York woman forfeits £2990 as Police announce award winners.

North Yorkshire Police have successfully obtained a forfeiture order under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA) against a woman from York, for cash amounting to £2990 that was seized during a drugs warrant.

Yazmin Biggs, 61, has also been told she must pay £895 in costs to North Yorkshire Police’s Legal Services Department.

Police seized the cash during a search of the home address of Ms Biggs, following reports of drug related activity at the property.

When she appeared in court, Ms Biggs claimed that nothing illegal had taken place in relation to the cash. However when hearing the circumstances in which the cash was seized and details of the subsequent financial investigation, the Magistrates decided that it was more likely than not that the cash was derived from criminal activity.

T/Detective Inspector Rowland of the Force Economic Crime Unit said:

“This particular case once again demonstrates that even when the result of a criminal investigation no further action (NFA), if the cash is seized in suspicious circumstances the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) allows North Yorkshire Police to continue to investigate the origin and intended use of that cash.

“Officers from the force’s Economic Crime Unit will work hard to put evidence before a court and they will decide if the cash was derived from criminal activity or was intended for use in such activity.

“The outcome with Ms Biggs reinforces the message to those wishing to engage in criminal activity, that the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) will be used at every opportunity.”

Winners announced at the first North Yorkshire Police Annual Awards ceremony

Supporting the families of murder victims, saving a woman from suicide and encouraging hundreds of youngsters towards a positive lifestyle – those were just a few of the stories from North Yorkshire Police’s first Annual Awards ceremony, which was held at the Hospitium in York on Friday (23 October).

The Annual Awards event, which was attended by winners, their families and senior officers, was designed to recognise the achievements of officers and staff who embody the Force’s values of courage, compassion and inspiration. It is the first such event to be held by North Yorkshire Police.
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Anti social behaviour tackled by new policing plan for half term

A youth protection scheme is to be re-run over half term following its success in the summer.

Operation Liberate, led by City of York Council and North Yorkshire Police, and other partners, aims to keep young people feeling and being safe. Police, local authority officers and healthcare professionals offer young people support and help, and where necessary take action to prevent anti-social behaviour or offending.

Between 24 July and 5 September on Friday and Saturday nights during the summer holiday, Operation Liberate targeted areas where anti-social behaviour has been an issue in the past. Police response teams identified 18 young people at risk and vulnerable aged between 10 and 18, of whom 75 per cent were female. Of them, 25 per cent were in danger of getting involved in anti-social behaviour and 75 per cent were considered vulnerable.
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Day of action leads to Police arrests in west York

The York West Safer Neighbourhood Team conducted a day of action yesterday, Thursday 15 October 2015.

The enforcement activity took place in the Acomb area of York and the team were supported by York Neighbourhood support team, Road Policing team, Firearms support unit, York Anti-social Behaviour Hub officers and York City Council Neighbourhood Enforcement officers.

A warrant was carried out under the misuse of drugs act at a property on Dringfield Close at around 8am. A 25 year old woman and a 27 year old man were arrested at the property and both have been released on bail pending further enquiries.

A search of a vehicle stopped on Barkston Grove led to the arrest of a 25 year old man from York on suspicion of supplying a class B drug. He has been released on bail.

Subsequent searches at a property in Westfield Place, Acomb, York, led to the arrest of a 23 and 2 4 year old man, both form York, for drugs offences. Both have been released on bail.

A 36 year old man from York was arrested on suspicion of the theft of a cycle on Tadcaster Road. The cycle has since been returned to its owner and the man has been bailed.

As well as the enforcement activity, officers actively supported the Hate Crime awareness week by attending Acomb library with information and advice about Hate Crime.

In addition, officers attended York College for a dot peen property making event where various items of property were marked and recorded including 45 Cycles.

PC Andy Chapman said:

“North Yorkshire Police is committed to eradicating drug dealing in the city of York.

“The actions of those who choose to sell drugs will not be tolerated and my message to them is – you will be caught.

“The local policing team will continue to undertake days of action as part of our aim to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour across the city.”

If anyone has any information about people dealing drugs or anyone wishing to report suspicious activity please contact the Police on 101.

Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.

York sex assault investigation – appeal to trace man in CCTV images

Detectives have issued CCTV images of a man they need to speak to in connection with a sexual assault on a woman at an address in York City Centre.

The incident, which is being treated as isolated with no wider concerns for the local community, occurred at around 5am on Friday 2 October 2015.

The victim is being supported by specially trained officers while police enquiries are ongoing to trace the man. Officers are urging him to come forward as he could have important information to assist the investigation. They are also appealing for anyone who recognises the man from the CCTV images to get in touch without delay.

He is described as a white, aged around 20 or 21, of skinny build and has chin-length black hair. The man has a few tattoos, one of which is a distinctive “umbrella with rain drops” on his right bicep area. He also has a tattoo of some writing across his stomach area.

If you can help, please call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2, and ask for York Serious Crime Team. Or email SCTYork@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk

York sex assault investigation – appeal to trace man in CCTV images 2

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Please quote incident number 12150176353 when providing information about this investigation.

Public urged to be vigilant against Cybercrime

North Yorkshire Police (NYP) has launched a campaign in the fight against Cybercrime.

The campaign, which will run throughout October, aims to raise awareness of the threat of this complex type of crime and encourage people to be more vigilant.

Information about the most common online threats and scams in North Yorkshire will be published via social media channels, along with prevention advice.

Modern technology such as mobile devices and international computer gaming is now a part of everyday modern society.
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Volunteer opportunities with the Police

North Yorkshire Police is looking for volunteers for a number of exciting opportunities across the county.

Police Support Volunteers are much valued members of the policing family who give up their free time to help the police keep North Yorkshire one of the safest places in the country.

They carry out various roles from ensuring our vehicles are equipped and ready for the road, to quality checking our interaction with victims of crime.

North Yorkshire Police has a strong history of volunteering with many committed people who go the extra mile to help the police protect the communities of North Yorkshire.

The force are looking for community-spirited people who have a few hours to spare each week and can assist them with a number of roles including vehicle checkers in York, drivers in the Thirsk area, a volunteer manager in the Scarborough area and a number of county-wide opportunities for people to carry out feedback surveys with victims of crime.

As part of the policing family, you will join a team of like-minded people who are committed to helping their local community as well as making new friends and getting an insight into the work of your local police service.

North Yorkshire Police’s Chief Officer for Citizens in Policing, Mike Maiden, who is also a volunteer, said: “Being a volunteer can be extremely rewarding and by joining the police service you will have a unique experience of volunteering.

“You will be supporting your local police force, and in turn, help members of the public who are often at their most vulnerable. Your support will allow officers and staff to concentrate on their priorities of providing a service to victims, preventing and detecting crime and bring offenders to justice.

“You will also get to meet some great people and be part of a committed team of people who provide significant benefits to the police service.”

Julia Mulligan, Police and Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire, added: “This is a great way for people to support the work of the police and help in making people feel safe and be safe. Volunteers do a fantastic job and are an important part of the policing family. If you have some time and are looking for a new challenge, we would love to hear from you.”

Details of the role opportunities:
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Public asked to nominate favourite cops.

North Yorkshire Police are calling on the public to nominate members of the policing family who have made a difference within their local community.

For the first time, the public will be able to nominate an individual who has gone above and beyond their day to day duties and have demonstrated one of three core behaviours – courage, compassion or inspiration – whilst keeping their local community safe.

The three behaviours – which are central to North Yorkshire Police’s Code of Ethics – are:

Courage – Not just where a member of the police family has acted bravely, although of course they will be considered, but also where a staff member has had the courage and conviction to appropriately challenge a decision or used their influence wisely. Also where a member of the police family has displayed courage and tried a new way of doing things, accepted accountability or stepped outside their comfort zone.

Compassion – They have demonstrated care for victims and recognising the needs of others. It may be an instance where they may of helped an individual or community to build supportive networks which have to brought about a sense of well-being.

Inspiration – They have inspired our communities and have helped to build North Yorkshire Police’s reputation as a responsive service that goes that extra mile. By behaving as a role model, demonstrating integrity and helping to create an environment of learning, success and innovation.

Members of the public can nominate :

• Police Officers

• Office of Police and Crime Commissioner Staff

• Police Staff

• Police Community Support Officers

• Volunteers

• Special Constables

Nominations can be made via the online form.

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School holiday activities programme launched by York Police

North Yorkshire Police have officially launched the Lifestyle Challenge 2015.

North Yorkshire Police Lifestyle Challenge Awards 2014

Now in its third year, the competition runs over the summer holidays and aims to give young people aged 10 – 17 a positive project to do over the long break, giving them the opportunity to improve the quality of life in their community.

The teams have to think of a project that they can carry out over the summer holidays that is of benefit to someone or something in the community. They then have until the start of September to work on their project, recording all they do in a log book provided by the police. The log books are then submitted for judging, with the winners attending a glittering awards ceremony in November to receive their prizes, which include PGL adventure holidays, mountain bikes and Kindle Fires.

Projects carried out in previous years include “5ICE” from Selby who cleared gardens in sheltered accommodation and then made and cited nesting boxes; “The Yorkies” who created an outside relaxation area at a local club for disabled youngsters and then raised funds to buy sports equipment; and “Bogus Babes” from Stokesley who launched an anti-crime initiative to warn people about bogus doorstep callers.

Teams wanting to take part can register online at www.northyorkshire.police.uk/lifestyle. They will be sent a registration pack, including a log book to record all their work, a handbook with lots of help and advice, and Company Challenges. These are sponsored by local businesses and agencies and are full of ideas for projects in case the teams are a bit stuck. The first 100 young people to register also receive a limited edition Lifestyle 2015 t-shirt.

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PC Suzanne Asquith, Youth Engagement Officer at North Yorkshire Police, said: “2015 is going to be a fantastic year for Lifestyle. We have got a lot of exciting challenges from our community safety partners and local NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups as well as Hiscox, Shepherd Group and Virgin Trains East Coast. I am also very pleased that this year York City Football Club Foundation have joined us with a brilliant sporting challenge.”

This year a new category has been introduced so entire youth groups or uniformed organisations such as Guides or Scouts can take part. Teams in the Youth Group Division can win a monetary prize to be spent by the group on whatever equipment or activities they like.

PC Asquith added: “The Lifestyle Challenge benefits so many people. Young people can be recognised as having made a positive contribution to their neighbourhood, while the community benefits from new play equipment, cleaner green spaces, conservation areas, family fun days or crime reduction projects.

“It’s a great way to spend the summer and can bring some amazing results. We are very fortunate in being able to hold our awards ceremony once again at York Racecourse and I am looking forward to seeing what the teams come up with this year!”

York Police roll out new property marking machines

Four new property marking machines will be in action across York from next week in a bid to deter thieves and protect property.

York Police have invested in the top-of-the-range “dot peen” property marking machines, and are offering the service free to residents.

Every year, police recover hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of stolen property from the hands of criminals, but all too often there is no way of identifying its rightful owners. Being able to trace the ownership of the property not only helps people get the property back, but it can also provide evidence that is vital in securing convictions.

Dot peen marking involves using a tungsten carbide-tipped pin to indent an object with dots to create a visible, permanent unique number. The unique number will be entered onto the national Immobilise property register database, vastly increasing the chances that it will be reunited with its owner if it is lost or stolen.

The new machines in York can mark at a speed of two characters per second, to an accuracy of 0.006mm, and can be used on everything from steel and aluminium to plastic.

They have been funded by North Yorkshire Police, the Police and Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire, and Safer York Partnership.

While other methods of property marking, such as UV marker pens or forensically-coded liquid, can also be very effective in reuniting property with its rightful owners, the visual deterrent of a permanently marked serial number alone could be enough to deter would-be thieves.

Inspector Lee Pointon, of York Police, said: “York is a very safe city, but we do know that over the summer holidays burglars will be on the look-out for empty homes and unattended outbuildings containing valuable property.

“Marking your property is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself from being a victim of crime. Criminals will see the permanent unique number, and know immediately that your property is too hot to handle. If the worst happened and you were targeted, marked property is far harder to sell on, and we are much more likely to be able to return it to you.”

Jane Mowat, Director of Safer York Partnership, said: “Safer York Partnership is pleased to support the purchase of additional Telesis property marking equipment as part of our ongoing work to tackle burglary. We cannot stress enough the importance of marking and registering property so that it can be returned to its rightful owner when stolen property is recovered by the police.”

Dot peen marking is suitable for everything from bikes and garden tools to PlayStations and laptop computers.

More than 80 York police officers, PCSOs and volunteer Special Constables are being trained to use the dot peen machines, and in the coming months residents will be invited to attend drop in sessions to get their property marked. Officers will also be working closely with City of York Council and local Neighbourhood Watch schemes to publicise the service.

For more information about property marking, visitwww.northyorkshire.police.uk/propertymarking. You can also install North Yorkshire Police’s free home security web app, BurglarProof, atburglarproof.nyp.mobi. And you can download our interactive home security iBook – just search for “Securing your home” on iTunes.

To find out when your next property marking event is taking place, follow your local York police team on Twitter at @snayorkcityeast,@snayorknorth or @snayorkwest. The service will be promoted on Twitter with the hashtag #whatisdotpeen

York police invite residents to observe “Stop & Search” in action

Police in North Yorkshire are giving people the opportunity to see stop and search powers in action from today.

Under the Stop and Search Lay Observer Scheme, members of the public can apply to accompany officers on patrol when they might deploy stop and search powers.

North Yorkshire Police officers carry out about 20 stop searches per day, and these powers are an effective policing tool to detect crime, recover property and arrest offenders. The force has adopted the Home Office Best Use of Stop and Search Scheme to increase transparency and further improve our use of these powers.

Chief Inspector Mark Grange, of North Yorkshire Police, said: “By introducing ‘lay observation’, a process of two-way learning can take place, bringing the police closer to the public.

“Under this scheme the police have the opportunity to demonstrate their use of stop and search, while members of the public will be provided with the opportunity to see stop and search in action, and provide feedback based on their observations.

“I would encourage anyone interested in observing stop and search in action to visit our website to find out more.”

Applicants will need to be voluntarily vetted prior to being approved to accompany an officer, and will need to be flexible regarding the hours they accompany an officer and the area where they patrol. A number of other restrictions apply, which are outlined on the application form.

To find out more about the use of stop and search by North Yorkshire Police, visit www.northyorkshire.police.uk/stopsearch. To apply online to join the Stop and Search Lay Observer Scheme, visit www.northyorkshire.police.uk/layobserver.

Police Surgery on 8th July

Cllr Stephen Fenton, Cllr Ashley Mason & Cllr Paula Widdowson

Dringhouses and Woodthorpe Liberal Democrats