
Fourteen people have been arrested across the Harrogate district as part of a targeted police operation.
The arrests relate to a range of alleged offences including drug-related activity, burglary, shop theft, fraud and immigration matters.
The activity formed part of Operation Tornado, an initiative led by North Yorkshire Police to increase resources in targeted areas across the county.
As part of the operation, officers executed warrants at two flats in Knaresborough on Tuesday (30th July), arresting a man and a woman in their 40s.
Both were detained on suspicion of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and burglary.
Officers recovered substances believed to be heroin and crack cocaine, along with cash, suspected stolen items and other drug-related paraphernalia.
Elsewhere in the district, arrests were made in connection with immigration offences and retail thefts. Police confirmed that several other individuals were detained as part of broader efforts to tackle various crimes.
Harrogate-based Inspector Andy Pickless-Ingram said:
“Yesterday’s Operation Tornado has made a significant impact on crime in a number of communities.
“Burglary, drugs, shop theft and other offences we’ve tackled damage communities – residents quite rightly want us to come down hard on the perpetrators, which is exactly what this operation is about.
“But it’s also an opportunity to meet people, engage with the community and share advice that keeps people safe and I’d like to thank everyone who took the time to say hello and chat to us when we were out and about on patrol or at our engagement event in Valley Gardens, which helped to make it a huge success.”
In addition to enforcement activity, Operation Tornado also included a strong community engagement element.
Officers conducted high-visibility patrols in Harrogate town centre and surrounding areas, and visited local businesses to provide advice on preventing retail crime.
A public engagement event was also held in Valley Gardens, attracting members of the community.
The event showcased police vehicles, demonstrations, and featured participation from partner organisations including North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, Mountain Rescue, Yorkshire Air Ambulance and HM Coastguard.