Operation Tornado Sees Twelve Arrests and Marine Wildlife Protected in Scarborough

North Yorkshire Police's Operation Tornado has resulted in twelve arrests, multiple vehicle seizures, and a multi-agency effort to protect marine wildlife along the Scarborough coast.

A major policing initiative known as Operation Tornado has delivered an action-packed day across the Coast Command, resulting in twelve arrests and the seizure of six vehicles.

Taking place on Wednesday, the 22nd of April 2026, the operation saw North Yorkshire Police target suspected drug dealers, shoplifters, dangerous drivers, cross-border criminals, and nuisance off-road bikers. The force also focused on tackling anti-social behaviour and enhancing safety within the night-time economy.

Away from the shoreline, Operation Tornado made a significant impact in Eastfield, where officers executed four drugs warrants. Chief Constable Tim Forber took part in one of the raids, which led to two arrests in connection with ongoing investigations into the supply of drugs. During the searches, the Operational Support Unit seized various items from the properties, including a large quantity of suspected illegal fireworks.

Later in the afternoon, the Chief Constable and Deputy Chief Constable Scott Bisset joined proactive retail crime patrols in Scarborough town centre. These patrols resulted in the arrest of five suspects who are now subject to investigations for theft and robbery. Two of these individuals, noted as first-time offenders, received community resolution disposals to address their behaviour out of court. The town centre patrols also led to an additional arrest for a drug supply offence, while a wanted man was successfully located and taken into custody.

On the roads, policing officers seized six vehicles for suspected offences, including driving without insurance. One notable incident involved the pursuit of a high-performance car in Scarborough. The chase concluded with two arrests and the recovery of a weapon alongside a large amount of cannabis.

The force’s off-road bike team also maintained a visible and reassuring presence on the Eastfield estate, specifically targeting areas known to be affected by illegal motorcycle riding, such as The Dell and Bluebell Woods.

In addition to tackling traditional crime, Operation Tornado incorporated a special multi-agency focus on protecting marine mammals along the Yorkshire Coast. Officers supported Operation Seabird in Scarborough, an initiative pioneered in Yorkshire by RSPCA Inspector Geoff Edmond, which has now become a national campaign.

Organised by Police Constable Jamie Manson from the Scarborough Rural Neighbourhood Policing Team, the awareness-raising activity aimed to protect dolphins, porpoises, whales, and seals from human disturbance. The initiative brought together numerous partner agencies, including the RSPB, the Marine Management Organisation, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, Natural England, the Yorkshire Marine Nature Partnership, British Divers Marine Life Rescue, the North Eastern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority, the Coastguard, the RNLI, and the Humberside Police-based Yorkshire and the Humber Regional Marine and Underwater Search Unit.

The wildlife protection efforts began at Scarborough Harbour, where partners engaged with fishing boat crews and vessel owners. They provided guidance on how to recognise and report incidents involving boat users, kayakers, paddle boarders, and swimmers who appear to be disturbing marine life in their natural habitat.

The teams then relocated to the Seawatching Station on Marine Drive, setting up stalls to inform wildlife enthusiasts and passers-by about the initiative. Deputy Chief Constable Scott Bisset participated in the event, praising the efforts of everyone involved in heightening awareness ahead of the busy summer months.

Further afield, Operation Tornado also focused on Heritage Crime. Police Constable Jane Jones and Inspector Martin Dennison from the Ryedale Neighbourhood Police Team visited several English Heritage-run sites in North Yorkshire, including Rievaulx Abbey. Officers spoke with staff, visitors, and local residents about the impact of criminality on historic sites, which can include anti-social behaviour, graffiti, lead and architectural stone thefts, and unauthorised metal detecting, also known as night-hawking. They also encouraged residents to sign up to Heritage Watch and Community Messenger to help protect local historical assets.