Undercover officers in Skipton have been carrying out deployments to protect the community during the festive season.
During an operation in the town centre last Thursday, a number of officers in plain clothes patrolled busy shopping areas and carried out targeted stop-and-searches of suspected criminals.
One man was arrested in suspicion of theft after leaving a shop and heading for the bus station.
The suspect, a local man in his 50s, was found with a number of items in his possession and taken into custody.
The deployments were led by Craven Neighbourhood Policing Team.
Craven Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant Mohammed Ikhlaq said:
“We proactively tackle shoplifting all year round and work closely with retailers in Craven to prevent crime.
“Plain clothes operations like these allow us to monitor suspects and use the element of surprise to target offenders before they even see us.
“It’s one of many ways we’re keeping shoppers, businesses and their staff safe as town centres get busier on the run-up to Christmas.”
The force made 819 arrests for retail theft in 2024 – an average of more than 15 a week.
North Yorkshire Police has also recently introduced NICE Investigate - a system that allows retailers to upload CCTV footage directly, which can help speed up investigations and prosecutions.
For more information visit the North Yorkshire Police-Craven Facebook page here.

Lifesaving bleed kit to be installed in Skipton
Man suffers serious facial injuries following attack in Skipton
Skipton Hotel to host first ever Drag bottomless brunch
Police appeal for information following £600 theft in Skipton
Your Media Group launches brand new local voucher platform
Utility firms set to be charged for peak-time roadworks
Brand new local voucher platform set to launch next week
Taxpayers facing multi-million-pound bill to keep waste plant legal
Applications open for Skipton Sheep Day
Town Council seek support in restoring Skipton's War Memorial
North Yorkshire Police faced with losing 21 officers to balance budget
Woman suffer serious injuries following collision in Sutton-in-Craven
Sutton-in-Craven pub raises over £600 for Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit
Airedale NHS Foundation Trust encourage membership as plans for new hospital continue
New partnership for The Principle Trust to offer crucial support to local families in crisis
Winnie-the-Pooh book trail to launch in Skipton
Skipton boxing club hosts first boxing show
New flexible leisure memberships to be considered by councillors
Usage fee of up to 50p proposed for council-run public toilets
Vintage outdoor clothing shop to open in Skipton


