POLICE teams have hailed a successful programme of targeted patrols focussing on county lines drug dealing, cross-border and rural crime among other offences.

Supported by officers from the Roads Policing Group, Rural Task Force and the Operational Support Unit, policing teams in Ryedale and Scarborough also focused on dangerous driving, retail crime, and increasing the safety of women and girls on nights out.

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There was an increased police presence in the areas covered by the operation and officers executed warrants and seized drugs.

The “Proactive Fortnight” of action began on November 15 and was disrupted in part by Storm Arwen.

Superintendent Andrea Kell has praised the positive impact of the operation.

She said: "I thank everyone who has worked so hard to make our Proactive Fortnight a success.

"The effort and commitment are greatly appreciated and has made a positive impact in the communities we serve.

“We've executed a series of warrants and recovered various quantities of drugs which are now being investigated.

“We've also engaged with the public, and generally had a warm reception, regarding our road safety check points and awareness briefings centred on the ongoing ‘Fatal 5’ campaign.

"The past two weeks have been a very useful opportunity for actually developing intelligence that will lead to further proactive warrants linked to suspected criminals.

"There's plenty of things in the pipeline which we’re confident will come to fruition in the weeks and months ahead."

Supt Kell said that action was also vital in providing 'a highly visible and reassuring presence' in North Yorkshire communities.

She added: “A lot of people will be going out to Christmas parties and for nights out in pubs, bars and clubs.

“Our policing teams, working alongside council community safety and licensing officers, are actively engaging with the licensees, door staff and staff members and customers about the importance of providing a safe environment.

“This includes raising awareness about the behaviour of a small minority of men who actually or potentially pose a risk to women and girls.

“When such concerning behaviour is flagged-up to the police, we will execute our powers to stop and search these individuals and carry out arrests if necessary.

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“We want everyone to feel safe while enjoying everything a night out in our towns have to offer during the festive season and beyond.

"This includes at the start of the night to when people are heading home on foot or using taxis.”

Supt Kell said the patrols had received 'really good engagement and positive feedback' from the public, adding: “It's like a continuous cycle of the police serving the public, the public gives us information, then we use it to take all necessary proactive measures against those who cause the most harm in our communities.

“This is what neighbourhoods policing is all about.”

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