Police plea for information in latest crime clampdown

North Yorkshire Police announced yesterday that the force is launching the latest phase of an intelligence-led crime blitz that has already led to more than 50 arrests.

The new crackdown, dubbed Operation Secure, aims to gather information about offenders from local communities as well as targeting patrols in troublespots.

Chief Inspector Dave Hannan, of York Safer Neighbourhood Command, said: "The public act as the eyes and ears of the police and as recent successful operations have shown, information from the public has led to a series of very productive strikes on local criminals.

"The message we want to get out to our community is that while the police are doing all we can to bring these offenders to justice, it is you – the caring and law-abiding members of our community – who can play a crucial role by telling us what you know in the strictest of confidence.

"Information is vital in our drive to prevent and detect crime. We need local people to tell us what is going on in their neighbourhood and we will take firm action in response."

The public are being urged to provide information either directly to the police or to the charity, Crimestoppers, about suspicious activity, actual offences or anyone they believe is living off the proceeds of crime.

So far this year, information passed to Crimestoppers in North Yorkshire has resulted in 73 arrests and charges related to burglary, theft and drugs offences.

The initial purge on crime in York, called Operation Maelstrom, was launched last month with the arrest of some of York's most wanted criminals.

The campaign is also promoting crime prevention messages through increased patrols as well as posters, leaflets and the internet. Operations are being staged to target specific areas of the city blighted by crime.

Senior officers have stressed they will employ the force's "name and shame" policy to publicise prolific offenders convicted at court.

Anyone with information can contact North Yorkshire Police on 0845 6060247 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.