carry out thorough, complex and intelligence-led investigations, as well as preparing evidence that can stand up to scrutiny by the Crown Prosecution Service”.
It urged anyone concerned about indecent images of children and sexual abuse to report it online via its website or by calling 101, or 999 if it’s an emergency.
Scrutiny of North Yorkshire Police use of force ‘not good enough’, say inspectors
Scrutiny of North Yorkshire Police’s use of force in custody is “not good enough”, say inspectors.
An inspection report by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services found that scrutiny and quality assurance could not show that force used was “necessary, justified and proportionate”.
Inspectors also found that recording in custody records was “often poor” and important information, including reasons for decisions such as the removal of clothing, is “sometimes missing”.
They added that a review of CCTV found that incidents “weren’t always managed well, and techniques weren’t always used correctly”.
In a report published today, inspectors said:
“The force’s governance and oversight of the use of force in custody isn’t good enough.
“Although there is some scrutiny and quality assurance of incidents, the information that supports this scrutiny is inaccurate.
“This means North Yorkshire Police can’t show that when force is used in custody it is necessary, justified and proportionate.”
However, the report did find that officers interacted respectfully with detainees and were “patient and reassuring”.
It also found that the standard of care offered by custody staff to detainees was “very good”.
The inspection was carried out into the force’s custody suites during June and July this year. There are custody suites in York, Harrogate and Scarborough
In the report, inspectors raised two causes for concern which included scrutiny of use of force and managing detainee risk.
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Recommendations were made to improve scrutiny of use of force and to mitigate the risk of detainees in custody.
Police response
In response to the report, Elliot Foskett, North Yorkshire’s assistant chief constable (pictured above), said:
Teenagers charged after PCSOs allegedly assaulted in Harrogate McDonald’s“We welcome the HMICFRS report, as it helps us to further understand how we can continue to improve our custody provision here in North Yorkshire Police.
“Working within the legislative framework, our absolute priority is the safety and welfare of detainees, avoiding any adverse level of risk.
“It is acknowledged that some processes, such as the recording of information, are not of the highest possible standard and this is something we have already started to look at.
“We are pleased the HMICFRS has recognised we have good measures in place to oversee the safe and respectful provision of custody.
“It’s also good to see the acknowledgement of the good work of our custody staff in relation to how they deal with detainees respectfully, patiently, and reassuringly, recognising the array of diverse needs.”
Two teenage girls are to appear in court after police officers were allegedly assaulted in McDonald’s in Harrogate.
The incident happened at the restaurant on Cambridge Road on April 1 this year.
North Yorkshire Police said two community support officers were allegedly assaulted while responding to an incident at around 7pm.
A 13 year-old and 15-year-old girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, have been charged and will appear in court on October 28.
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Another girl, 14, was referred to a youth outcomes panel following the incident and was dealt with by an out of court police disposal.
The panel, which is a partnership between police, North Yorkshire Youth Justice Service and York Youth Offending Team, decides what action, if any, is most appropriate to pursue.
It encourages a restorative approach with victims and looks to address the causes of the young person’s offending.
Missing man from Harrogate district found safeA missing man from the Harrogate district has been found safe.
North Yorkshire Police issued an appeal this afternoon for information to find the man, who was last seen leaving his home on Tuesday this week.
But the force reported tonight that the man had been traced.
We have therefore updated this article and removed the man’s name and photo.
Some good news!
The 40 year old man from the Harrogate area has been found safe and well.
Thank you for your support with the appeal. pic.twitter.com/7YlsbsISE7
— North Yorkshire Police (@NYorksPolice) September 28, 2022
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Missing Harrogate schoolgirl found safe
Police said this evening that a missing Harrogate schoolgirl has been found safe.
North Yorkshire Police issued an appeal for information this afternoon after the girl had failed to return home since Thursday.
But officers said tonight she had been “found safe and well”.
We have consequently updated our coverage by removing details of the girl in order to conceal her identity.
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Police seize suspected cocaine in Ripon house raid
A man and a woman have been arrested on suspicion of possessing cocaine following a drugs raid by North Yorkshire Police.
Police used a warrant to enter a house in Ripon and seized a large quantity of powder, believed to be cocaine.
According to officers, a number of other items including scales, mobile phones and cash, were also seized during the operation in the south of the city on Friday.
A local man and woman, both in their 20s, were arrested on suspicion of possessing class-A drugs with intent to supply and taken into custody.
They were interviewed and have been released under investigation to allow further enquiries to be carried out, including forensic tests of the substances.
Inspector Penny Taylor said:
“Information from communities is vital to help us tackle drug offending, and I’d urge anyone who has information about drug activity to share it with us.
“All reports are taken seriously and could help us make a real difference in your community.”
Anyone with information about drug dealing in their community can contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, and select option 1 to speak to the force control room.
You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 and the charity will share the information with North Yorkshire Police.
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Police appeal after man exposed himself to 16-year-old girl in Harrogate
A man exposed himself in front of a 16-year-old girl in Harrogate yesterday afternoon.
Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident, which took place on Wheatlands Road East, between Rayleigh Road and Hornbeam Crescent, at 4.15pm.
The man is described as white, in his late teens, with strawberry blonde short hair. He was around 5ft 9ins tall and described as slim build, wearing baggy clothes, a black hoody and grey jogging bottoms.
A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said:
“We’ve launched a full investigation and are asking anyone who witnessed this incident or has any information that could assist to please come forward.”
To provide information to the police, call 101, select option two and ask for David Kaye, or email david.kaye@northyorkshire.police.uk, quoting reference 12220170157.
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Wanted Harrogate man arrested
Police have arrested a wanted Harrogate man.
Officers issued an appeal for the whereabouts of a 30-year-old man, who was believed to be in either the Harrogate or Knaresborough area.
The force has since confirmed that he has been arrested in the Blackpool area on suspicion of offences connected to a serious assault.
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Man trying door handles in Harrogate arrested after police chase
A suspected thief has been arrested after police responded to reports of a man trying car door handles in Harrogate.
Officers spotted the suspect inside a vehicle in the Knaresborough Road area at about 8.20pm last night.
According to North Yorkshire Police, the man ran off when he saw police and was detained following a short foot chase. Officers then found what are believed to be stolen items in his possession.
Further enquiries showed he was also wanted by police in connection with burglaries and he had only just been released from prison.
The man, who is in his 20s and of no fixed address, was arrested on suspicion of theft from a motor vehicle, vehicle interference and burglary.
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He has been taken into custody where he remains while enquiries continue.
A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said:
Suspected Ripon rogue trader receives court ban“We regularly patrol areas where vehicle crime has been reported, both on foot and with vehicle patrols.
“The two officers who dealt with this incident were able to apprehend a suspect very quickly and a full investigation is now under way.
“Anyone who has had items stolen from their vehicle, or has seen anyone acting suspiciously or trying door handles, should contact us on 101. If you witness a crime taking place, it’s 999.”
A suspected rogue door-to-door seller has received a dispersal order in court banning him from operating anywhere in North Yorkshire.
Police received complaints about a rise in aggressive and suspicious door-to-door traders calling at homes in the Ripon area uninvited.
During village patrols, two PCSOs found the man from Teesside, who has not been named, operating in Grewelthorpe.
According to a North Yorkshire Police statement, “a number of other things” concerned officers, “including his reason for being in the area”.
The man been issued with a dispersal notice covering all of North Yorkshire. He was also reported for summons regarding the certificate and is due to appear in court at a later date.
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A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said:
“Many legitimate organisations use doorstep sellers.
“But some criminals also use this tactic to catch victims off guard, get personal information or gain entry to people’s homes.
“Knowing how to respond could prevent you from becoming a victim, so we’re sharing the following information to help people make informed choices if someone knocks on their door.”
Police advice on dealing with doorstep callers
North Yorkshire Police issues the following guidelines:
- When answering the door, use a peephole or door chain if you have one. Never invite a stranger who calls unannounced into your home.
- If a caller is legitimate, they will be happy for your to check their identity. Ask for ID and call their company. To verify a police officer’s identity, you can call 101.
- Take your time to make decisions about buying – ask for contact details so you can get back to them when you’ve had a think. Research the price elsewhere.
- Never give out personal information and don’t feel bad about saying no and closing the door.
- If you have concerns about doorstep callers where you live or have been visited by someone you think may be bogus, please tell us using the ‘report it’ link on the North Yorkshire Police website or by calling the force on 101.
- If someone calls at your home, becomes aggressive and you fear for your safety, call 999 immediately.