Man suspected of drugs possession arrested in Skipton

A total of five people across North Yorkshire were arrested during Thursday's crackdown by Operation Hawk officers.

They targeted rural crime hotspots and major road networks used by travelling criminals.

In addition to the seizure of £20 of class-A drugs, suspected stolen property was recovered in Garforth and suspected drink driver was taken off the road at Croft-on-Tees.

In addition, a total of 47 vehicles were stopped, and a number of fixed-penalty notices issued for offences including mobile phone use, no insurance, no seat belt, no MOT, speeding and lighting offences.

The operation covered the Craven, Richmond, Catterick Garrison, Stokesley, Thirsk and Easingwold areas of North Yorkshire, and ran from 9am on Thursday into the early hours of today (Friday).

There was a also a valuable contribution by Country Watch volunteers, who worked alongside police officers to deter rural crime.

Operation Hawk is the police campaign to tackle rural and cross-border crime, and is already showing results: there were 5,709 incidents of rural crime in North Yorkshire in 2014, down from 6,341 in 2013.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said: “Criminals coming to North Yorkshire are finding that it is very difficult to get in and out again without us catching them or knowing they have been here.

“Travelling criminals and local law-breakers should take note, the tough stance shown during yesterday’s Operation Hawk day of action will continue. North Yorkshire is one of the safest places in the country and we are determined to keep it that way.”

Members of the public can help Operation Hawk by reporting any suspicious people or activity by calling North Yorkshire Police on 101 – select option 1 – and speak to the Force Control Room. If an emergency response is required, always dial 999. Information can also be passed on without giving your name by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.