North Yorkshire Police's Operation Tornado targets drugs and retail crime
Successful warrants executed in Whitby and Scarborough
North Yorkshire Police’s latest Operation Tornado saw enhanced neighbourhood policing efforts in Whitby and Scarborough on 15th and 16th July, tackling drugs and retail crime across the region.
Led by Chief Constable Tim Forber, the operation bolstered local policing with specialist resources targeting priority issues from one of the force’s command areas.
Under the guidance of Coast Commander Superintendent Rachel Wood, and with Jo Coles, Deputy Mayor for Policing, Fire and Crime, the initiative kicked off with a successful drugs warrant on Whitby's St Mary’s Crescent, resulting in the arrest of a 48-year-old woman and a 48-year-old man on suspicions of possessing cocaine and cannabis with intent to supply.
Following their release under investigation, further operations ensued, including an evening warrant on Longwestgate in Scarborough leading to five arrests connected to cannabis possession, involving a 34-year-old woman and four teenage boys aged 15-16.
Neighbourhood Support Units facilitated high-visibility patrols concentrating on retail crime prevention in Whitby and Scarborough town centres, alongside undercover operations involving plain-clothes officers and collaboration with North Yorkshire Council’s CCTV operators.
Engagement ventures extended to rural areas, advancing crime prevention awareness and generating new intelligence on suspicious activities.
Operation Seabird, held down at Whitby harbour, focused on educating visitors and local students about safeguarding marine mammals from human disturbances.
Throughout the towns, officers tackled locations marked by anti-social behaviour, including off-road biking issues, dovetailing into night-time economy patrols as local pubs hosted football fans for England’s World Cup semi-final match against Argentina.
Roads Policing Units conducted drink and drug-drive operations along the Cleveland Police border.
Chief Constable Forber stated the operation's significance: “It’s always a pleasure to bring Operation Tornado back to Whitby and Scarborough and show that North Yorkshire Police is at the very heart of the community.”
He added a warning to wrongdoers: “If you come to North Yorkshire, you will be arrested, and we will do everything in our power to bring you to justice.”