North Yorkshire Police

North Yorkshire Police We're the largest single county force in England, covering an area of 3,200 sq miles

The aim of our social media channels is to create an environment where our communities can engage safely in debate and are free to make comments, questions and suggestions. We ask that anyone engaging with our social media channels shows courtesy, kindness and respect for all other members of our social media communities. In order to help create this safe environment we have set out some guideline

s which apply to any engagement with us or other members of the community on any of our social media channels: https://www.northyorkshire.police.uk/police-forces/north-yorkshire-police/areas/about-us/about-us/social-media/social-media-community-guidelines/

By engaging with our social media channels you agree to follow these guidelines:

Comments must not:
◾ Contain spam, be defamatory of any person, deceive others, be obscene, offensive, threatening, abusive, hateful, inflammatory or promote s*xually explicit material or violence.
◾ Promote discrimination based on race, s*x, religion, nationality, disability, s*xual orientation or age.
◾ Breach any of the terms of any of the social media platforms themselves.
◾ Be off-topic, irrelevant or unintelligible.
◾ Contain any advertising or promote any services. We reserve the right to determine, at our discretion, whether contributions to our social media channels breach our guidelines. We reserve the right to hide or delete comments made on our channels, as well as block users who do not follow these guidelines. We also reserve the right to make a copy of any comments we deem appropriate for investigation as we feel necessary or is required for criminal justice purposes. If you are concerned about any comments you have seen shared on any of our social media channels then please report them to us by emailing: [email protected]

Please also remember that we cannot take reports of crime via social media, all crime should be reported via our website, on 101 or in an emergency call 999.

Earlier today we issued an appeal to help find a 45-year-old man from the former Hambleton area, wanted for failing to a...
04/09/2026

Earlier today we issued an appeal to help find a 45-year-old man from the former Hambleton area, wanted for failing to appear in court.

He has since been arrested and the appeal has been removed.

Thank you to everyone who shared our appeal.

Ref 12260157746

The fight against rural crime will be in the spotlight next week 💡Our Rural Task Force is joining a nationwide clampdown...
04/09/2026

The fight against rural crime will be in the spotlight next week 💡

Our Rural Task Force is joining a nationwide clampdown on rural crime next week - the National Rural Crime Action Week.

It's an an annual campaign led by the National Rural Crime Network to raise awareness of rural crime, which runs from 6 September.

Here, our Rural Task Force (RTF) - which this year marks its tenth anniversary - will be taking part in operational activity and community engagement throughout the week.

They'll be highlighting the work they carry out every day to tackle rural crime, protect agricultural businesses and wildlife, disrupt organised criminality, and support communities across one of England's most rural policing areas.

The team will also use the week to meet with farmers, landowners, rural businesses and residents to better understand local concerns and encourage the reporting of crime and suspicious activity.

Detective Chief Superintendent Nikki Shimwell, Head of Crime and Operational Support, said: "Rural crime has a significant impact on the people who live and work in North Yorkshire and York. From machinery theft and fly-tipping to poaching, wildlife crime and livestock offences, these crimes can have serious financial and emotional consequences for victims.

"National Rural Crime Action Week is an opportunity to highlight these issues, showcase the extensive work being carried out to protect rural communities, and strengthen the partnerships that are essential to tackling crime in our countryside."

In addition to increased operational activity, the RTF will be at Moorcock Show on Sunday 6 September, and Ruswarp Auction Mart on Wednesday 9 September. There will also be many other opportunities to meet the team - keep an eye on police social media for details.

Members of the public are urged to support our work in rural communities by reporting crime and suspicious activity. All information helps police build intelligence, identify offenders and target resources where they are needed most.

Anyone who witnesses a crime in progress should call 999. Non-emergency incidents can be reported online via the North Yorkshire Police website, or by calling 101. Information can also be passed anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

"My mum was the most wonderful person in my world and deserved kindness, dignity, and proper care. Instead, she was take...
04/09/2026

"My mum was the most wonderful person in my world and deserved kindness, dignity, and proper care. Instead, she was taken advantage of by someone who abused their position of trust." ⬇️

Former manager of a Filey care home, Michaela Golding, 58, of Greenfields Avenue, Osgodby, has been jailed after she abused her position of trust and stole over £50,000 from vulnerable residents and their families between October 2022 and June 2024.

Golding was sentenced to 32 months in prison at York Crown Court on 4 September 2026 after pleading guilty to fraud by abuse of position and false accounting on 10 August at Scarborough Magistrates Court.

Golding offered assistance to residents’ relatives who were struggling to manage care home payments and finances. In several instances, money intended for care fees was instead paid directly into Golding’s personal bank accounts for her own personal expenditure.

She also admitted to altering invoices from the podiatry service who came to take care of the residents, inflating the costs and taking the extra from the residents' personal expenditure. However, Golding has denied taking the extra for herself, saying it was placed in a tin in the office as petty cash.

In a second interview - when confronted with the evidence - Golding admitted responsibility for the offences. From one victim alone, she took just over £27,000.

The son of one of Golding's victims wrote a Victim Personal Statement detailing how devastating this has been on him and his family:

🗨️ "When I first discovered that money had been taken from my mum, I experienced a mixture of overwhelming emotions. Initially, I felt intense anger, which was then replaced by an overwhelming feeling of sickness. My mum was a very proud woman, and to know that this happened during the final years of her life causes me great distress. I still struggle to comprehend how someone could do this to her.

"My mum was living in a care home and was being looked after by people whom I believed I could trust — people who were supposed to protect her at a time when she was at her most vulnerable. My mum was the most wonderful person in my world and deserved kindness, dignity, and proper care. Instead, she was taken advantage of by someone who abused their position of trust.

"I feel deeply betrayed by Michaela Golding. Whenever I spoke to her, she came across as caring and attentive, while all the time she was stealing from my mum. My mum would have trusted her completely — she was placed in a role of trust, and that trust was shamefully abused. I find this behaviour utterly disgraceful and beyond belief.

"It has now been two years since my mother passed away, and I still feel unable to grieve properly. What has happened has prevented me from finding any sense of closure. This matter has remained ongoing, and as a result, the emotions surrounding my mum’s final years remain raw and painful. Until this process is complete, it feels impossible to move forward.

"I feel a strong need for justice for my mum. She was treated in a despicable manner when she should have been protected and respected. I hope that at some point Michaela will truly understand the seriousness of what she has done and the lasting impact it has had on my family."

🗣️ Fraud Investigator, PC Emma Harris, from our Economic Crime Unit, said: "Golding's offending was despicable and the effect on the families cannot be underestimated. She was placed in a position of trust to take care of vulnerable people and act in their best interests, instead she took advantage of them for her own financial gain.

"The victims' families should be praised for their dedication and patience in achieving justice for their family members who fell victim to Golding. I hope today's sentence goes some way in offering closure and help them now move forward and finally grieve for their loved ones."

Jailed for five years for s*xual assault ⬇️A man has been jailed for five years after s*xually assaulting a woman in Yor...
04/09/2026

Jailed for five years for s*xual assault ⬇️

A man has been jailed for five years after s*xually assaulting a woman in York.

Matthew Thomas Banks, aged 40, of Wheldrake, York, was sentenced today at York Crown Court after admitting s*xual assault by pe*******on and s*xual assault by touching.

In the early hours of Sunday 25 July 2021, Banks was at the victim's home when he carried out the offences.

The victim managed to escape from the property and alerted neighbours, who encouraged her to report the incident to police.

Banks was arrested at his home later that day on suspicion of assault by pe*******on but denied the offences during police interviews.

However, forensic evidence supported the victim's account and linked him to the crimes.

After being charged, Banks initially pleaded not guilty and a trial date was set for August 2026. However, on the first day of the trial, he changed his plea to guilty.

Investigating officers praised the victim for her courage in reporting the offences and supporting the prosecution, which ultimately led to Banks being brought to justice.

In a victim impact statement read to the court, the victim described the devastating and long-lasting effect the assault has had on every aspect of her life, including her family life, career and relationships.

She explained that, despite the passage of time, she continues to suffer from panic attacks, anxiety and episodes of dissociation, leaving her struggling at times to reconnect with the present.

She told the court: “Over the last five years, I have been affected by the s*xual assault as I have woken up panicking in sweats, and I have had night terrors and flashbacks.”

She also described how the assault has left her fearful of visiting places she once enjoyed, as well as locations she needs to go to, with the constant fear of seeing him affecting her day-to-day life.

The victim also added the attack left her feeling "less than human", "less of a woman" and as though she was "damaged goods".

She ended by saying: “It has affected almost every aspect of my life, and it will take a long time for me to heal fully from this.”

Speaking after the sentencing Detective Constable Sarah Scott of North Yorkshire Police’s City & Selby Criminal Investigation Department said: "Banks subjected his victim to a terrifying and traumatic ordeal, which she showed immense courage in reporting to police.

"Not only did he commit these serious offences, but he continued to deny them, only admitting his guilt on the first day of trial. In doing so, he caused further distress to the victim, who faced the prospect of reliving her experience in court.

"Despite the significant impact these offences had on her, the victim remained committed to seeking justice. She bravely provided detailed accounts to investigators and supported the prosecution throughout the case, helping to ensure Banks was held accountable for his actions.

"I hope this sentence provides some closure to her, and reassures other victims that s*xual offences are treated with the utmost seriousness by both the police and the courts. North Yorkshire Police remains fully committed to supporting victims, bringing offenders to justice, and protecting those who have experienced s*xual violence and abuse.

"If you have experienced any form of s*xual offence or abuse, I would encourage you to come forward and report it. We will listen, we will support you, and we will investigate."

Pateley Bridge fatal pedestrian collision: Suspect pleads guilty to drink-driving offence which resulted in the death of...
03/09/2026

Pateley Bridge fatal pedestrian collision: Suspect pleads guilty to drink-driving offence which resulted in the death of 19-year-old Bailey Chadwick 🚨

Joseph Henry Stott, the driver of a car which tragically collided with 19-year-old Bailey Chadwick as he walked home from work near Pateley Bridge in the Yorkshire Dales, has admitted he had been drinking alcohol before he got behind the wheel.

At a trial held at Harrogate Magistrates’ Court today, the 25-year-old changed his plea to guilty regarding driving whilst over the prescribed limit for alcohol.

Significantly, this had been determined by a forward calculation due to the defendant not being arrested until four days following the collision.

It is the first time such a conviction has been secured by North Yorkshire Police using the forward calculation method.

The incident happened on the B6265 at Lupton Bank, between Pateley Bridge and Glasshouses, during in the early hours of Sunday 20 July 2025.

North Yorkshire Police launched an intensive suspected fatal hit-and-run investigation which led to the arrest of Stott.

He denied two other charges of failing to stop at a road accident and failing to report a road accident. This was accepted by the court following the guilty plea for the drink-driving offence.

He had previously admitted to driving without insurance.

Stott was banned from driving for 20 months, given a Community Order (12-month supervision order), 135 hours of unpaid work, and an alcohol tag for 80 days.

🗣️ Detective Inspector Jill Cowling, of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Before anything else, I want to acknowledge Bailey's family and loved ones. The loss of a child, sibling, family member or friend in such sudden and tragic circumstances is something no family should ever have to endure.

“Throughout this investigation, our thoughts have remained with Bailey's family as they continue to navigate the profound grief, trauma and loss caused by his death.

“I thank the community of Pateley Bridge and the wider public for the support they provided throughout what has been a complex and extensive investigation. The information, assistance and patience shown by local residents and members of the public were invaluable in helping investigators establish the circumstances surrounding this collision.”

DI Cowling added: “This investigation required a significant commitment from officers and staff across North Yorkshire Police, and I would like to acknowledge the professionalism, dedication and determination shown by all those involved.

“In particular, I would like to recognise the outstanding work of the Family Liaison Officer who has provided compassionate and unwavering support to Bailey's family throughout the investigation, often during the most difficult moments of their lives.

“I am also immensely proud of my investigation team and the many specialist departments who contributed their expertise, including roads policing officers, forensic specialists, intelligence staff, communications teams, and police staff who worked tirelessly to ensure every possible line of enquiry was pursued.

“While the outcome at court cannot ease the pain suffered by Bailey's family, it demonstrates our commitment to conducting thorough and professional investigations and holding offenders accountable for their actions.

“Bailey's death is also a stark reminder of the devastating consequences that can arise when individuals choose to drive after consuming alcohol.

“Every road death leaves behind families, friends and communities whose lives are changed forever.

“Road safety is everyone's responsibility, and we would urge all motorists to consider the potentially life-changing consequences of their decisions before getting behind the wheel.

“Finally, I would like to pay tribute to Bailey. At the centre of this investigation was a young man whose life was tragically cut short. Our thoughts remain firmly with those who knew and loved him."

Victim personal statement from Bailey Chadwick’s mum... 🔵

My community of Pateley Bridge has felt this loss deeply. There is a shrine for Bailey – a place where people gather, leave flowers, light candles, and play the music he loved. We go there to listen to him, to keep his memory alive. It is beautiful, but it is also heartbreaking, because it should never have had to exist. A shrine is for someone whose life has ended far too soon, and Bailey should still be here living his.

Our family has been broken by his death. His siblings have lost their brother, their friend, this will affect them deeply for the rest of their lives. His grandparents are devastated – no grandparent expects to outlive their grandchild. Every family gathering has an empty space where Bailey should be. His absence is felt in every silence, every memory, every moment.

His friends are heartbroken. They talk about him constantly – his humour, his kindness, the way he made everyone feel included. They visit the shrine, they share stories, and they grieve the future they will never get to share with him. Many of them are still struggling to understand how someone so full of life could be taken so suddenly and so unfairly. There’s one friend who will never be the same, a friend that Bailey grew up with from a young age. He had to find his friend dead in the road with catastrophic injuries, a vision nobody should have to see.

For me, the impact is lifelong. I struggle with anxiety, sleepless nights, and moments where grief overwhelms me without warning. I cannot walk past certain places, hear certain songs, or see boys his age without feeling a deep, physical pain. I am not the person I was before Bailey was killed. A part of me died with him, and that part will never return.

Bailey deserved to live. He deserved to travel, to love, to grow, to build the future he dreamed of. Instead, we are left with memories, heartbreak, and a lifetime of wondering who he would have become. The impact of his death is permanent – for me, for our family, for his friends, and for the community that loved him. Nothing will ever undo the pain of losing him, and nothing will ever make this right. I cannot believe this is my life now.

Appeal following a series of burglaries overnight ⬇️This morning (3 September), we received three reports of residential...
03/09/2026

Appeal following a series of burglaries overnight ⬇️

This morning (3 September), we received three reports of residential burglaries in the Pateley Bridge, Dacre Banks, and the Summerbridge areas.

It is suspected that, in the early hours, the offenders have gained entry to the properties in order to steal vehicle keys before making off with residents' car. This type of crime is commonly known as a "2-in-1" burglary, where offenders break into a property specifically to locate car keys and steal vehicles parked outside.

Detective Sergeant Tom Barker, of North Yorkshire Police, said: "At this early stage of our investigation, we want to reassure local residents that incidents like this are rare, and all the information we have suggests the offenders were targeting vehicles. Thankfully, no one has come to any physical harm.

"You may notice an increased police presence in the area over the coming days while we carry out enquiries. If you live in the Pateley Bridge, Dacre Banks or Summerbridge areas, please take a few moments to check any CCTV, doorbell camera or dashcam footage for suspicious activity that may assist our investigation.

"While it is unusual for offenders to return to the same area in quick succession, we would encourage residents to remain vigilant and ensure appropriate security measures are in place to make it as difficult as possible for criminals to target their homes and vehicles."

Anyone with information that could assist our investigation is asked to contact us on 101, quoting reference 12260172459.

Alternatively, if you would prefer to remain anonymous, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Some sad news but we’re hoping someone may know this lady's family 👇The Coroner’s Office have asked for our help to loca...
03/09/2026

Some sad news but we’re hoping someone may know this lady's family 👇

The Coroner’s Office have asked for our help to locate the next of kin of Janet Thompson.

Janet, who was aged 73 and lived in Long Preston, sadly died on Friday 21 August. Her death is not thought to be suspicious.

If you have any information that would help the Coroner to locate any members of Janet's family please email [email protected].

Thank you for your help.

Have you seen missing Anthony? 👇Our colleagues in Wales believe he may be in the Whitby area as of 27 August. If you rec...
03/09/2026

Have you seen missing Anthony? 👇

Our colleagues in Wales believe he may be in the Whitby area as of 27 August. If you recognise him or have any information about his whereabouts, please follow the instructions below.

Thank you for your help.

Two suspected burglars in our cells following York burglaries ❌It brings the total now to four arrests following an ongo...
02/09/2026

Two suspected burglars in our cells following York burglaries ❌

It brings the total now to four arrests following an ongoing North Yorkshire Police investigation into several burglaries, attempted burglaries and thefts in the Tang Hall, Heworth and Strensall areas between 23 and 24 August.

Over the two-day period, five trailers and a horsebox were stolen as well as other items including a chainsaw and jet washes. There were also attempts to steal high-value vehicles, including an Audi S5 and a Porsche.

In a number of the incidents, offenders are believed to have targeted properties to obtain vehicle keys, with gates and door handles damaged in attempts to gain access.

As part of the investigation, officers identified a grey Mitsubishi linked to several of the offences. The vehicle was spotted towing the stolen horsebox.

When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, it came to a stop and all four occupants fled on foot.

Following an extensive search of the area, two suspects were located, detained and arrested.

An 18-year-old and a 19-year-old were arrested on suspicion of burglary, two counts of attempted burglary, theft of a motor vehicle, theft, and vehicle interference. They have since been released on conditional bail.

As the investigation continued, officers carried out further enquiries which led to the arrest of two additional suspects overnight in connection with the series of burglaries.

A 37-year-old man and a 35-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of three counts of attempted burglary dwelling, burglary other than dwelling, and theft.

Both remain in custody for questioning as our investigation continues.

Burglary is far more than a property crime. It violates people's sense of safety and security and can have a devastating impact on victims and our communities.

That's why preventing burglaries, pursuing offenders and bringing them to justice remains an absolute priority for North Yorkshire Police.

If you have any information about these incidents, or any burglary or suspicious activity in your area, please get in touch.

We are particularly keen to hear from anyone with CCTV, doorbell camera or dashcam footage that could assist our investigation.

Please contact us online via our website or Live Chat wherever possible. Alternatively, call 101.

Always call 999 if a crime is in progress or in an emergency.

Reference: 12260165105

In July we issued an appeal to help find wanted man, George Casson, 30, from Harrogate who was wanted for recall to pris...
02/09/2026

In July we issued an appeal to help find wanted man, George Casson, 30, from Harrogate who was wanted for recall to prison.

He has since been arrested.

Thank you to everyone who shared our appeal.

Ref 12260124861

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