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Prolific Harrogate burglars jailed for total of 10 years

Sunday, 1 February 2026 16:56

Jailed: Hari Barnes and William Smythe.

Two prolific burglars who caused misery for Harrogate residents last summer have been jailed for a total of ten years.

Hari Barnes, 19, of Roberts Crescent, and William Smythe, 23, of no fixed address were both jailed for five years each.

The pair pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit burglary when they appeared at York Crown Court on 25th November 2025.

They had been remanded in custody before their sentencing on Friday (30th January 2026).

Detective Inspector Amelia Haworth of Harrogate CID, said:

“North Yorkshire Police are committed to tackling burglary.

“These offences have a significant impact on the lives of victims and the sentencing of Hari Barnes and William Smythe, who have been identified as prolifically involved in burglaries in the Harrogate area, will help to keep the people of North Yorkshire safe.

“I would continue to urge the public to be vigilant around security at their home addresses, and to report anything suspicious to the police.”

During June and July 2025, the audacious pair went on a burglary spree, targeting Harrogate homes where they stole car keys and cars from driveways, broke into properties and were seen on multiple CCTV cameras scoping out properties and trying door handles.

North Yorkshire Police launched a large-scale investigation, known as Operation Cartilage, that gathered over 500 pieces of evidence including witness statements, CCTV footage and digital and forensic evidence that put the pair at the crime scenes.

The conspiracy was made up of seven linked burglaries and attempted burglaries, although Barnes and Smythe were implicated in several other break-ins or attempts, the court accepted their guilty plea based on seven offences across the Bilton, Valley Gardens and New Park areas of Harrogate.

Watch as the pair prowled around a property in Harrogate here:

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