Dozens of officers from across North Yorkshire Police took part in a 24-hour high visibility operation yesterday (Wednesday 14 May 2025) in York and Selby .

Operation Tornado is the name for the force’s monthly day of action which rotates around the county. Launched in 2024 by Chief Constable Tim Forber, it corrals officers, staff and partner agencies for 24 hours of hard-hitting disruptive policing. 

Following an early morning briefing in York yesterday morning, officers hit the road to execute drugs warrants and carry out enforcement activities. The key focuses for the operation were disrupting the supply of illegal drugs, retail crime, cycle crime in York and rural crime in Selby. In total eight arrests were made for various different offences including PWITS class A, fail to appear at court, shoplifting, possession of class A, B and C drugs.

Following the briefing, a house in Clifton was among those targeted by officers as the force’s Chief Officer Team worked alongside the Operation Support Unit. The premises was unoccupied; but it appeared the loft area was in the early stages of a cannabis grow being established as it was foil lined, insulated and had a lamp present. 

Across York, our dedicated Retail Crime Officers worked alongside plain clothed officers to deter and disrupt shoplifting. Widespread engagement took place across the city when officers explained to businesses about how the police can support them with crime fighting initiatives such as our dedicated Retail Crime Packs. Throughout the day various units deployed on the York Outer Ring Road as well as the city centre ring road to intercept vehicles with links to shop or business theft.  A man in his 40s was arrested by Chief Constable Tim Forber. The man entered a shop in York and caused criminal damage by smashing bottles from the shelves. He was arrested nearby and taken into custody.(12250086129)

In the city, further teams of officers focused on bicycle theft as 65 bikes were marked using Bike Register which helps us return stolen bikes to their owners. Throughout the day a tracker bike was put in place at various bike racks which is designed to catch suspects in the act. Plain clothed officers worked in partnership with York BID colleagues to disrupt and deter known offenders.  

In Selby, officers flooded the borders after dark to catch those who think that it is acceptable to travel into North Yorkshire to commit crime. With extra resources in marked and unmarked vehicles the teams took a ruthless approach to capturing offenders by stopping suspect vehicles in rural areas. 

During the day local neighbourhood policing officers concentrated on intercepting the supply of drugs in the district. Officers conducted a stop search and recovered 126 wraps of what is suspected to be illegal drugs. A man in his 20s from the Barlby area of Selby has been arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of drugs. 

The Rural Task force also conducted farm visits in the day to provide crime prevention and advice and equipment. On the road network, the Road Safety Team worked with DVSA to enforce road safety regulations, targeting dangerous vehicles and drivers.

The work during yesterday’s Operation Tornado mirrors the daily business of us disrupting and arresting those involved in crime and exploitation. 

Speaking after yesterday’s operation Chief Constable Tim Forber from North Yorkshire Police said: “Once again officers and staff from across North Yorkshire Police worked closely with our partners to achieve some great results for communities in York and Selby during the last 24 hours. 

“Operation Tornado strengthens our core daily neighbourhood activity by bringing together various departments from across the force for a day and night of hard-hitting action. 

“We continue to listen to the public’s concerns, sharing intelligence and then targeting the places where we will achieve the best results for our communities”.

The Senior Commander for York and Selby, Superintendent Ed Haywood-Noble from North Yorkshire Police added: “As area commander, I’m proud of what we have achieved in the last 24 hours. Yesterday’s Operation Tornado highlights the great work that is being carried out in York and Selby on a daily basis.

“We take a robust approach to all type of offending. My message to criminals is clear, we know who you are, and we will do everything in our power to bring you to justice. 

“Quite simply, our work doesn’t stop, and once again we will be back out again today continuing to drive down crime in local communities showing them that North Yorkshire Police is on their side.”