North Yorkshire Police are appealing to residents in Whitby for help after a trespass incident on Pannett Way in which a man carrying a screwdriver entered the grounds of a private house.
What happened
The force says the incident occurred at approximately 3:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 12. The man is described as white, about 20 to 25 years old, wearing a pale blue beanie, black joggers and a light-coloured top. Officers are seeking any footage — including video-doorbell or CCTV — and any eyewitness accounts that could assist their enquiries.
How to report information
Police have provided a number of contact options for anyone with relevant information. They ask people to quote reference 12260200924 when getting in touch.
- Email: [email protected]
- Online: visit the North Yorkshire Police website, choose 'Tell us about', then 'An existing case or report'
- Live chat: via the police website, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- If you cannot use those channels, call North Yorkshire Police on 101
- To remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their website
“If you have any information about the man, or footage from video doorbell or CCTV cameras, please contact us.”
Local context and advice
While there is no indication in the appeal that an offence beyond trespass has been confirmed, the presence of a tool such as a screwdriver and the fact the man entered private property has prompted police to reach out broadly to the community. Officers also encouraged residents to consider strengthening their home security and to check on vulnerable neighbours in the area.
Advice referenced by police includes target-hardening measures and guidance available from schemes such as Secured by Design, which offers best practices on doors, locks, and external lighting. Simple steps — ensuring door and window cameras are recording, keeping charging devices and batteries away from open windows or flammable materials, and sharing footage promptly with police — can assist investigations and deter repeat incidents.
Incident details
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date | Monday, Oct. 12 |
| Time | Approximately 3:30 p.m. |
| Location | Pannett Way, Whitby |
| Suspect description | White male, about 20–25, pale blue beanie, black joggers, light top; carrying a screwdriver |
| Reference | 12260200924 |
Anyone in Whitby who may have seen someone matching the description, or who has captured footage from a doorbell or external CCTV between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Oct. 12, is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police using the channels above. Sharing such material promptly can be crucial to progressing enquiries.
