- Hari Barnes, 19, of Roberts Crescent, Harrogate, jailed for 5-years
- William Smythe, 23 of no fixed address, jailed for 5-years
The both pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit burglary at York Crown Court on 25 November 2025, and have been remanded in custody since then, ahead of the sentencing on Friday 30 January 2026.
During June and July 2025, they targeting Harrogate homes where they stole car keys and cars from driveways, broke into properties and were seen on multiple CCTV cameras scoping out properties and trying door handles.
North Yorkshire Police launched a large-scale investigation known as Operation Cartilage that gathered over 500 pieces of evidence including witness statements, CCTV footage and digital and forensic evidence that put the pair at the crime scenes.
The conspiracy was made up of seven linked burglaries and attempted burglaries, although Barnes and Smythe were implicated in several other break-ins or attempts, the court accepted their guilty plea based on seven offences across the Bilton, Valley Gardens and New Park areas of Harrogate.
Detective Inspector Amelia Haworth of Harrogate CID, said:
North Yorkshire Police are committed to tackling burglary.
These offences have a significant impact on the lives of victims and the sentencing of Hari Barnes and William Smythe, who have been identified as prolifically involved in burglaries in the Harrogate area, will help to keep the people of North Yorkshire safe.
I would continue to urge the public to be vigilant around security at their home addresses, and to report anything suspicious to the police.
