New Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner declares North Yorkshire 'the safest county in the country'

But Philip Allott, who was elected last week, says he has key priorities to tackle across the county.

North Yorkshire PFCC Philip Allott
Author: Benjamin FearnPublished 13th May 2021

More action is being promised to tackle issues such as county lines drug dealing, antisocial behaviour and speeding across North Yorkshire.

It's as the newly elected Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire - Philip Allott - has declared the county "the safest in the country".

Speaking to Greatest Hits Radio, Philip has outlined his key pledges: "I set out six priorities from the election - dealing with rural crime, picking up on county lines drug dealers, protecting women/girls/vulnerable people, a reset in terms of speeding, getting to grips with the 101 number and picking up on related issues.

"The force is doing a sterling job at dealing with county lines drug dealing in particular; they've broken up around a 140 gangs in the last 12 months. However, there's still more work to be done. We need to look at what equipment we can provide, along with an education process in schools and an outreach that involves various partners.

"For example, social services picking up on vulnerable people and schools who see young children tired because they're acting as couriers for drugs. It is a community issue.

"Crime in the past 12 months has come down, but if we're being totally honest that's partly because of the pandemic. The challenge is to keep crime down.

"The different areas have different problems: in the City of York we have a lot of what I'd call 'day-trippers' who unfortunately get drunk, cause antisocial behaviour and even in some cases end up falling in the river.

"There's some drug dealing going on in Harrogate, and Scarborough at a similar level. There are also lots of issues somewhere in between such as with dumping - which is an issue in Selby for example. Each area has problems, and the challenge is marrying together the police and fire aspects".

Philip also says his predecessor - Julia Mulligan - has offered her advice if needed: "I have a very good relationship with Julia. She's wished me well in the role, and even better she says she's an ear and if I've got ant questions to talk to her. I very well may take up that option".