Brilliant Bilton crime-fighting effort

Thanks to a vigilant member of the public and our rapid Response officers, two young suspects were arrested for burglary and van theft offences in the Bilton area of Harrogate during the early hours of Tuesday (30 July 2024).

The 999 report came into the Force Control Room at 2.03am when the youths were spotted stealing the van.

It is believed they had broken into a house where they took the van keys before making off in the vehicle.

Unlucky for them, a Harrogate Response team patrol - backed up by the Firearms Support Unit - were onto them within minutes.

They located the vehicle nearby on King Edward’s Drive with one suspect still inside and the other running away.

Following a foot chase, the other youth was arrested and taken into custody for questioning.

The 16 and 15-year-old boys have been released on conditional bail until early September in relation to the burglary and van theft while enquiries continue.

The 16-year-old has been charged with driving without a licence and insurance. He is due to appear at Harrogate Youth Court on 30 August.

Acting Detective Inspector Louise Pegg, from the County Command, said:

“This was a great example of the public and the police working together to tackle crime.

“The fast actions of the person who reported the suspicious activity allowed our Response officers to quickly apprehend the suspects and recover the stolen van.

“We are so grateful for the continued support we receive from residents and we are doing everything in our power to make our area safer and more secure.”

Witnesses or anyone with information or footage of the incident are urged to come forward.

If you can help, please contact [email protected] or call 101, option 2, and ask for Louise Rawet.

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or make an online report.

Please quote reference number 12240136098 when providing details.