15 arrested and several kilos of drugs seized in North Yorkshire police operation
It came just 24 hours after the funeral of PC Rosie Prior on Thursday
Last updated 16th Feb 2025
Police in York and Selby say 15 people have been arrested - as well as illegal drugs and weapons taken from the streets after a 24-hour 'crime blitz'.
They say retail crime, burglary, antisocial behaviour and the distribution of illegal drugs was at the top of their agenda.
It came just 24 hours after the funeral of PC Rosie Prior earlier this week, and in total, the force say they also recovered a 'significant amount of suspected Class A drugs and approximately £2,000 in cash'.
Officers say, in the wake of the passing of PC Rosie Prior, they headed out of the door with their heads held high and determined to show the public how proud they are to serve the communities of York and North Yorkshire.
Highlights from the operation include the Chief Officer Team joining the Operational Support Unit on a Section 23 Misuse of Drugs Act warrant at an address in Heslington.
They found a large quantity of a suspected Class A drugs and a suspected Class B drug was also discovered and seized - as well as a quantity of cash.
A 32-year-old man and a 34-year-old woman were both arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a Class A drug and a Class B drug.
They also carried out warrants throughout the day at addresses in York city centre, Haxby, Tang Hall and Selby.
Whilst on the roads, their Specialist Operations team tracked down vehicles believed to be involved in crime using hits from automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras.
They also tracked down a quantity of prescription-type drugs in Tang Hall, where a man in his 50s was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a Class B drug.
Over on Holgate Bridge in York, officers attempted to stop a 4x4 which was believed to be travelling on cloned plates.
It failed to stop and was subsequently pursued through the city before the occupants abandoned it on Brompton Road and made off on foot.
Following a short foot chase, all three were 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. A 13-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle.
Operation Tornado was launched in April 2024 as part of Chief Constable Tim Forber’s commitment to proactively target groups and individuals responsible for crime and violence in in our county.
Speaking after yesterday’s operation, 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.
“This was a huge operation, using over 100 officers from across the force. We know the impact that crime has on our communities and the violence and depravity it brings with it, which is why I launched Operation Tornado last year.
"By arresting 15 people in the last 24 hours, I can confidently say we have dismantled and disrupted various criminal networks. And we are never complacent. This should be a warning for anyone planning criminal activity in York or North Yorkshire”.
Senior Operational Commander for York and Selby, Superintendent Ed Haywood-Noble, added: “The last 24 hours has seen some great results with 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.
"Although we have had an enhanced focus through Operation Tornado, this is what our officers do day in and day out.
"By being so visible, we’re reminding the public that we are here for them. If you see something that isn’t quite right, then report it on 101 or in an emergency 999”.