Here’s a round-up of the latest updates from North Yorkshire Police and partner organisations, covering crime prevention efforts, fraud alerts, digital safety and how community feedback is helping to shape neighbourhood policing.
Warning Over Fraudulent QR Codes (‘Quishing’)
Action Fraud is warning the public about ‘quishing’- a form of phishing involving malicious QR codes. Between April 2024 and 2025, nearly £3.5 million was lost to these scams.
Common targets include car parks, where fake QR code stickers are placed on payment machines and phishing emails impersonating trusted organisations. If something looks unusual or is received unexpectedly, don’t scan it – contact the organisation directly.
What can you do avoid being a victim of quishing?
- QR codes used in pubs or restaurants are usually safe to scan.
- Scanning QR codes in open spaces (like stations and car parks) might pose a greater risk. Check for signs that codes may have been tampered with (usually by a sticker placed over the legitimate QR code). If in doubt, do not scan them: use a search engine to find the official website or app for the organisation you need to make a payment to.
- If you receive an email with a QR code in it, and you’re asked to scan it, you should be cautious due to an increase in these types of ‘quishing’ attacks.
- Finally, we recommend that you use the QR-scanner that comes with your phone, rather than using an app downloaded from an app store.
If you receive a suspicious email, forward it to phishing@report.gov.uk. For prevention advice, visit www.actionfraud.police.uk or stopthinkfraud.campaign.gov.uk.
Fighting Summer Burglary: Police Working 24/7
Burglary often rises during the summer when homes are left unoccupied or unsecured. North Yorkshire Police are stepping up efforts to deter and catch offenders, deploying specialist teams nightly across the county. Using marked and unmarked vehicles, supported by ANPR technology, officers are intercepting suspicious activity and pursuing criminals.
Recent operations included a high-speed pursuit near Skipton resulting in two arrests for dangerous and drug driving offences. Another incident in Tadcaster saw a vehicle flee from officers, with enquiries ongoing.
Residents are urged to stay alert. Lock doors and windows, even when home, and report any suspicious activity immediately – dial 999 in an emergency or use 101 for non-urgent concerns.
Our Local Policing lead, Chief Superintendent Fiona Willey from North Yorkshire Police said: “Although we have seen a decrease in the number of burglaries year on year, continuing to target and disrupt those responsible remains a key priority for us. Our message to the public is please do not become complacent, although North Yorkshire remains one of the safest places in the country, opportunist criminals do operate here.
Stay Safe on Messaging Apps
Messaging apps like WhatsApp are widely used for private chats, but they also carry risks. Get Safe Online has published updated guidance to help users stay secure, manage privacy settings and spot scams. For full details, visit their website.
Have Your Say: Neighbourhood Watch Survey
Neighbourhood Watch is asking residents for feedback on its performance and impact. Its aims include crime prevention, community connection and wellbeing. Your views will help shape future priorities – take the short survey via the Neighbourhood Watch website.
Community Feedback Shapes Neighbourhood Policing
Over 5,500 residents recently helped North Yorkshire Police identify what matters most in neighbourhood policing. High-visibility patrols topped the list, followed by arresting local offenders and tackling organised crime.
This input, along with internal research, is driving changes to policing across the county. An additional £1.9m in government funding will increase frontline staff to 112 officers and 122 PCSOs by March 2026.
The force is improving visibility and access, with team contacts published online and a 72-hour response time for public enquiries. Crime trends are already improving, with reductions in antisocial behaviour (15%), total crime (5.8%) and burglary (9%) over the past year.
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