Operation Tornado focuses on Mischief Night and keeping communities safe after dark

Operation Tornado focuses on Mischief Night and keeping communities safe after dark

Extra patrols, warrants, retail crime operations and school engagement form part of a 24-hour day of action across York and Selby, resulting in 14 arrests and a number of weapons and drugs seized.

Operation Tornado stormed back into York and Selby yesterday (Wednesday 04 November 2026) as we stepped up activity to tackle crime, anti-social behaviour and keep communities safe during one of the busiest periods of the autumn calendar.

The operation coincided with Mischief Night, traditionally observed on 4 November across Yorkshire. While the evening has long been associated with harmless pranks, in recent years it has also provided opportunities for a minority of people to commit anti-social behaviour, criminal damage and low-level disorder.

Determined that the night would not mean misery for local residents, officers carried out enhanced patrols across York and Selby, focusing on known anti-social behaviour hotspots. The activity formed part of wider policing plans around Halloween, Bonfire Night and Mischief Night, providing reassurance to communities and maintaining a highly visible presence on the streets.

In a first for the force, we also trialled our new e-bikes. Electrically powered and capable of speeds of up to 15.5mph, the bikes give neighbourhood policing teams greater flexibility to patrol communities, engage with the public and respond more quickly across busy areas.

Chief Constable Tim Forber joined officers as the bikes were deployed for their first operational day in York city centre, seeing first-hand how they can support neighbourhood policing and help officers spend more time visible in the communities they serve.

Retail crime remained a key priority throughout the day. With shop theft offences typically increasing as the festive season approaches, officers conducted proactive patrols at out-of-town retail parks using plain-clothed officers and unmarked vehicles. The operation was aimed at deterring offenders, gathering intelligence and supporting retailers affected by theft and retail crime.

Prevention and education were also central to the operation. Officers visited Vale of York Academy, where they delivered inputs to almost 150 students on issues affecting young people and local communities. Topics included personal safety during the darker evenings, hate crime and the dangers associated with illegal vapes.

Chief Constable Tim Forber from North Yorkshire Police said: "Operation Tornado is about much more than enforcement. It is about preventing crime, tackling anti-social behaviour and ensuring people feel safe in their communities.

"By combining high-visibility patrols, proactive operations, educational engagement and targeted enforcement activity, we are taking action against those who seek to cause harm while also working to prevent problems before they occur.

"Mischief Night should not be used as an excuse for criminality or anti-social behaviour. Through operations like this, we are sending a clear message that we will take action against those who make life a misery for others, while continuing to support and protect our communities.

“While Operation Tornado provides an opportunity to bring together a wide range of policing activity into a dedicated day of action, it mirrors the work our officers and staff carry out every day across North Yorkshire to prevent crime, target offenders and keep people safe."

Operation Tornado is North Yorkshire Police's monthly day of action. It brings together officers from across the force to target criminality, tackle anti-social behaviour and address the issues that matter most to local communities. The operation will continue to ensure officers remain visible, proactive and ready to respond where they are needed most.

Throughout the operation, officers:

•             Made 14 arrests across the York and Selby area.

•             Executed four warrants, leading to the recovery of cannabis, suspected Class A drugs and weapons.

•             Recovered approximately £150,000 worth of suspected stolen property from a lock-up in West Yorkshire as part of an investigation into the theft of an HGV trailer from Selby.

•             Arrested three of the area's most wanted offenders who were wanted for recall to prison.

•             Arrested a 19-year-old woman and a 32-year-old man in a hotel room after recovering around 100 wraps of suspected Class A drugs, approximately £1,000 in cash and two knives. Both have since been charged with being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs (crack cocaine), possession with intent to supply Class A drugs (crack cocaine), possession of an offensive weapon in a private place and possession of criminal property. They will appear before court today. 

•             Seized two knives, four swords and an illegally owned air rifle.

•             Carried out welfare checks with partner agencies to safeguard vulnerable people.

•             Submitted multiple intelligence reports to support ongoing investigations and future enforcement activity.

•             Engaged with approximately 150 students through preventative education sessions aimed at reducing crime and increasing awareness of the risks associated with offending.