Operation Tornado sweeps into York and Selby

Yesterday (10 June), York and Selby saw a significant increase in proactive policing activity as Operation Tornado returned. Over a 24-hour period, officers carried out high-visibility patrols and targeted operations to disrupt crime and protect communities.

The operation commenced at 8am with a briefing led by Chief Constable Tim Forber. Throughout the day, officers made a total of 12 arrests for a range of offences.

A significant quantity of drugs was seized, and a number of welfare checks were conducted in partnership with immigration officers. Activity also focused on safeguarding, including addressing issues relating to exploitation.

Operation Tornado continues to rotate across North Yorkshire each month, bringing additional policing resources to a designated area for a 24-hour period. This deployment focused on tackling illegal e-bikes, burglary, and drug-related activity.

Following the morning briefing, Chief Constable Tim Forber joined officers to execute a warrant at an address on Bramham Drive in the Chapelfields area of York. During the search, officers recovered a quantity of suspected Class - A drug MDMA and Class B - drug cannabis. A 22-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply both Class- A and Class- B drugs.

A second warrant was later carried out at an address on Lowther Street in York. Officers identified and seized a quantity of Class- A drugs, along with digital devices and cash. A 29-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.

Across York city centre, dedicated teams were deployed to address crime linked to the illegal use of e-bikes and e-scooters. As part of Operation Pendulum - a York-based initiative targeting unlawful use of two-wheeled vehicles - officers carried out patrols into the evening. This included the use of both marked and unmarked specialist off-road bikes, alongside high-performance vehicles, to identify and intercept offenders.

In Selby, a joint Roads Policing Unit and DVSA day of action took place in Eggborough, officers dealt with a range of offences and vehicle issues. A total of 25 Traffic Offence Reports (TORs) were issued for various offences, and three vehicles were seized due to having no insurance. DVSA examiners issued eight immediate prohibitions, four delayed prohibitions, and provided two pieces of advice to drivers. In addition, one individual was arrested after being identified as wanted in relation to a domestic violence offence, and a further arrest was made for a drug driving offence.

After dark, officers in Selby conducted a coordinated nighttime operation focusing on key routes into North Yorkshire. With additional resources in both marked and unmarked vehicles, teams adopted a proactive approach - stopping suspicious vehicles in rural areas and targeting those believed to be involved in criminal activity.

Chief Constable Tim Forber from North Yorkshire Police said: “This might look like 24 hours of intensified activity, but it reflects the work our officers deliver every single day across North Yorkshire and the City of York.

“Operation Tornado allows us to go further - concentrating our resources into a local area targeting the issues that people tell us matter.

“We are listening, we are on the side of the public, and we are taking decisive action to disrupt crime and protect our communities”.

(Cheif Constable Tim Forber speaking to a member of public in York city centre)

(Engagement with Street Rangers in York city centre) 

(Team breifing in York) 

( A vehicle stop) 

( An officer on patrol near Sherburn in Elmet)

(The search of a suspect)