Fifteen people have been arrested as police carried out a blitz on criminals in York.
Officers also seized drugs, weapons and cash as they targeted drug dealers, burglars, shoplifters and dangerous drivers.
The day-long Operation Tornado came less than 24 hours on from PC Rosie Prior’s funeral and involved more than 100 officers.
During a drugs raid in Heslington, officers seized a large quantity of both class A and B drugs as well as cash.
A 32-year-old man and a 34-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of drug dealing.
More drug raids took place at addresses in York city centre, Haxby, Tang Hall and Selby.
On the roads, officers used automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras to track down down vehicles believed to be involved in crime.
Chief Constable Tim Forber said: “By arresting 15 people in the last 24 hours, I can confidently say we have dismantled and disrupted various criminal networks.”
13-year-old detained
At 3.40pm on Holgate Bridge, officers attempted to stop a 4 x 4 believed to be travelling on cloned plates.
It failed to stop and was chased through the city before the occupants abandoned it on Brompton Road and made off on foot.
All three were caught and 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; and
- a 13-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle.
In Tang Hall, officers raided an address on Allen Close. A quantity of prescription-type drugs including pregabalin and Valium were found, which are controlled substances and illegal to supply unauthorised.
A man in his 50s was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a class B drug.
Dedicated roads policing patrols resulted in 12 traffic offence reports being issued.
Drivers were caught for driving with no insurance, without due care, with insecure loads, and for seatbelt offences and various vehicle defect offences.
Three vehicles were also prohibited due to their dangerous condition.
Near Selby, a 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.
And a digital display vehicle, showing pictures of ‘York’s most wanted’, went to Foss Islands Retail Park, Monks Cross, the city centre and York Designer Outlet.
Police say it’s generated a number of leads.
‘Great results’
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.”
The District Commander for York and Selby, Superintendent Ed Haywood Noble added: “The last 24 hours has seen some great results 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.”