Two arrested in police raids on Barrowcliff as part of Operation Thunderstorm

Operation Thunderstorm saw the co-ordinated searches take place in the Colescliffe Road area of Barrowcliff yesterday morning.

Two people were arrested.

Police have pledged to carry on working to stamp out drugs and thug behaviour in Scarborough and say residents can do their bit by passing on tip-offs.

Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant Mike Tinsley said: “Information from local residents is absolutely vital to help us tackle anti-social behaviour and the supply of illegal drugs in Scarborough.

“Please contact us and tell us if you think criminal activity is going on in your local area.

“The information you share helps us to build a picture of intelligence and bring those involved to justice.

“As you can see from this activity, we won’t hesitate to take action.”

Yesterday’s raids saw a number of cannabis plants located at one property and a 46-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of being involved in the production of cannabis.

Three others - a 30-year-old man, a 47-year-old woman and a 27-year-old woman - were given cannabis warnings.

A 16-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of using threatening and abusive language and has since been charged to court.

Police said the behaviour of two 14-year-old boys led them to being slapped with dispersal notices which ordered them to leave the area and ban them from returning for up to 48-hours.

After the raids, North Yorkshire Police’s Assistant Chief Constable Mark Pannone joined local policing teams carrying out high visibility patrols aimed at reassuring residents and addressing any concerns.

Representatives from Scarborough Borough Council’s Community Impact Team, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Services and Sanctuary Housing also joined the officers on patrol.

Assistant Chief Constable Pannone said: “I hope this operation sends two clear messages. One to those who think they can commit crime in this area and intimidate residents – we will not let you. We will take every step we can to disrupt and dismantle your activity.

“My second message is to local residents. I hope today’s operation provides some reassurance that your local policing team is completely committed to ensuring your neighbourhood is safe and will do everything in their power to make it so.

“We will not tolerate the actions of a minority who think they can cause misery to local residents with their criminal activity and anti-social behaviour.

“Effective policing relies on good relationships with our local communities, so please keep working with us and the other agencies working to keep you safe and keep sharing any concerns or information you have.”

Police are urging residents to look out for tell-tale signs of drug dealing, such as increased callers at a property, including unfamiliar vehicles pulling up for short periods of time

People should also be aware of increased anti-social behaviour at a property, not seeing the residents for long periods of time, windows covered or curtains closed for unusually long amounts of time.

They say people should not approach anyone they suspect is involved in drug dealing but should call police on 101.

Information can also be passed on anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. If someone is in immediate danger, always call 999.