County-wide police crackdown on criminality

Police were out in force during Wednesday's county-wide targeted operation

Police have made 36 arrests following a county-wide day of action in North Yorkshire.

Officers said the operation, dubbed Super Tornado, was one of the largest North Yorkshire Police had ever undertaken.

It largely involved targeting people believed to be involved in organised crime, immigration fraud and retail crime and money laundering.

In addition to those arrested, the force said 12 warrants had been executed and £4,000 in cash, dangerous weapons, stolen property and drugs had been seized from the streets.

Immigration officer Richard Garbutt said three teams had been out across North Yorkshire on Wednesday visiting businesses and checking employees had a legal right to work in the UK.

"Tackling illegal working is one of the government's top priorities," he said.

"It undercuts honest employers and it fuels the criminal industry and immigration crime."

Immigration officer Richard Garbutt said efforts to stop illegal working were essential

Mr Garbutt said he and fellow officers had received positive comments from the public while visiting shops and businesses and said their work was essential.

"We can't let immigration offenders hide in plain sight," he said.

He added they were carrying out a high amount of enforcement activity at present.

Insp Nick Plumb said the safety of workers was a priority

Insp Nick Plumb said another element of immigration work was ensuring people were not being exploited.

"People who are vulnerable can become victims of trafficking," he said.

"When someone really shouldn't be in the country or working, they are trying to survive and they will do whatever they can to survive, to make a living to support their family.

"But the main aim is to make sure people are kept safe."

Enforcement activity targeted at illegal working cross the region has increased by 56% in recent months, a force spokesperson said.

Deputy Chief Constable Scott Bisset called the operation a "huge success"

Deputy Chief Constable Scott Bisset said: "This operation has been one of the biggest that the force has ever seen and I'm pleased to say it was a huge success.

"Not only has it disrupted and dismantled a significant amount of organised criminality, but it has reinforced the message to the public that we are on their side.

"We remain committed to working closely with partner agencies to relentlessly pursue and disrupt those who attempt to use North Yorkshire as a base for their criminal intentions."

The force worked alongside partners including British Transport Police, Immigration Enforcement, City of York Council, North Yorkshire Council, the Crown Prosecution Service and the Department for Work and Pensions.

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