Crackdown targets leading city offenders

North Yorkshire Police launched the purge on crime, which has been dubbed Operation Secure, in York in autumn last year and the latest figures released by the force have revealed that 157 arrests have been made.

During last month alone, officers arrested 32 of the city’s most wanted suspects for crimes including theft, burglary and robbery along with drug offences and breaches of bail conditions as well as those wanted on court warrants.

The crime blitz is centred on the public providing tip-offs and vital intelligence to police about suspected criminal activity.

Chief Insp Dave Hannan, who is based in the York Safer Neighbourhood Command, said: “Operation Secure is an intensive crime campaign dedicated to the city of York, over and above our day-to-day policing activities.

“The results demonstrate our commitment to keeping York one of the safest places in the country.

“Members of the public are crucial to the success of the operation by acting as our eyes and ears and reporting suspicious activity.”

Operation Secure has been heralded by police as a “dedicated and sustained campaign” in York, as officers employ a combination of intelligence from the city’s residents along with crime prevention initiatives, targeted patrols and swoops on wanted suspects.

The operation provides additional resources from across the force, including support from specialist units such as road policing and neighbourhood support teams, to target crime blackspots, prolific offenders and persistent lawbreakers.

Anyone who wants to report illegal activity in their neighbourhood can contact North Yorkshire Police on 0845 6060247 or provide the information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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