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:
Harrogate-based Sporting Influence Foundation to tackle 24 climbs in 24 hours
Giant vegetables take centre stage at Harrogate Autumn Flower Show
Alpamare waterpark to be sold to 'protect its future' with private investment
Roadworks causing growing disruption in Harrogate and Knaresborough, officials admit
Yorkshire artist brings Harrogate's Old Market Hall back to life
Martin House hosts first children's palliative care conference
Judge appointed to lead inquiry into North Yorkshire mental health trust
Harrogate group raise more than £40,000 with cycle to Bordeaux
Scotton pub wins Tripadvisor award for seventh year running
Almost 2,000 people sign Knaresborough landslip petition
Police appeal after Range Rover damaged in Knaresborough
St Aidan's teacher recognised at national Teacher of the Year Awards
Bramham Park to host its first Christmas market
Harvest gown unveiled for flower show's 50th anniversary
Ripon's Mario's Restaurant named among Tripadvisor's top 10%
Harrogate Rugby Club reveals plans for clubhouse expansion and padel courts
Police appeal after Lister House minibus vandalised in Ripon
Council urged to "show me the money" and provide evidence of home-to-school policy change savings
Kate Mosse and Prue Leith among stars of Harrogate Literature Festival
Ripon among UK's top cities for missing parcels
