POLICE have visited victims of cross border crime in Harrogate.

Officers from North Yorkshire Police's 'county lines' team - who investigate violent dealers from out the area travelling to Harrogate or York to sell drugs - met with 15 victims of 'cuckooing', where vulnerable residents' homes are taken over by criminals.

They also visited local homeless centres to raise awareness among vulnerable people and charity workers, and were joined by housing officers from Harrogate Borough Council and support workers from a drug and alcohol recovery service to provide additional support.

Officers also visited 14 pharmacies in the area to raise awareness of county lines and help staff recognise the signs. This could be anything out of the ordinary such as a person not collecting their methadone prescription for a few days, or unexplained injuries.

Acting Sergeant Greg Davies, of Harrogate Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "Although today saw increased activity in the area, it is typical of the work going on across the district every day of the week.

"These people, many of whom who are drug users themselves, are targeted by violent dealers because of their vulnerability and in some instances, their dependence on drugs. Providing an all-round service - from immediate protection from violence to longer-term rehabilitation and helping them get their lives back on track - is important to break the cycle of drug dependency, vulnerability and violence."