Fourteen arrests made as part of a monthly proactive policing operation

Operation Tornado rotates around North Yorkshire on a monthly basis and yesterday(Wednesday 13 November 2024) was in York, Selby and the surrounding villages.

It specifically focuses on different issues that are relevant to an area. County lines, safeguarding vulnerable people, burglary and road safety were top of the agenda on the latest hard-hitting day of action. From dusk until dawn officers deployed on foot and in a variety of specialist vehicles to arrest wanted offenders, engage with the public and host talks in schools. In 24 hours, officers made a total of fourteen arrests for a variety of offences.

A key focus of the day was on the Clifton area of York as it is one of our Clear Hold Build projects. Our Assistant Chief Constable Catherine Clarke and Detective Superintendent Fran Naughton visited Clifton Green Primary School to talk to over 400 children about various issues which include county lines, hate crime and anti social behaviour.

At the same time Chief Constable Tim Forber, Deputy Chief Constable Scott Bisset and Assistant Chief Constable Ben Moseley were down the road executing a drugs warrant at an address on Spalding Avenue. Inside officers found a large quantity of cash. A 41-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a class- B drug and possession of criminal property. He was interviewed and later released under investigation.

Elsewhere in Clifton, officers conducted 50 Surveys of local residents to help understand the concerns of the community and increased the number of signups on Community Messenger, a platform that allows neighbourhood policing officers to engage directly with the community.

Down the road in Heworth, teams deployed to prevent drugs use, antisocial behaviour and raise awareness of retail crime. High visibility patrols were carried out and officers worked directly with business owners on ways to make their business safer from opportunist criminals.

Across the city, officers from specialist operations flooded the streets of York in marked and unmarked vehicles. They acted on information that was provided from the public and stopped a range of vehicles. Three people were arrested for drug driving in York city centre yesterday afternoon.

In Selby, the area commander, Superintendent Ed Haywood Noble attended a warrant along with officers on Woodville Terrace. A quantity of what suspected to be a class – A drug was found at the address along with a sim card. A 49-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a class – A drug. She was interviewed and later released under investigation.

In Gowthorpe, officers attended a shop with Trading Standards due to information received about the selling of illicit vapes. At the premises, a number of suspected cannabis vapes were seized, along with a quantity of cash. A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a class – A drug. He was interviewed and later released under investigation.

Elsewhere across the Selby District officers visited over 100 addresses to talk to the public about issues in their area and offer crime prevention advice.

The day was staffed by existing command resource who were supported with specialist teams from across the force including the Operational Support Unit, Roads Policing and the Rural Task Force. Alongside officers were also various partners which included the British Transport Police, Trading Standards, City of York Council and North Yorkshire Council who were working with us to tackle drug supply in Selby to make it a hostile environment for drugs.

The Senior Commander for York and Selby, Superintendent Ed Haywood Noble said: "Yesterday’s operation is a proactive approach to tackling issues that matter most to residents in York and Selby.

“Burglary, illegal drug use and the exploitation of young people will not be tolerated in our communities, and by proactively enforcing warrants and arresting offenders makes it absolutely clear that criminals can't act with such audacity and expect to get away with it.

“It’s also worth highlighting that we made three arrests for drug driving in York yesterday afternoon. Despite it being against the law, there are still people out there who think it is okay for them to get behind the wheel after they drink or take drugs and it’s not acceptable.

“As area commander for York and Selby it’s important to stress that we have the drive and determination that was shown yesterday every day, and we will be back out in our local communities today. Working closely with partners and the public we will do all that we can to ensure that our communities remain safe.”