Cross-border criminals beware – there’s no getting away from North Yorkshire Police!

A suspected car thief was dramatically arrested by the river in Bedale on Thursday (2 January 2025) evening thanks to the efforts of our Specialist Operations team.

The initial alert came from West Yorkshire Police control room at 5.42pm when a blue Ford Fiesta was spotted heading north on the A1(M) near Tadcaster.

The car had been reported as stolen to South Yorkshire Police on New Year’s Eve (31 December 2024) after it had been taken from outside a social club in Barnsley between 9pm and 9.45pm.

Officers from our Operational Support Unit got behind the vehicle on the A1(M) at Boroughbridge. It failed to stop and headed off the motorway near Leeming Bar.

As the car headed towards Bedale, a tactical pursuit was authorised.

The suspect abandoned the car near the river in Bedale at around 6.15pm.

He waded across the river and went out of sight in some bushes close to some allotments.

Officers located the suspect hiding in the undergrowth and he was arrested at 6.28pm.

As well as for the stolen car, he was also arrested for failing to stop for the police, dangerous driving, driving whilst disqualified, driving without insurance, and drink-driving after he failed a roadside breath test.

The 34-year-old man, who is from the Ashington area of Northumberland, remains in custody for questioning. We are supporting South Yorkshire Police regarding their ongoing investigation.

We were very happy to update the owner of the stolen car about its safe recovery in North Yorkshire.

REF 12250001051