THE armed robbery in Bentham this week poses several questions about the efficacy of the police in responding to such a major incident when the Craven division is scrapped as part of an efficiency drive on April 1 (the appropriate nature of the date speaks for itself).

There was a rapid response from Skipton. Det Inspector Neil Thewsey drove up immediately; Chief Inspector Ron Johnson co-ordinated matters from the control room in Skipton.

Armed units were sent up as the public sent in details of potential sightings of the armed robbers and Skipton-based control room staff were able to give directions as they drove from one remote spot to another.

Now how effective would this have been directed from Harrogate? An inspector based outside of Craven trying to explain where Brackenbottom is? With local knowledge, Skipton staff were able to tell them exactly where to turn right, what landmarks to pass etc and the rapid response team were able to reach the scene of possible sightings of armed men as quickly as possible.

After April we understand there could be no superintendent, no chief inspector, perhaps just one duty inspector covering Richmond, Harrogate and Skipton. The chief constable assures us that it is his duty to ensure operational responses are not affected. It looks a herculanean task.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.