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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Jail for Harrogate man who supplied drugs on electric scooter

A Harrogate man who was caught with Class A drugs while riding an electric scooter was jailed for two years and three months today.

James Latham was caught by officers from North Yorkshire Police’s drugs team Operation Expedite on King’s Road on the afternoon of September 25 this year.

A police media release today said officers saw two known drug users being approached by Latham. The three people walked behind a shop and out of view. Within seconds one of them returned and was seen placing an item in their mouth.

Officers suspected a drug deal had just taken place, with Latham supplying the drugs.

Latham, who was riding on an electric scooter, was stopped a short distance away. He was searched and found to be in possession of a large amount of cash and suspected illegal drugs.

Heroin and cocaine

Following his arrest, officers found drugs paraphernalia at Latham’s Harrogate home, along with heroin and cocaine with a street value of over £700, and a significant amount of cash.

Latham, 44, was remanded in custody and brought to court where he pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of class A drugs.

Through mobile phone analysis, investigators were able to show Latham was involved in the supply of class A drugs, and had a customer base within the Harrogate area.

At York Crown Court today, Latham was given a custodial sentence of two years and three months.

After the sentencing hearing, PC Christopher Thompson, of Operation Expedite, said:

“The sale of illegal drugs will not be tolerated on the streets of Harrogate. It causes untold misery and suffering, and forces people who are addicted to them to commit other serious crimes to feed their habit.

“Latham was willing to exploit other people’s addictions for his own cruel and selfish gain.”

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‘Disgruntled’ patient stages protest outside Ripon dental practice

A patient refused to move his van from the entrance of Ripon dental practice this morning.

The Stray Ferret contacted Bridge House Dental Practice on Bondgate Green and was told by an employee, who wished to remain anonymous, the man “sat in his van and refused to leave”.

They said the man, who arrived at around 10am, became “disgruntled” but “not aggressive”, adding:

“He was telling people how rubbish and how bad our service is when they walked in.”

North Yorkshire Police told the Stray Ferret the force was called to “reports of a confrontation” at around 11am. It added:

“Police officers attended and spoke to a man, who agreed to leave the area.”

The employee said the man left the scene two hours later at midday.

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Police appeal after second cyclist knocked off bike in Harrogate

A female cyclist has sustained minor injuries following a collision near Asda in Harrogate.

The incident, which took place between 5.15pm and 5.30pm on Friday, December 15, happened at the junction of Bower Road and Haywra Street.

North Yorkshire Police said it is now appealing for the driver of a grey Ford Focus to come forward.

It is the second police appeal involving am injured cyclist issued today.

It comes after another cyclist was knocked off their bike in Knaresborough on Monday.

Regarding the Harrogate appeal, the force said in a statement:

“A pedal cyclist entered Bower Road and was hit by the Ford Focus that had just exited Asda supermarket.

“The driver of the Ford stopped at the scene and spoke with the cyclist, however, they had left prior to police involvement.

“Officers are appealing for them to come forward along with any witnesses and anyone who may have dashcam footage.

“The driver and anyone with any information should call North Yorkshire Police on 101 and pass information for incident number 12230240822.”

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Cyclist injured after Knaresborough collision

A cyclist has been left with “minor injuries” following a collision with a car in Knaresborough.

North Yorkshire Police said the incident, which happened on Harrogate Road near Mother Shipton’s, took place on Monday, December 18 at 4:45pm.

The force is now appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage.

It said in a statement today:

“A car collided with a pedal bike which resulted in minor injuries for the cyclist. The driver of the car did not stop at the scene of the collision.

“Officers are now appealing to the driver or anyone with information to come forward. In particular, officers are keen to hear from anyone who has any relevant dashcam footage.

“If you have information, please email 001282@northyorkshire.police.uk or call 101 and speak to the Force Control Room.”

Quote reference number 12230241416 when passing on information.

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Senior North Yorks police officer faces criminal investigation over speeding claims

The Independent Office for Police Conduct is investigating an allegation that a senior North Yorkshire Police officer may have provided a false or misleading account to avoid a speeding sanction.

The IOPC, which handles complaints against police forces in England and Wales, said today it had opened a criminal investigation into the matter in November after hearing about the allegation.

Today’s statement added:

“This week, we notified the officer they are under criminal investigation for the potential offences of misconduct in public office, improper exercise of police powers and intent to pervert the course of justice.

“They have also been served notice, informing them that we are investigating gross misconduct in relation to potential breaches of the police standards of professional behaviour for honesty and integrity; duties and responsibilities; and conduct.

“We have been advised that the officer has subsequently been suspended from duty.”

The name of the officer, or where he or she is based, has not been revealed.

IOPC director David Ford said:

“Where a serious allegation such as this is made, it is important for a thorough investigation to take place to uncover the facts.

“In light of the nature of the allegation and the seniority of the officer involved, this will be carried out by the IOPC, independently of the police.

“I would like to make clear that the launching of a criminal investigation does not necessarily mean that criminal charges or disciplinary proceedings will follow.”

Mr Ford added:

“At the conclusion of the investigation, we will decide whether to refer a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service for a charging decision, and also decide whether the officer should face disciplinary proceedings.

“Our investigation is at an early stage, and we will provide further updates when we are in a position to do so.”

A spokeswoman for North Yorkshire Police issued a statement about the investigation:

“North Yorkshire Police is aware of an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

“It would be inappropriate to comment further due to the ongoing investigation and as it is led by the Independent Office for Police Conduct all enquiries should be directed to them at this stage.”

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Police release CCTV image after Harrogate bike theft

Police have released a CCTV image of a man they want to speak to after the theft of a bike in Jennyfields.

The incident happened outside the Harrogate Leisure and Wellness Centre on Jenny Field Drive at 10.45am on Tuesday, October 10, 2023.

The victim locked his electric bike in the bike rack and when they returned they discovered that the bike had been stolen.

A North Yorkshire Police statement added:

“Police have issued a CCTV image of a man they want to speak to, as he may have information that could help the investigation.

“Anyone with information that could assist the investigation should email stephen.mangham@northyorkshire.police.uk You can also call North Yorkshire Police on 101 and ask for Stephen Mangham.

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

Please quote the North Yorkshire Police reference number 12230192233.”

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