Operation Tornado York and Selby 14 February 2025

A 24-hour crime blitz has seen 15 arrests as well as illegal drugs and weapons removed from the streets of York and Selby. In total we have recovered several kilos of suspected cannabis, a significant amount of suspected Class A and approximately £2,000 in cash.

Less than 24 hours on from PC Rosie Prior’s funeral on Thursday (13/2/25), officers paraded at dawn in York. United together as one team, officers and staff dusted down each other’s shoulders before heading out of the door with their heads held high and determined to show the public how proud they are to serve the communities of York and North Yorkshire.

Chief Constable Tim Forber leading the officers' briefing

What followed was 24 hours of high intensity policing activity in York and Selby. At the top of the agenda was retail crime, burglary, anti-social behaviour, the distribution of illegal drugs and road safety.

Immediately after the briefing, the Chief Officer Team joined the Operational Support Unit and headed out to execute a Section 23 Misuse of Drugs Act warrant at an address in Heslington. On entering the property, a large quantity of a suspected Class A drug and a suspected Class B drug was discovered and seized as well as a quantity of cash. A 32-year-old man and a 34-year-old woman were both arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a Class A drug and a Class B drug.  

Suspected drugs seized from Heslington

Further doors also went in throughout the day at addresses in York city centre, Haxby, Tang Hall and Selby.

Meanwhile on the road network around York and Selby, the Specialist Operations team tracked down vehicles believed to be involved in crime using hits from automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras. Also on duty for Operation Tornado were officers from the Operational Support Unit (OSU), our dog unit, roads policing, and community policing teams. All the teams worked relentlessly throughout the 24 hours of the operation.

Highlights included:

In Tang Hall, officers executed a warrant at an address on Allen Close. A quantity of prescription-type drugs including pregabalin and Valium were found. These are controlled substances and therefore illegal to supply unauthorised. A man in his 50s was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a Class B drug.

At approximately 3.40pm on Holgate Bridge in York, officers attempted to stop a 4x4 which was believed to be travelling on cloned plates. It failed to stop and was subsequently pursued through the city before the occupants abandoned it on Brompton Road and made off on foot.

Following a short foot chase, all three were detained. An 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle and possession of a dangerous weapon. A 43-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle, dangerous driving, drug driving and possession of a Class C drug. A 13-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle.

Near Selby, a proactive night-time operation took place between 8pm and 5am targeting cross-border criminals. Roads policing officers and dog units conducted high visibility patrols in Whitley, Sherburn in Elmet, Burton Salmon, Womersley, Beal, Birkin, South Milford, Hambleton, and Barkston Ash.

Roads policing officers on proactive patrols near Burton Salmon

A digital display van which was provided by Crimestoppers was used to highlight our most wanted faces across the city. The vehicle travelled around Foss Islands Retail Park, Monks Cross, the city centre and York Designer Outlet. It generated information which will help us with lines of enquiry to locate and arrest these individuals.

Dedicated roads policing patrols resulted in 12 traffic offence reports being issued for a number of offences which include driving with no insurance, otherwise in accordance with a licence, driving without due care, insecure loads, seatbelt offences and various vehicle defect offences. Three vehicles were also prohibited as a result of a dedicated dangerous condition in which they were being operated.

A roads policing stop in York city centre

Strong relationships with our local communities are essential and yesterday’s operation provided a key opportunity to engage with shoppers and business owners – sharing how to report retail crime and listen to any concerns or issues.

Local neighbourhood officers were also visible in various schools and community groups. In York, at Burton Green Primary School, the Neighbourhood Policing Team hosted a special workshop alongside Soundproof Box, an interactive theatre company for schools which aims to stop generational cycles of abuse. 

Joint patrols in York city centre with Street Rangers

Operation Tornado was launched in April 2024 as part of Chief Constable Tim Forber’s commitment to proactively target groups and individuals responsible for crime and violence in in our county.

Since the launch, the monthly operation has taken place right across York and North Yorkshire, and has led to dozens of arrests and positive outcomes.

Speaking after yesterday’s operation, Chief Constable Tim Forber said: “I’m immensely proud of the officers and staff who have shown the upmost professionalism and commitment by deploying on Operation Tornado immediately after Rosie’s funeral.

"It’s a true reflection of what our communities mean to us and I know that Rosie would also be proud of her colleagues for demonstrating that we are here to keep our communities safe and feeling safe.

“This was a huge operation, using over 100 officers from across the force. We know the impact that crime has on our communities and the violence and depravity it brings with it, which is why I launched Operation Tornado last year.

"By arresting 15 people in the last 24 hours, I can confidently say we have dismantled and disrupted various criminal networks. And we are never complacent. This should be a warning for anyone planning criminal activity in York or North Yorkshire”.

Senior Operational Commander for York and Selby, Superintendent Ed Haywood-Noble, added: “The last 24 hours has seen some great results with Operation Tornado working across York and Selby. In addition to enforcement, our officers have been out engaging with communities, providing crime-prevention advice and conducting high-visibility patrols in key areas.

"Although we have had an enhanced focus through Operation Tornado, this is what our officers do day in and day out.

"By being so visible, we’re reminding the public that we are here for them. If you see something that isn’t quite right, then report it on 101 or in an emergency 999”.