More than 700 complaints were made against North Yorkshire Police officers in a year, the force has revealed.
The 740 complaints from members of the public were made against 352 individual officers between April 2021 and April 2022.
The statistic has been released by North Yorkshire Police as part of its response to national news stories about David Carrick. The Met Police officer had several allegations made against him over a period of 20 years, but did not face any charges or misconduct proceedings at work.
This week, he admitted 49 charges of sexual abuse, including rape, beginning as early as 2003. He was only arrested in October 2021.
The Met has since said more than 1,600 allegations against more than 1,000 officers and staff were being reviewed as a result of Carrick’s case.
A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said:
“North Yorkshire Police takes all misconduct allegations extremely seriously and are very aware of the serious damage caused to trust in the police service by recent events in the Metropolitan Police.
“The force has taken a number of measures to improve its already robust vetting process to root out those people who are not fit to serve.
“North Yorkshire Police is one of the few forces that handle complaints independently through the Police Fire and Crime Commissioner’s office to provide an additional level of scrutiny.”
Of the 740 complaints made against North Yorkshire Police officers, the force said there could be several relating to a single incident.
Those complaints did not amount to the same thing as misconduct, it said: some could be about an officer failing to keep a victim of crime updated on progress in their case, for example.
The Stray Ferret asked North Yorkshire Police how many of the complaints were matters of misconduct, or how many related to allegations of sexual offences, abuse, coercive control or other related offences.
We also asked how many complaints were investigated and how many resulted in disciplinary action being taken against the officer, but we had not received a response by the time of publication.
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The force publishes details of gross misconduct hearings on its website. Those cases reveal that, during the same period (April 2021 to April 2022), five police constables, one sergeant and two detective constables were found to have behaved in ways amounting to gross misconduct.
Three of those cases involved inappropriate relationships with victims of crime or other people known to the police. One followed a conviction for possession of indecent images of children.
North Yorkshire Police has been part of a pilot scheme checking all vetted staff against the police national database (PND) every month, aiming to ensure any complaints and contact made with other forces would be noticed by North Yorkshire’s professional standards department.
A recent report by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary Fire and Rescue Service highlighted North Yorkshire Police’s efforts in vetting, misconduct and misogyny. It recommended all forces should make use of the PND to check their own officers and staff – and this week, it was announced all forces in England and Wales will begin doing so.
The spokesperson added:
Thieves steal 10 motorbikes in Minskip“The vast majority of our officers and staff are honest, hardworking and act with integrity. But we are not complacent and know that there will be a number within our force who are not.
“When misconduct is found, we will take action. We encourage anyone who has any concerns about an officer or staff member they have come into contact with, to please report it to us.”
Police are appealing for information after motorbikes and tools were stolen in Minskip.
Thieves took the bikes from a commercial premises in the village overnight on Friday, January 6, and Saturday, January 7.
Officers said 10 motorbikes and several tools were taken.
A North Yorkshire Police statement added:
“Police are requesting the public’s assistance to help establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
“In particular officers are keen to hear from anyone who noticed any vehicles in the area acting suspiciously on the night that the incident occurred.
“Anyone with information that could assist the investigation should email Conor.taylor@northyorkshire.police.uk
“You can also call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2 and ask for PC 499 Conor Taylor.
Please quote reference number 12230003712 when passing information.
“If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
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Boy rescued in freezing conditions from River Nidd in Knaresborough
A boy was rescued from the River Nidd in Knaresborough in bitterly cold conditions yesterday.
The full circumstances surrounding the incident, which happened just before 4.30pm, remain unclear, as is the condition of the boy, who was taken to hospital by ambulance.
However he is not thought to have suffered serious injuries despite being in such cold water for a period of time.
Police and firefighters joined paramedics at the scene.
A Yorkshire Ambulance Service spokeswoman said:
“We received an emergency call at 4.18pm on Tuesday afternoon to reports of a teenager who had experienced a medical episode and fallen into the River Nidd at Knaresborough.
“Two ambulances and a rapid response vehicle were dispatched to the scene and one patient was conveyed to Harrogate District Hospital.”
A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said:
“Police were contacted by the ambulance service at just before 4.30pm yesterday in relation to reports of a person in the River Nidd at Knaresborough.
“Officers attended the scene to assist the fire service and ambulance crew.
“The patient was conveyed to hospital in the care of the ambulance service.”
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North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service’s incident log said it was summoned at 4.24pm to the river near Harrogate Road. The log added:
“Crews from Knaresborough and Harrogate responded to a young male in a river. The young male was rescue from the river and transported to hospital via road ambulance.”
The Stray Ferret was contacted by a member of the public who said local dog walker James Warburton had noticed the danger and rushed to help.
We contacted Mr Warburton, who confirmed he was involved but declined to comment further.
Man charged following Harrogate town centre burglaries
A man has been arrested and charged following reports of burglaries in Harrogate.
The man, who is in his 30s, was charged with stealing cash and high value items from two businesses in the town centre yesterday morning.
He was due to appear before Harrogate Magistrates Court today (Tuesday, January 17).
A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said:
“Just 24 hours after receiving reports of these burglaries, a suspect was in custody and was scheduled to appear before the courts.
“While some investigations take a considerable amount of time to complete, it’s rewarding and reassuring for victims when we can conclude an investigation so quickly.”
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Met Police serial rapist case ‘abhorrent’, says North Yorkshire chief constable
North Yorkshire Police’s chief constable has described the case of a Metropolitan Police officer who raped 12 woman across two decades as “absolutely abhorrent”.
David Carrick, 48, admitted dozens of rape and sexual offences against his victims while serving in the force.
He was sacked today following a misconduct hearing.
Speaking at a Harrogate Borough Council overview and scrutiny meeting last night, Lisa Winward, chief constable of North Yorkshire Police, said Carrick was not “one of us”.
She said:
“The story that has been in the media today in relation to the Metropolitan Police officer is absolutely abhorrent.
“It is not something that we would associated with someone who is employed to keep people safe and enforce the law.”
Ms Winward added:
“These sort of cases are a shock to people who work in policing and care about policing and we don’t deem those individuals who involve themselves in that sort of behaviour to be one of us.”
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This morning, Met commissioner Sir Mark Rowley apologised and told the BBC that opportunities were missed to remove Carrick from his position.
The news comes as it was revealed at a police, fire and crime panel last week that more than half of recorded violent crimes in North Yorkshire and York are against women and girls.
Simon Dennis, chief executive of the North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner’s office, said in York in 2021/22 there had been 5,615 violent crimes, of which 52% were linked to a female victim and 34% were marked as domestic abuse.
He said the statistics for North Yorkshire were almost exactly the same.
Mr Dennis said a full picture of the scale of violence against women and girls was difficult to outline due to under-reporting, which was a known issue being addressed by public sector organisations across North Yorkshire and York.
Ms Winward told a meeting the under-reporting of such offences meant the known incidents were “just the tip of the iceberg”.
Collision leaves traffic lights out of action on Station ParadeA van has collided with a traffic light at the junction of Station Parade and Victoria Avenue in Harrogate.
A white Peugeot van and a second vehicle were involved in the collision this morning, which has left the traffic lights out of action across the junction.
North Yorkshire Police and Yorkshire Ambulance Service are both on the scene.
Police officers are directing traffic and there is a short queue along Station Parade approaching the junction.
Traffic is unable to turn or continue into the eastern section of Victoria Avenue, towards Harrogate Baptist Church.
We will publish more information as we get it.
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Burglars steal high-value goods from Knaresborough new build estate
Police are appealing for information after a number of high-value goods were stolen from a new build housing estate in Knaresborough.
Criminals targeted two homes which had yet to be completed on Lapwing Crescent on the Trinity Fields development between December 18 and 19, 2022.
A washing machine, dishwasher, oven and two showers were among the items stolen from the properties.
The burglars also stole two kitchen taps, 12 kitchen handles, 12 kitchen plinth lights, 10 downlights and a cooker hood.
A North Yorkshire Police statement said:
“As part of ongoing enquiries, officers are appealing for information about suspicious individuals or vehicles at around the time of the burglaries.
“Also, if anyone has been offered such items for sale since 19 December.
“If you can help, please email Jacob.higgins@northyorkshire.police.uk or call 101, select option 2, and ask for Jacob Higgins.
“If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Please quote the North Yorkshire Police reference number 12220223539 when providing details.”
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Missing Ripon girl found
A missing girl from Ripon has been found, police have confirmed.
North Yorkshire Police has issued an urgent appeal to find the girl this morning.
However, the force confirmed she had since been found.
Officers thanked those who had shared the appeal on social media this morning.
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Searches continue for two men who have been missing in the Harrogate district since last year.
Gavin Dhont, Ripon, and Jesus Moreno, Leeds, have both not been seen since late 2022.
Officers at both North Yorkshire Police and West Yorkshire Police have reissued appeals for any sightings of both men.
Mr Moreno, who worked at a Leeds brewery, has been missing for five months after last being seen in August 2022.
The brewer was spotted on CCTV catching a 36 bus from Leeds bus station at 6.10am on Monday, August 1.
He got off the bus at Swindon Lane near Dunkeswick, just north of Harewood bridge on the A61, at 6.39am. He was then seen on CCTV near the bridge at 8.14am.
Posters were put up in Harrogate looking for missing man Jesus Moreno.
However, searches of the area carried out by West Yorkshire Police have not resulted in any findings.
A force spokesperson told the Stray Ferret that Mr Moreno’s case remains “the subject of a high risk missing person investigation”.
They added:
“Officers from Leeds CID are continuing to support the family and give them a detailed overview of their enquiries so far.”
Anyone with information can call West Yorkshire Police on 101 quoting reference 13220422334.
Ripon man missing for more than a month
North Yorkshire Police has reiterated an appeal for any information on Gavin Dhont, who has been missing from Ripon for more than a month.
Mr Dhont was last seen in the city on Tuesday, December 6 and officers said they are extremely worried for his welfare.
Police have carried out searches for the 45-year-old, including the use of police dogs and the police drone, but with no gain.
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He is known to enjoys walks in areas including the Hell Wath, Studley Roger, Studley Royal Park and along the River Ure. He also enjoys visiting Ripon Wetlands.
North Yorkshire Police Inspector, Ed Rogerson, said:
“We’re really grateful to everyone who has been in touch to support our search and we’re asking the public once again to please keep your eyes peeled for any sightings. Every piece of information reported to us is really valuable so do get in touch by calling 101 if you can help.
“We know Gavin enjoys walking in the local area so if you are out and about, please keep Gavin in mind. Thank you.”
Mr Dhont is described as of thin build with short dark brown hair.
Anyone who has seen him since he went missing or who believes they know his whereabouts is urged to contact North Yorkshire Police as a matter of urgency on 101, or call 999 in an emergency and quote either his name or reference 12220219012.
Man jailed for indecent exposure at Harrogate LibraryA Knaresborough man has been jailed after admitting committing indecent exposure at Harrogate Library and on Kingsley Drive.
Billy Wood, 30, of Windsor Lane, was charged with committing the offences in summer last year.
He also pleaded guilty to using abusive words with intent to cause fear of violence and two counts of possessing cannabis.
Wood appeared before Harrogate Magistrates Court to be sentenced yesterday.
Sarah Tyrer, prosecuting, told the court the 30-year-old had been reported masturbating in front of staff in Harrogate Library on July 15, 2022.
The following month on August 11, a resident on Kingsley Drive saw a man wearing a white England football shirt across from his house in front of a neighbour’s property.
Reading the witness statement, Ms Tyrer said Wood had been sat on the garden wall and then walked across the driveway.
Wood then proceeded to masturbate in the street in front of the house, the court heard, and the resident called the police.
The witness said:
“I began to feel worried for my neighbour as I was aware she lived alone.”
After arresting Wood, police said the woman was informed of the incident and that she was unaware of his actions.
The 30-year-old was also found to be in possession of cannabis when taken to custody at Harrogate Police Station.
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Wood was also convicted of using threatening and abusive language towards bar staff in The Crown in Knaresborough in July 2022 after he was refused drinks, which staff suspected were being bought for customers who had already been refused them.
Police also found him to be in possession of cannabis after he was arrested on that night.
Sean Wilson, defending for Wood, told the court the 30-year-old had an undiagnosed mental health condition and that he was a drug user.
Mr Wilson said that the defendant had reduced his drug use and needed mental health support rather than a custodial sentence.
He said:
“He has reduced the amount of substances he has been taking. He does have an addictive personality.”
Mr Wilson added a prison sentence would be “more of a crash to his system” by removing access to drugs, but would not give him the mental health support he needed.
However, Magistrate Ms Allan sentenced Wood to 32 weeks in prison for the public exposure offences and a six-week sentence to be served concurrently for the threatening of violence charge.
She told Wood the sentence was “for the protection of the public”.
He was made to pay a victim surcharge of £154 and £85 in court costs.
Wood was also ordered to sign onto the sex offenders’ register for five years upon release.