Three men were charged last night following a police operation targeting suspected cocaine dealers in Harrogate.
Four men were arrested on Thursday when officers seized suspected cocaine, bulking agent, cannabis, cash, mobile phones and drugs paraphernalia.
It followed an investigation by North Yorkshire Police’s organised crime unit into a gang suspected of bringing cocaine and cannabis into Harrogate and the surrounding area.
The arrested men included one aged 22, from London, one aged 34 from Portsmouth, and two aged 37 and 40 from Harrogate.
The police today said three of the four men have been charged with supplying cocaine and cannabis.
The 22-year-old was also charged with assault of a police officer and the 37-year-old was also charged with two counts of assault of a police officer.
The three men will appear at York Magistrates’ Court today.
The fourth man, aged 40, has been released on conditional bail.
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Yesterday, Detective Inspector Fionna McEwan, of North Yorkshire Police’s organised crime unit, said:
“The latest action follows six months of painstaking information gathering behind the scenes.
“This work is not always visible but I can assure local people that we continue to work hard to disrupt organised crime and relentlessly pursue those believed to be involved.”
Food fraud investigation into Bleiker’s Smokehouse
A business founded in the Harrogate district almost 30 years ago is being investigated for food fraud.
Bleiker’s Smokehouse, established in 1993 and previously based at Glasshouses Mill in Nidderdale, fell into administration at the end of April.
While administrators FRP Advisory seek a buyer for the business, the Food Standards Agency’s National Food Crime Unit (NFCU) has begun an investigation into allegations of food fraud.
Gavan Wafer, head of investigation at the NFCU, said:
“Our investigation into Bleikers Smokehouse Ltd is related to a number of alleged issues including concerns about their country of origin claims on some of their smoked salmon products. The NFCU has acted on intelligence it received and which has resulted in one arrest being made.
“It is vitally important that we ensure food is safe and what it says it is and that consumers and food businesses are confident in the authenticity of food they are buying. We would like to take the opportunity to thank North Yorkshire Police for assisting in the investigation and supporting this operation.”
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The business was founded by the Bleiker family from Burton Leonard, who stepped down as directors in 2006. At the time it fell into administration, Charles Andrew of Kirby Malzeard was the sole director.
The smokehouse had moved in recent years to a business park at Leeming Bar, employing 86 members of staff and supplying supermarkets across the UK.
On April 28, 38 people were made redundant before the company entered administration the following day.
A spokesman for FRP Advisory today said there was no further update on its work following news of the investigation.
At the end of April, Martyn Pullin, partner at FRP and joint administrator, said:
Four arrests in Harrogate as police swoop on suspected cocaine gang“Bleiker’s was a family operation with a track record of supporting both major and independent retailers. The loss of a significant contract left the business in a difficult financial position. Regrettably, the insolvency has meant that the business is no longer able to continue trading and redundancies have been made.
“We are on site and will work closely with impacted staff to help them access the support they need in making applications to the Redundancy Payments Office.
“We are now focused on exploring options to sell the business and its assets and encourage any interested parties to come forward.”
Four men have been arrested in an operation targeting suspected cocaine dealers in Harrogate.
The action follows an investigation by North Yorkshire Police’s organised crime unit into a gang suspected of bringing cocaine and cannabis into Harrogate and the surrounding area.
Warrants were carried out across Harrogate yesterday afternoon when the men were arrested and officers seized suspected cocaine, bulking agent, cannabis, cash, mobile phones and drugs paraphernalia.
The arrested men include one aged 22, from London, one aged 34 from Portsmouth, and two aged 37 and 40 from Harrogate. All four were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply class A drugs.
The 22-year-old was also arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police officer.
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The 34-year-old was also arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply class B drugs and the 37-year-old also arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to produce class B drugs.
All four remain in police custody for questioning.
Detective Inspector Fionna McEwan, of North Yorkshire Police’s organised crime unit, said:
“The latest action follows six months of painstaking information gathering behind the scenes.
“This work is not always visible but I can assure local people that we continue to work hard to disrupt organised crime and relentlessly pursue those believed to be involved.
“If you suspect drug dealing in your neighbourhood, or you believe someone is being exploited, please don’t hesitate to make a report to us in confidence, or anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers. Every piece of information, no matter how small, helps to inform a bigger picture.”
Reporting information about drugs
Anyone with any information is urged to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 1, and speak to the Force Control Room.
If you would prefer to remain anonymous, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Police say the signs of drug dealing can include:
Increased callers at a property at all times of the day or night
Increase in cars pulling up for short periods of time
Anti-social behaviour at a property
Not seeing the resident for long periods of time
Drug-related rubbish – small plastic bags, syringes
Windows covered or curtains closed for long periods
Get help for drug and alcohol addiction
A Harrogate resident is appealing for information after their beloved dog, Biscuit, was stolen during a burglary at their home on Branham Drive.
Biscuit the dog is a white and tan American Bulldog and has a white-tipped tail.
The burglary took place on Wednesday, May 4 between 9.30pm and midnight when the owner was away.
North Yorkshire Police said several other items were taken during the break-in and has asked anyone with information on the burglary or Biscuit’s whereabouts to contact the police.
The police said Biscuit is considered one of the family and is keen to reunite it with its owner.
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If you have information call 101, select option 2, and asking for PC Craig Brogden on extension 30116 or email craig.brogden@northyorkshire.police.uk.
Or, to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
The reference number is 12220075872.
Police to spell out plans to tackle crime in RiponNorth Yorkshire Police is holding a public meeting in Ripon this month to talk about its plans to tackle crime in the city.
There are longstanding concerns about persistent crime and anti-social behaviour in Ripon, with problems particularly prevalent during summer.
At the community engagement meeting on May 16, police will spell out how they plan to address the issues.
A police social media post said the meeting will “share with you the current crime statistics and trends for your wards, provide you with an operational overview of how your area is currently policed and also tell you about the proposed plans for the future”.
It added:
“The purpose of this meeting is to ensure your voice is heard with regards to how your community is policed.
“By voicing your concerns direct to us you will enable North Yorkshire Police to target and tailor our resources and plans to better meet your needs and prevent issues or escalation in your community.
“This is an open invite to all local residents, concerned people and partners agencies that are concerned in community support to come along and provide your perspective.”
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The post added that people will “be invited to highlight any community issues, tensions or criminality that are affecting you”.
Inspector Alex Langley, from the Ripon neighbourhoods policing team, will chair the meeting, which will take place from 8pm to 9pm at the Jack Laugher Leisure and Wellness Centre on Dallamires Lane.
Underage drinking crackdown
These partnerships see police work with retailers, schools, neighbourhood groups, Trading Standards, local authorities and other emergency and health services to reduce alcohol problems.
As part of the initiative, retailers are assessed by Trading Standards and police to check they are not selling alcohol to children.
Woman seriously injured in car crash near Lightwater Valley
A woman has suffered serious leg injuries in a four-car collision near the entrance to Lightwater Valley Adventure Park.
The incident happened at the theme park on the A6108 near Ripon at around 4.35pm on Saturday, April 30. It involved a white BMW estate, a blue BMW, a grey Audi, a grey Mercedes Benz and a silver Suzuki car.
The woman, in the grey Audi, is receiving treatment at hospital. Other drivers and passengers received treatment for minor injuries.
The road remained closed until 8.20pm while the emergency services worked at the scene and carried out a full collision investigation.
North Yorkshire Police is asking anyone who saw the collision or recalls seeing any of the vehicles prior to the incident to get in touch. Officers are also appealing for any dash-cam footage that could assist with the investigation.
To offer information, email ben.prosser-waite@northyorkshire.police.uk or call 101, select option 2, and ask for Ben Prosser-Waite.
The reference number is 12220073181.
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Knaresborough teen had knife in Harrogate’s Mojo bar
A Knaresborough teenager has been ordered to do 300 hours of community work after pleading guilty to having a knife in Harrogate bar Mojo.
Arterus Moisejevas, 19, was accused of having a flick knife in the venue on Parliament Street on April 10.
Moisejevas, of Colebrooke Meadows, admitted the charge at Harrogate Magistrates Court on Thursday.
He was also ordered to pay a £95 surcharge to fund victim services and £85 costs to the Crown Prosecution Service.
His case is one of a spate of recent knife crime offences heard in court in Harrogate recently.
Harrogate Pubwatch revealed on Thursday that it had imposed a life ban on someone found carrying a knife in a town centre venue.
The organisation represents about 40 licensed venues in town. Members share information on troublemakers and jointly impose sanctions.
Sadly we have had to impose a lifetime ban on someone found to be carrying a knife in one of our town centre venues a couple of weekends ago. The possession of weapons in Harrogate's pubs, clubs and bars simply won't be tolerated #Harrogate
— Harrogate Pubwatch (@hgpubwatch) April 27, 2022
Police: knives produce ‘false sense of security’
Asked whether knife crime in the Harrogate district was increasing and, if so, what action it was taking, a North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said:
64 sheep worth tens of thousands of pounds stolen in Harrogate district“Carrying a knife is a completely false sense of security. Producing a knife does not de-escalate a confrontation, it makes a bad situation worse and drastically increases the chance of you yourself being injured by that blade.
“As part of our efforts to tackle knife crime, we support Operation Sceptre, which is a twice-yearly national coordinated week of activity where police forces across the country help keep knives off the streets and deter people from carrying them, and through information and intelligence, proactively target knife-related offences.
“In July last year, changes to the Offensive Weapons Act 2019 were introduced which mean it is an offence to possess certain items such as knuckledusters, throwing stars and zombie knives, even in private.
“To anyone who is concerned for a friend or family member who they think maybe carrying a knife, please speak to them and explain the dangers. Tell them the safer and smarter thing to do is to put the knife down or come and surrender it at one of our police stations. You could be saving a life.
“Anyone with information on knife crime in their local community can always contact police on 101 or can pass information to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. In an emergency, always dial 999.”
Police are appealing for witnesses after 64 sheep were stolen from a field near Boroughbridge.
Forty-eight ewes in lamb and 16 hoggs were taken from land off the A168 at Marton-cum-Grafton.
It happened between 5pm on April 27 and 7am the following day.
A statement by North Yorkshire Police today said the sheep were worth a total value of tens of thousands of pounds. It added:
“They were stolen from a field on Legram Lane. It is believed a wagon would have been used to take the sheep.
“Officers are requesting the public’s assistance to help establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
“In particular, they are appealing for information about any wagons in the vicinity in the early hours of 28 April, or anything else that may assist with the investigation.”
Of the 48 ewes, 39 are Beltex and 9 are Bleu du Maine. The 16 hoggs were all young Beltex sheep aged 9-18 months.
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Anyone with information can contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2, and ask for PC Chloe Kinnear. You can also email chloe.kinnear@northyorkshire.police.uk
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Quote the North Yorkshire Police reference number 12220071650.
Teen girl referred to youth panel after Harrogate McDonald’s police attackA teenager has been referred to a youth outcomes panel after two police officers suffered serious injuries at McDonald’s in Harrogate.
The police community support officers from Harrogate’s neighbourhood policing team were called to McDonald’s on Cambridge Road on April 1.
They were responding to reports that three girls, aged 13,14 and 15, had entered despite being banned due to anti-social behaviour earlier in the evening.
According to police, the group refused to leave when asked by officers and trouble flared at around 7pm.
One of the PCSOs suffered a suspected broken nose and the other sustained tissue damage to the cheek. Both received hospital treatment.
The three girls were arrested and bailed pending further investigation.
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North Yorkshire Police today revealed one of the girls has been referred to a youth outcomes panel.
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.
The panel encourages a restorative approach with victims and looks to address the causes of the young person’s offending.
The two other girls remain on conditional bail while enquiries continue.
Police recruitment won’t be felt ‘for years to come’, says chief constableNorth Yorkshire’s chief constable has warned that the recruitment of new police officers won’t be felt in communities for years to come.
Lisa Winward told a Harrogate Borough Council meeting last night that she wanted to “manage expectations” about the recruitment drive.
She also described figures which suggest an additional 30,000 new officers will be needed in England and Wales on top of the government’s target of 20,000 as “frightening”.
In North Yorkshire, 113 officers have been recruited since 2020 and government funding has been allocated for a further 74.
But because each officer is trained to a degree-level of qualification, Ms Winward said the benefits of the bolstered workforce won’t be felt for “potentially another four years.”
She said:
“When these officers join us it takes three years for them to become fully qualified. They’re out on the streets for part of that time, but they spend a predominant amount of time in training.
“In reality, we won’t see the benefits of these individuals coming into the organisation – certainly the final 74 – potentially for another four years.
“We are very much looking forward to and grateful for these officers joining us, but it will take time.”
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Reversing cuts to police officer numbers was one of Boris Johnson’s first policy pledges when he became prime minister in 2019.
But those in charge of recruitment have warned that the total number of new recruits needed is much bigger because of existing officers who will be resigning or retiring from the service.
Current police levels
North Yorkshire Police currently has around 1,560 officers and 3,380 total staff.
And Ms Winward said it is expected that around 25% of the workforce will have less than three years of service as outgoing officers are replaced with new recruits over the next few years.
She said this will be “very demanding” on the new officers in terms of them having the “skills, experience and ability to deliver the service to the community”.
Ms Winward explained 55 officers were recruited for training in 2020, followed by 58 in 2021.
She added a further 78 will be recruited this year, with all officers gaining experience in areas including roads and neighbourhood policing, and crime investigation.
Four of the 78 officers joining this year will work in an organised crime unit covering the Yorkshire and Humber region.
Where the rest will be deployed will depend on the outcome of a force management statement which is due to be published by North Yorkshire Police in May.
This document will look at current and predicted levels of crime in different areas across the county, as well as the current capacity of the force.
Ms Winward added:
“This gap analysis will determine where those officers will need to be placed in order to ensure people are safe.
“But that is reliant upon a prevention and early intervention direction of travel.
“We cannot continuously service increasing demand so it’s really important that we prevent harm from happening in the first place.”