Person suffers leg injury following Bishop Thornton crash

A person was injured following a crash near Bishop Thornton this morning.

A witness told the Stray Ferret the collision happened at a crossroads on Fountains Road near the village.

North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue incident log said the collision happened at 10:12am. It said:

“Both Harrogate crews responded to a road traffic collision involving two vehicles.

“All casualties were out on arrival when fire crews arrived.”

The service added that crews helped with “scene safety” and causalities were transported to hospital in an ambulance.

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said the injured person suffered a “possible broken leg”.

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Police reissue appeal to find Harrogate wanted man

Police seeking a wanted man from Harrogate today re-issued a plea for help finding him.

North Yorkshire Police is still searching for Bailey George Samuel Townend, 21, who has been recalled to prison and is believed to be evading arrest locally.

He was released from prison on licence on November 1 last year after being handed a 51-week custodial sentence for burglary and theft.

The Probation Service reported that Townend failed to reside at approved accommodation in Leeds, thereby breaching his licence.

Today’s police statement said:

“Police enquiries are ongoing in the Harrogate and Leeds areas in the effort to return Townend to prison.

“Townend is described as white, 5ft 8in tall, slim build, with short brown hair and green eyes.

If you can help us track him down, please report information to North Yorkshire Police on 101, option 4, and speak to the force control room.

“For immediate sightings, dial 999 to ensure a rapid response.”

Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online. Quote reference number.

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Police appeal following indecent exposure in Ripon

North Yorkshire Police has appealed for information following a report of indecent exposure in Ripon.

The force said a witness reported seeing a man on Park Street who had his hood up and both hands near his genitals.

The incident happened on Christmas Eve.

A police statement added:

“The witness reported she believed he was performing a sexual act.

“The male is described as white, aged between 60 and 75, with straight hair poking out of hood.

“He was wearing distinctive khaki-coloured socks with baggy trousers which looked strapped to the leg or belted. He was wearing a coat that was long and beige, and not waterproof.”

Officers have asked members of the public to “be vigilant” and report any information that could assist the investigation:

“Call 101, quoting reference 12230243453, for the attention of the York Initial Enquiry Team.”

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Burglars in balaclavas break into Ripon motorbike shop

North Yorkshire Police is appealing for information following a Ripon burglary on New Year’s Eve.

The force said in statement today that three men broke into Eurotek Sports Motorcyles, on Camp Hill Close, at around 7.30pm on New Year’s Eve.

It added:

“The men, all wearing dark clothing and balaclavas, arrived in a white Ford transit style van, with chevron markings on the rear.

“Officers are appealing for anyone who was in the area at the time, or has information that could assist with the investigation to email gareth.skelton@northyorkshire.police.uk or call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2, and ask for PC Gareth Skelton.

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

“Quote reference number 12230247331 when passing on information.”

The Stray Ferret contacted the police to ask what had been stolen, but the force said there was no “additional information to add at the moment”.

It also said the incident is under investigation and “officers are currently gathering CCTV footage”.

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Missing 87-year-old Harrogate man found ‘safe but cold’

A missing 87-year-old man from Harrogate has been found safe, police said this morning.

North Yorkshire Police issued a statement last night saying the man had not been seen by his family for about 24 hours and had been unable to contact him.

Officers said they were “very concerned for his safety”.

But police issued a new statement this morning, which said:

“Yesterday evening (29 December) we issued an appeal to help find a missing 87-year-old man from Harrogate.

“We are very pleased to report that he has been found safe and well, but cold.”

We have amended our coverage to anonymise the man’s details.

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Crime commissioner Zoë Metcalfe hints at council tax increase

Crime commissioner Zoë Metcalfe has hinted council taxpayers in North Yorkshire will have to pay more for police and fire services next year.

The commissioner sets the annual police and fire precepts – the amounts dedicated to policing and fire and rescue services in North Yorkshire and York from every household.

Ms Metcalfe has opened a consultation on how much people are willing to spend on this in their council tax bills from April next year. The sum will be added to the amount charged by North Yorkshire Council and local parish councils for residents’ final council tax bills from April next year.

Three of the options presented in the consultation are for council tax increases. One suggests a freeze and none suggest a reduction. The freeze option is accompanied by the statement, ‘this would be a significant cut to the fire budget due to inflation and current levels of service delivery could not be maintained’.

The suggested increases are for 2.99%, 6.2% and 9.3%, which would be the equivalent of an extra £2.41, £5 and £7.50 a year respectively.

Ms Metcalfe said:

“It is never easy to ask residents for more money, and I know that many individuals and families are facing financial pressures once again this coming year, but our emergency services are also dealing with rising costs as they continue their vital work to keep us all safe.

“And again, this year the decision will be challenging, as I have to balance the burden on taxpayers and the growing demands for services from our police and fire and rescue services, so it’s vital that I hear your views.

“Please go online, take just a few minutes to have your say and I will ensure your views are reflected when decisions are made.”

The survey runs until midnight Monday, January 21 and you can participate here.

After the consultation ends, Ms Metcalfe will submit her proposals to the North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Panel in February.

The panel, which is a joint committee of North Yorkshire Council and City of York Council, can make recommendations on the proposal but the commissioner will ultimately decide the outcome.

Ms Metcalfe’s role will be taken over by whoever is elected mayor of York and North Yorkshire in May next year.

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Jewellery thieves strike twice at Harrogate homes

Jewellery thieves have struck twice in a matter of days at separate homes in Harrogate.

North Yorkshire Police issued appeals today for two incidents that happened in the run-up to Christmas.

In the first one, jewellery worth thousands of pounds was stolen from a home at Spacey Houses, Pannal, while the victims were away for the weekend.

They returned to discover they had been broken into and lost items of sentimental as well as high financial value. The items include a vintage Cortebert Champagne watch, an 18-carat gold engagement ring and a gold-plated Omega watch.

The force said in a statement the theft occurred between 4pm on Friday, December 15 and 6.30pm on Sunday, December 17, adding:

“Enquiries are still ongoing to identify the suspect. Police are requesting the public’s assistance to help establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

“In particular, officers are appealing for information about items that were taken from the property, and urging people to get in touch if they are offered them.”

Police said the following items were stolen:

A vintage Courtebert champaign dial watch with gold-plated batons and chrome case with grand prix engraving on the back.

A vintage Omega wrist watch with yellow gold case with personalised engraving on the back.

A vintage Titus Geneve chronograph watch with gold casing.

A gold-plated Omega watch which is a C Master model made before the 1960s.

A Rolex made watch which is branded Ingersol on the dial but says ‘Rolex Watch Company’ on the back of the case.

An engagement ring. It is a Lily Arkwright Macey oval in 18-carat yellow gold with shoulder-set diamonds and a 1.2 carrot diamond on the top.

Anyone with information can email Benjamin.Ambler2@northyorkshire.police.uk or dial 101 and ask for PC 216 Ambler. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Quote reference number 12230239018.

Victims ‘devastated’ by loss of wedding jewellery

Police said the victims of the second burglary had been left “devastated” by the loss of gold wedding jewellery.

Thieves broke into a home in the Woodlands Walk area of Harrogate and stole wedding and baby jewellery during the week beginning December 18.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said:

“Anyone who’s had wedding jewellery or other deeply sentimental items stolen will understand how heartbreaking this type of crime is.”

“This has had a significant impact on the victims and we are appealing to anybody who may have recently seen or bought items in the photographs.

“We are also appealing to anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity in the area during this time to come forward and provide details, which may prove essential in the investigation of this incident.”

A selection of the stolen items are photographed above and in the main image, but a number more were taken by the burglars.

Anyone with information can email PC Hawley on joseph.hawley@northyorkshire.police.uk or dial the force on 101. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Quote reference number 12230241333.

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Police called after window smashed at Harrogate home

Police were called after a downstairs toilet window of a Harrogate home was smashed during the early hours of this morning (Wednesday, December 27).

North Yorkshire Police said the incident, which happened at a house on Harewood Road in the Jennyfields area, took place been 1.30am and 6am.

It was reported to police at about 6am. A force spokesperson said:

“No entry was gained to the property and nothing was reported stolen.”

Police officers and the crime scene investigation unit were still at the scene just before midday today.

The spokesperson said no arrests have been made in connection with the case.

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North Yorkshire gets new interim chief constable

An interim chief constable has taken charge at North Yorkshire Police.

Elliot Foskett, who was previously the constabulary’s assistant chief constable, succeeds Lisa Winward.

Ms Winward officially retires from the £154,000 a year role at the end of March but worked her last day on December 22. Her early departure is believed to be due to the amount of unused leave and additional hours accrued.

Lisa Winward

Lisa Winward

Mr Foskett will hold the reins until a full-time successor is appointed.

Zoë Metcalfe, the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for York and North Yorkshire, announced this month that Tim Forber,  the current deputy chief constable of South Yorkshire Police, was her preferred candidate to become the next chief constable. His appointment has yet to be ratified so no starting date has been set.

The appointment has been mired in controversy because Ms Metcalfe’s role will be taken over by whoever is elected Mayor of York and North Yorkshire in May 2024. It means the new mayor will inherit a chief constable they didn’t appoint.

Mr Foskett posted on X, formerly known as Twitter:

“What a complete privilege to lead this amazing force until our new chief arrives. I feel very proud of our brilliant people and I know the new chief, Tim Forber, will love it here.”

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Police seek two men after TK Maxx theft in Harrogate

Police have issued CCTV images of two men they would like to speak to following a shop theft in Harrogate.

A North Yorkshire Police statement yesterday said two men entered TK Maxx in the Victoria Shopping Centre and picked up a brown men’s gilet, removed the security tag then left the store.

They took the gilet with them and headed towards the railway station.

CCTV images of the wanted men.

The incident happened at 10.05am on November 22.

The statement added:

“Officers are asking members of the public to get in touch if they recognise the men in the images as they believe they will have information that will help the investigation.”

Anyone with any information can email jamie.kennerley@northyorkshire.police.uk or dial 101, select option 2 and ask for PC Kennerley.

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

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