York police invite residents to observe stop and 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 in Foxwood on 8th July

Young people wanted as police launch first cadet unit in York

North Yorkshire Police is recruiting young people for its first ever uniformed Volunteer Police Cadet Unit in York.

A pilot scheme is set to run for two years and is open to girls and boys aged 14 to 16 who live or study in or near York.

The scheme is being run in partnership with Askham Bryan College where cadet training sessions will take place on weekday evenings during school term.

Temporary Inspector Martin McLachlan who is leading the scheme, said: “This is a great opportunity for young people in the York area to do something different. The aim of the cadet scheme is to encourage a spirit of adventure, good citizenship and increase self-esteem and confidence. It will also help to promote a practical understanding of policing among young people and aims to inspire them to participate positively in their communities.

“It is open to anyone from any background, as long as they live or study in or near York. If the York pilot scheme is successful, it will pave the way for other units to open across North Yorkshire.

“It will be great fun and the cadets will meet new people and make new friends as well as learning skills for life. And, thanks to Askham Bryan College’s partnership with us, we will have great facilities in which to hold our cadet nights.”

The unit is set to open in September 2015 and after the first three months of initial training, cadets will take their oath at a passing out ceremony attended by family and friends.
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Police say increase in high drink drive readings is worrying

The crack down on drink and drug driving continues with North Yorkshire Police planning a number of targeted operations over the coming weeks.

540 breath tests have been conducted with 61 arrests having been made so far.

Of particular concern from the arrests already made are the high levels of alcohol being detected.

Alarmingly 20% of those arrests have provided samples three times over the legal limit (35 micrograms per 100ml). During the same campaign last year only 6% of arrests provided readings of this level.

The highest reading taken so far was from a 58-year-old man arrested in the Malton area, who blew 139ug – just under four times the legal limit. He was later charged to Scarborough Magistrates’ Court and received a driving ban for 34 months and was ordered to pay £295 costs and carry out 300 hours of unpaid work.

A 42-year-old man who appeared at York Magistrates’ Court with a reading of 123ug/100ml received a 12 week suspended prison sentence, along with a 36 month ban and £315 costs to pay.

Four further cases have appeared in court this week; all received driving bans and hefty fines.

New road side drug screening devices are also helping North Yorkshire Police catch those driving under the influence of drugs. 13 arrests have been made so far due to positive drugs tests with three positive results for cannabis.

Sgt Andy Morton of the Roads Policing Group said “These prosecutions show that if people choose to break the law and drive under the influence of drink or drugs – we are out in force and waiting to catch you. Be assured, when we do, you will face a hefty fine and the possibility of a prison sentence.”

“If you are going out to have a drink ensure you have thought about how you will get home at the end of the night – leave your car at home.”

“We continue to appeal to members of the public that if they know of someone driving under the influence of drink or drugs – please contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 or report it anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.”

Cyclist hit by stone thrown from car near Askham Bryan – Police appeal

North Yorkshire Police is appealing for witnesses and information about an incident that occurred near to Askham Bryan village, York.

It happened on Askham Bryan Lane between 11.35am and 11.45am on 13 April 2015.

A 30-year-old woman was cycling towards the A1237 from the village when she was passed by what she believed to be a black Peugeot 107 travelling in the opposite direction containing several young males. As the car passed the front passenger threw a stone over the top of the car toward the cyclist, the stone hit her on her leg causing an injury.

Fortunately the cyclist was not injured badly in this incident but this could have easily have resulted in more serious injuries.

We are conducting enquiries and are requesting the public’s assistance to help determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

In particular, we are appealing for information from anyone who may be aware of this incident and has any information regarding it.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation should contact us on 101, select option 2, and ask for York Service Desk.

You can also email sntservdesk@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk

If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Please quote the North Yorkshire Police reference number 12150060136.

York Police unveil plan to keep race-goers and residents safe

North Yorkshire Police are urging race-goers in York to enjoy the event in good spirits, as they unveil the policing plan for this year’s race meetings in the city.

On race days, extra police will be on duty in the area around York Racecourse to provide a reassuring presence for both race-goers and local residents. They will be supported by Special Constables, volunteer officers with full police powers who give up their own time to support the policing operation. Officers will conduct high-visibility patrols both on foot and on cycle for the duration of the races, until the crowds have dispersed.

A preferred pedestrian route into the city centre will be signposted for race-goers who choose to walk rather than use the bus service. The route will divert pedestrians away from residential properties, across the grassed areas adjacent to Knavesmire Crescent and Albemarle Road, onto Albemarle Road opposite the allotments and up onto The Mount. Temporary portable toilets will also be in place on race days at two points along the pedestrian route, and will be clearly signposted.

A temporary road and footpath closure will cover Scarcroft Hill, Telford Terrace and Wentworth Road, and Knavesmire Crescent, and a one-way system will operate from 4pm on Knavesmire Road. Local residents have been kept informed of the closures to ensure they are not unnecessarily inconvenienced by the policing operation.

Sergeant Jacqueline Coultous, of York Police, said: “The vast majority of race-goers in York enjoy their day in good spirits, and our policing operation in previous years has been successful in reducing disruption to residents. However, we will deal appropriately and robustly with any irresponsible or anti-social behaviour.

“Our policing operation has been developed in partnership with York Racecourse and local licensees. It is designed to minimise disturbance to local people, and ensure that those who have been at the races and want to enjoy York’s nightlife can do so safely.”

Appeal for information following fatal road traffic collision on Wetherby Road

Police are appealing to witnesses of a fatal road traffic collision which occurred on the B1224 at Rufforth, York, on Monday 6 April to come forward with information.

The incident happened at 1pm and involved a motorcycle, a Ford Fiesta and a van.

Sadly, the rider of the motorcycle, a 40 year old man from York, suffered fatal injuries and died as a result of the incident.

The woman driver, and single occupant of the ford fiesta, suffered shock and was taken home by police. There were three occupants in the van, a man and a woman who suffered minor injuries, but who did not go to hospital, and a man who suffered more serious injuries. He was taken to hospital by ambulance, although his injuries are not believed to be life threatening.

The road was closed for several hours whilst circumstances surrounding the incident were investigated by police.

Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to contact the police. Dial 101, press option 2 and ask to speak to Traffic Sergeant Hamish Halloway. Alternatively you can email Hamish.halloway@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk

Please quote reference number 12150055894 when passing on information

Police in west York schedule more surgeries

Following a suggestion made in our story last week the Police have now scheduled more surgeries in West York

12 Feb 15 – Chapelfields Police & Housing joint drop-in advice session – Sanderson Community House, Bramham Road, York (from 10:00am for 2 hours)
19 Feb 15 – Woodthorpe/Dringhouses Surgery – Dringhouses Library, York (from 16:30 for 1 hour)
21 Feb 15 – Rural West surgery – York Rural West villages (please check local notice boards for times) (from 10:00 for 5 hours)
26 Feb 15 – Westfield – Police / Housing Advice Session – Sanderson Community House, Bramham Road, York (from 10:00 for 2 hours)

In addition a PCSO is in attendance at the Foxwood Community Centre each month to provide “drop in” advice. The next sessions are on Wednesday 4th March and Wednesday 11th March (10:00am – 12:00 noon on both days)

Special people wanted by North Yorkshire Police

North Yorkshire Police are on the hunt for people with that “Special” quality, as the force launches its campaign to recruit a new intake of Special Constables.

Special Constables are volunteers, who commit at least four hours of their time per week to keeping communities safe. “Specials” go through a rigorous training programme before they qualify to go out on the beat, where they work alongside regular police officers covering a wide range of different duties – anything from policing public events, to tackling anti-social behaviour or attending emergency incidents.

North Yorkshire Police currently has more than 160 Special Constable volunteers, who come from a wide range of backgrounds and professions, including teachers, airline cabin crew, office workers and archaeologists.

The force is hoping to recruit a further 100 Specials as part of a wider programme to boost the number of citizens involved in policing, and enhance links with all parts of the community in North Yorkshire.

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Witnesses sought after Acomb assault

York police are appealing for information after a woman was assaulted in the city.

It occurred at around 9.50pm on Wednesday 22 October 2014, on The Green, Acomb, close to the junction with Danebury Drive.

A 44-year-old woman was walking towards Tostig Avenue, when she was verbally abused by three men who were sitting on a bench. One of the group then approached the victim and punched her face. As a result she suffered bruising to her right cheek.
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