North Yorkshire Police descended on Scarborough on Wednesday, as part of Operation Tornado, an initiative designed to reduce and prevent crime in specific areas.
Led by Chief Constable Tim Forber, the operation aimed to reassure communities and deter criminal activity.
Operation Tornado kicked off with early morning drug raids. Police executed a warrant on Clark Street, Scarborough, leading to the arrest of a 46-year-old man on suspicion of possessing cannabis with intent to supply. A later raid on Riverside View, Norton, resulted in the arrest of a 54-year-old woman on suspicion of possessing cannabis with intent to supply and possession of an offensive weapon. Both individuals were released under investigation.
Beyond the raids, Operation Tornado focused on community engagement. Specially trained officers were deployed to Scarborough Town Centre and the Seamer Road Retail Park to disrupt criminal activity and engage with the public. Officers also worked with Natwest Bank to raise awareness about fraud and safeguard residents from scams. In one instance, police intervened to protect a customer who was in the process of being defrauded.
Protecting Rural Communities
Operation Tornado also extended to the outskirts of Whitby, where the Rural Task Force engaged with farmers to help them protect their property from cross-border criminals. Officers distributed SelectaDNA kits, funded by the Safer Streets Fund, for use on valuable farming machinery.
SelectaDNA is a synthetic DNA marking solution that can help identify stolen property. It lasts for at least five years outdoors and contains a unique code that links the property to its rightful owner. The solution is visible under UV light and can be analysed using a microscope to reveal the unique code. If the solution is detected on a recovered item, it can be seized and tested to identify the owner.
In addition to distributing SelectaDNA kits, officers provided farmers with signs and stickers warning criminals about the presence of the marking solution. Night-time patrols were also conducted on the outskirts of Whitby to deter criminal activity.
Promoting Safety in the Night-Time Economy
Operation Tornado also focused on improving safety in Scarborough's night-time economy, particularly for women. A multi-agency team, including North Yorkshire Council's Senior Community Safety Officer, visited pubs and bars to promote the "Ask for Angela" scheme, which allows people who feel unsafe on a date to discreetly request assistance.
The team also ensured bar and security staff had undergone Welfare And Vulnerability Engagement (WAVE) training, which helps them identify potential victims and suspects of violence, including spiking. Finally, police provided a high-visibility presence in the town centre at the end of the night to ensure people could get home safely.
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