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A large operation across Craven and Harrogate district has seen officers tackle a wide range of crimes with one important thing in common - they’re all issues that matter to the community.
A drug warrant, antisocial behaviour patrols, rural crime prevention, retail theft deployments, a knife detection operation, seizing illegal items and public safety events were just some of the activities officers undertook yesterday.
Six people were arrested during the operation yesterday in connection with serious crimes including drug offences, money laundering, assault, burglary and theft.
A further three were arrested by Operation Tornado teams in the early hours of this morning on suspicion of vehicle theft, and two stolen vehicles have been recovered.
Superintendent Teresa Lam, whose command area covers Craven and Harrogate district, said: “Op Tornado has allowed us to give a big push to the issues that the community are telling us affect them.
“Issues like drugs, burglary, road safety, shoplifting and rural crime can have a massive impact on people’s lives in Craven and Harrogate.
“So operations like this really help us work with people who live and work here, to tackle the issues that matter most.
“The response from the community today has been fantastic and I’d like to thank everyone who’s worked with us to make it a success.”
Attending the operation in Knaresborough and Craven yesterday, Chief Constable Tim Forber said: “Operation Tornado is about using the full force of North Yorkshire Police to deal with the issues that matter most to communities.
“It’s really important that the public know that North Yorkshire Police is on their side.
“And if you’re a criminal in North Yorkshire, you need to know that we’re out and about undertaking activities that will make it as difficult as possible for you to operate.”
Operation Tornado moves around North Yorkshire, to make life even tougher for criminals and safer for residents.
As a result of Operation Tornado in Craven and Harrogate yesterday:
That’s in addition to our day-to-day policing tasks, including responding to emergencies, dealing with incidents, investigating offences and our routine patrols in towns, villages and rural areas.
We proactively tackle drugs, burglary, road safety rural crime, shoplifting and other crimes that affect communities every day.
But our co-ordinated push yesterday is a way to hone in on the things that matter most to people while working closely with the community.
Recent Operation Tornado deployments in other districts have resulted in dozens of arrests for serious offences, intensified patrols, special community engagement events and lots crime prevention work.
Some images from yesterday: