Police are appealing for witnesses after a cyclist was seriously injured in the early hours of Friday 16 September.
The 18-year-old was hit by a red Kia Rio on the Chester Road, Streetly just after 12.30am. He was taken to hospital where he remains in a critical condition.
The 25-year-old driver of the car was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and has been released on police bail while enquiries continue.
Sergeant Paul Hughes, from the regional Collision Investigation Unit, said: “We are keen to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time and saw what happened.
“A young man is in hospital with life-threatening injuries and our thoughts remain with him and his family.”
Anyone with information should call the Collision Investigation Unit on 101.
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Witnesses sought as cyclist left in critical condition
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Police office’s pilgrimage to remember fallen Somme colleague
A West Midlands Police officer has travelled 700 miles to remember a fallen colleague he’s never met… one of the bravest of the brave killed at the Somme.
Wolverhampton Police PC Henry George Kidd signed up with the First Battalion Grenadier Guards at the outbreak of World War I.
He was cut down by machine gun fire on 16 September 1916 during a Somme offensive and later succumbed to his wounds in a field hospital.
Modern day Wolverhampton Police Sergeant Andy Padmore paid his respects on Friday (16 Sept) by laying a West Midlands Police wreath at the grave in La Neuville British cemetery, near Corbie, to mark the centenary of Guardsman Kidd’s death.
Sgt Padmore is a member of the Wolverhampton Police Military History Group which strives to honour former colleagues who paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving their country.
In researching his police and military history he tracked down PC Kidd’s great niece Janet Frusher, who lives in Peterborough, and will also be laying a wreath on her behalf during the trip.
The group − comprised of serving and retired officers who’ve all worked in Wolverhampton − has undertaken pilgrimages for the past 15 years to places where ex-Wolverhampton bobbies have been killed in action.
Sgt Padmore explained said: “There is a memorial at Wolverhampton police station featuring the names of former local police officers killed in conflict. I used to walk past it every day… but one day I decided to do a bit of research into each officer and the results were amazing.
“On the back of that the group decided they wanted to visit the graves of as many of the fallen as we could to pay our respects; it’s been a fascinating journey taking the group to a number of sites from Ypres to Normandy.
“In May this year the group undertook a cycling trip along the D-Day beaches, culminating at Ranville cemetery to pay respects to Wolverhampton Police officer Arthur Ward who lost his life on 6 June 1944.
“These guys were the bravest of the brave, they served their local community as police officers and when the call came signed up for King and Country."
Sgt Padmore tracked down Janet through a photo of Henry Kidd − known to his family as Harry − she posted on the BBC remembrance website in 2008.
Janet added: “Andy sent an email enquiring if I was a relative and seeking approval to visit my Great Uncle’s grave. I was thrilled to hear of their visit and wholeheartedly approved.
“I put great uncle Harry’s name on the remembrance website because he was held in such affection by my grandma and mum − but also because l hoped another relative might see it and respond. He was married and had a son but my grandma’s family eventually lost touch with them.
“I’m delighted it helped Andy get in contact with me and touched that he is going to such trouble to pay his respects at Harry’s resting place."
Harry Kidd − who was aged 27 at the time of his death and originally from Thetford in Norfolk − was a Constable in Wolverhampton Borough Police. He lived with his wife in a town house in Lower Vauxhall, Wolverhampton.
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Police appeal following fatal collision in Pelsall
Police are appealing for witnesses following a fatal collision involving a motorcyclist in Pelsall last night.
The collision happened in Hall Lane at the junction with Norton Lane and Vicarage Road, around 10.10pm on Saturday 18 September.
A 34-year-old man suffered fatal injuries after his motorbike was in collision with a delivery van.
Specially trained officers are supporting the man’s family- he is not being named at this stage.
Anyone with information should contact CIU_GENERAL@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk or call 101.
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Jason Haynes missing from Kings Heath
Police are urgently appealing for help to find a missing man from Birmingham who has not been seen since the weekend.
Jason Haynes left his home in Kings Heath at around 11.25am on Saturday morning and officers are growing increasingly concerned for his welfare.
The 22-year-old is described as a white man, with a dark complexion, around 5ft 7ins tall, of slim build, with short brown hair and a full beard.
He was wearing blue jeans, a black t-shirt and black trainers when he disappeared.
Anyone who has seen Jason or knows where he may be is asked to contact the Locate Team on 101 or the charity Missing People on 115 000.
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Life jail for man who murdered ‘uncle figure’ – new DNA technique helps convict killer
A man who stabbed his “uncle” to death on his own doorstep has been jailed for almost 30 years after West Midlands Police used a ground-breaking DNA technique to prove he was the killer.
Paul Cooke (pictured) repeatedly stabbed 64-year-old Ronald Smith – a man he claimed to view “like an uncle” – at his West Bromwich home on 6 May last year the day after being released from prison.
Callous Cooke swiped £600 in cash from the Cottage Walk address and locked the door with a key as he made off in the hope the body would lie undetected.
A neighbour raised the alarm on June 2, almost four weeks later, and when police managed to gain entry through an unlocked window officers found Mr Smith dead at the foot of his stairs.
A post mortem examination revealed he’d suffered more than 20 stab wounds, including fatal injuries below his left ear and throat.
Forensics experts found cellular material – most likely skin cells – beneath the victim’s fingernails but upon examination discovered the sample to be a mixed DNA profile from three people, including Mr Smith himself.
However, using an innovative DNA technique called LiRA, West Midlands Police was able to show the chances of Cooke’s DNA not making up part of the profile were around a billion to one.
Following the DNA hit Cooke was produced from prison on October 5 – having been arrested for the latest in a long line of burglary offences – and quizzed over the murder.
The 34-year-old told detectives in interview “I could never hurt Ronnie”, describing him as an avuncular figure and that he regularly visited his home to drink and play cards.
But on day one of his trial (Mon 19 Sept) he changed his plea to guilty and was told he will spend at least the next 28-and-a-half years behind bars.
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Inspector Ian Iliffe, said: “Mr Smith (pic left) was a private man…he suffered a burglary in 2014 when a sizeable sum of cash was stolen. Cooke would have known that and he went to his home with the intention to search the house for money.
“We believe it’s the first time LiRA has been used to help convict a murderer…it has previously been used in sexual offences to trap rapists.
“The technique helps us better understand the strength of evidence in cases involving complex DNA samples. Before we would only have been able to say ‘we believe Cooke’s DNA was present’ but not quantify the statistical likelihood.
“But here we could show that the chance of Cooke’s DNA not forming part of the mixed profile was around a billion to one. And in the face of such damning DNA evidence he chose to change his plea and admit the killing at the last minute.”
Cooke carried out the attack at around 6.30pm on May 6; the following day he went on a clothes shopping spree and gave cash to a family member after boasting he’d “done a yard” – slang for committing a burglary.
Det Insp Iliffe stressed that despite the conviction the murder case remains open as his team knows another offender was involved in the attack.
He added: “This investigation is still live: we know another offender was present at the time and I urge anyone with information that could help us identify this person to come forward.
“Innocent people can be eliminated from our enquiries through forensic evidence found at the scene – and indeed my officers have already spoken to and ruled out almost 250 people. Someone out there knows who else was involved and I would ask them to look into their conscience and provide a name.
“Cooke has been told he will spend almost 30 years behind bars…but he should not be serving this sentence alone.
“The search for the second person continues and I would urge anyone who suspects someone they know was involved in this killing to call West Midlands Police. Mr Smith’s family will not have complete closure until that person is found.”
Anyone with information is urged to call Det Insp Iliffe in the force’s Investigation Review Team on the 101 number, or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
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Offender management ‘prevents’ 1,000s of crimes - and saves £30-million
West Midlands Police’s management of the region’s most prolific criminals is estimated to have prevented more than 8,000 offences in the last 12 months - crimes that would have cost society nearly £30-million.
The force’s Offender Management teams are currently working with almost 3,700 offenders.
Some have among the most chequered CVs in the country with 100s of convictions; many are deemed a high reoffending risk or considered vulnerable and in need of support to get them back on a law-abiding track.
Analysis of the group’s crime history suggests they would have amassed a total of 21,633 offences between them in the last 12 months.
But since being adopted by Offender Management case workers their projected annual crime count has fallen to 13,431.
That’s 8,202 fewer offences which equates to a 39 per cent reduction.
West Midlands Police Chief Inspector Paul Betts is one of UK police’s leading lights in offender management and passionate about getting people on the straight and narrow without a trip through the so-called revolving doors of justice.
He said: “These are complex and challenging offenders…addressing their behaviour and issues that may be contributing to their criminal lifestyle is not an easy fix.
“So reducing the crime impact this group is having on our communities by almost 40 per cent really demonstrates the value of offender management tailored to individual needs.
“Many have been in and out of prison several times; it illustrates the answer to curbing their offending lies beyond simply imposing custodial sentences."
Nowhere is the success better illustrated than in the case of Laura (not her real name) who has turned her back on a life of crime since being supported by an offender manager.
The 30-year-old was one of the Coventry’s most persistent shoplifters who, in a bid to fuel a heroin addiction, racked up 42 convictions for 124 offences.
She was in the early stages of pregnancy in May 2015 when she was sent to prison for breaching a suspended sentence for theft.
Coventry Police’s offender management team sourced maternity wear from a clothes bank, visited prison to update her on child protection matters and, following her release in November, secured £150 from a charity to help buy baby clothes and accessories.
Alongside social services they also helped her secure accommodation at a mother and baby lodge and directed her towards a vulnerable women’s support group.
Offender Manager PC Brenda Pattinson said: “Laura is a completely changed person…she is now living independently, is off drugs and methadone, and is optimistic about her future. Many people would have written her off due to her criminal past.
“Our Offender Management approach recognises that vulnerability lies behind many of the crimes committed by persistent offenders.
“We balance a need to control some people’s offending behaviour when it’s chaotic through civil orders, prosecutions, and bail conditions but are always looking for opportunities to support people to change their lives."
There are currently 3,670 people on West Midlands Police’s Offender Management books, including 260 women.
Some are overseen for just a few weeks but others have been receiving police counsel for several years in a bid to break their offending habit.
Chief Insp Betts, added: “It’s about tackling vulnerability and helping people stop committing crime by dealing with issues that cause it in the first place; like getting them a decent place to live, a job, sorting out their debt issues…that type of thing.
“To get them to change we need really effective partnerships in place so we can help them with their housing, work, poverty, drug or alcohol issues, mental health, physical health or learning difficulties.
“West Midlands Police’s ‘Next Generation Local Policing’ has offender management at its heart: all neighbourhood teams will receive training and every offender has a dedicated PC to manage them.
“It harks back to one of Sir Robert Peel’s principles of ‘offering the hand of friendship’ even to those who don’t realise they need it."
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Streetly crash victim named
A teenage cyclist who died in a collision in Streetly on Friday (16 September) has been named as Daniel Horton.
The 18-year-old was hit by a red Kia Rio on Chester Road at around 12.30am. He was taken to hospital with serious injuries but sadly died Saturday (17 September).
His family, who have asked for privacy at this sad time, have paid tribute to the caring, funny and loved teenager.
They said:"We are heartbroken to lose our Dan, he was confident, caring, funny, and loved by everyone he met. We are proud to know that as an organ donor this devastating situation will help others."
The family are currently being supported by specialist officers and the investigating officer has asked for witnesses to come forward.
Sergeant Paul Hughes, from the Regional Collision Investigation Unit, said: "I am keen to hear form anyone who was in the area at the time and witnessed the collision. I would also like to hear from anyone who saw the Kia and the cyclist just before the collision.
"Our thoughts remain with the family at this time."
The 25-year-old driver of the car was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and has been released on police bail while enquiries continue.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Sgt Hughes by emailing fl_collision_invest@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk
Alternatively people can leave information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers the independent charity on 0800 555 111.
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Three convicted of murdering businessman Tanveer Iqbal
Three people have been convicted of murdering a businessman who was found dead in the boot of his own car on a street in Edgbaston.
Tanveer Iqbal
Zatoon Bibi, Gul Nawaz and their 16-year-old son Kashim Nawaz were found guilty by a jury at Birmingham Crown Court today following a six week trial.
Bibi and Gul Nawaz
Kashim Nawaz
Another teenager – a girl aged 17, who cannot be named due to her age – had already admitted perverting the course of justice.
The court heard how shop owner Tanveer Iqbal was in a relationship with Bibi despite both of them being married – an arrangement which was common knowledge to their family and friends.
On the afternoon of Sunday 31 January – a day after turning 33 – he closed his shop, Hi Tech Music on Shireland Road, Smethwick, as normal.
He then drove to his mistress’s home on Bridgeburn Road in Northfield, after she invited him over on the premise of celebrating his birthday.
But when Tanveer got to the house that night 37-year-old Bibi and her husband Nawaz, 44, strangled him.
They then wrapped his body in an old TV box, sealed it with duct tape and rope and then placed him into the boot of his own Renault Clio.
Police launched a high-risk missing person inquiry the next morning after Tanveer’s friends and family raised the alarm when they struggled to get hold of him.
At 1.20pm on Monday 1 February police were called to Portland Road in Edgbaston where the businessman’s car had been spotted by one of his friends.
The boot was opened by officers and his body was found inside.
Tanveer's body was found in the boot of his Clio on Portland Road
Detectives identified Zatoon Bibi and Gul Nawaz as prime suspects when they started trawling CCTV footage from the surrounding area from the night before he was discovered.
It showed a woman parking the car at around 9pm, being picked up by a man in a Vauxhall Zafira and the pair then driving back to a house on Roway Lane in Oldbury, which was the home of Nawaz.
Footage from earlier that evening showed the same Vauxhall Zafira on the driveway outside Bibi’s property on Bridgeburn Road in Northfield and Tanveer Iqbal arriving in his Renault Clio.
At 7.30pm – an hour and a half before the Clio was dumped – officers could see a woman coming out of the address, reversing the Clio up the drive and two people putting something bulky into the boot.
The same woman got into the Renault Clio and drove off at around 8.30pm, immediately followed by the two other people in the Zafira, which is then tracked towards Portland Road.
The couple were arrested on suspicion of murder on Monday 8 February.
Detective Inspector Paul Joyce said: “This case relied largely on circumstantial evidence which, when combined, painted a compelling picture of what was a chilling and calculated pre-meditated murder.
“The whole thing was thoroughly planned. Bibi messaged Tanveer on the Sunday afternoon to check he was still coming over; she told him she’d got cake to celebrate his birthday.
“But the reality is that she was luring him to his death because just three hours earlier her husband Gul Nawaz was in Poundland buying the murder kit ready to kill him.
“Although we can’t say exactly what happened we do know that together – and with the help of their son – they strangled Tanveer inside Bibi’s home.
“They then wrapped his body up in an old box, put him in the boot of his own car and abandoned it on a busy suburban road presumably in the hope that they could get away with their crime.”
Bibi and Nawaz always denied having any involvement in the killing.
Tanveer Iqbal’s family paid tribute to him in a statement released following the trial:
“Tanveer was taken away from us in a way which has had a profound effect and changed our lives forever. It is indescribable pain to lose a loved one in such a brutal manner. All we can say is that there is no bigger pain in this world than this experience. We cannot comprehend how anyone could be so
callous and cold-hearted. Tanveer was good husband, wonderful father, a loving son and an amazing brother who has been stolen from us in an evil act robbing our lives of the most precious jewel forever.
“Tanveer was the most loved and had a unique attachment to everyone in the family. He was of a good nature and presented exceptional love for his brothers, sisters, parents, nieces and nephews. He was always there for his family. He had an exclusive gift of being able to make friendships with anyone he met. We have never met anyone who had anything negative to say about him. He never had a bad word to say against anyone either.
“Tanveer’s loss was also felt in the entire community, reflected in the huge numbers of people who came to pay their respects at his funeral. Our family is proud of the fact that Tanveer had so many friends in the community who respected him and still remember him in their prayers to this day.
“Now that justice has been done today the family and the entire community can have some closure. The loss of Tanveer has left a gap in our lives that will never be filled. Each passing day, we pray to God and we will continue to pray asking for the strength to be able to carry on with our lives for the sake of our parents and families.
“As a family we wish thank the West Midlands Police’s senior investigation officer Mr Paul Joyce and his team. We also wish to thank in particular the Family liaison Officers DC Junior Stephens and DC Asam Shazad who have been there for us supporting us throughout this investigation. The family would also like to extent this appreciation and gratitude to our legal team, Barrister Sally Howes and Michael Williams for helping us get justice.”
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Appeal for information to find missing Erdington man
Police are urgently appealing for help to find a man who has gone missing from the Erdington area.
Anthony Perks was last seen at his home in Rogerfield Road at around 9pm last night (Monday 19 September).
The 58-year-old is described as white, 6ft 1ins tall, clean shaven, with short grey hair, fair complexion and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing a blue coat, blue jeans and a pink shirt with grey and blue stripes.
Inspector Neil Robertson, from Birmingham Police, said: “Anthony is particularly vulnerable as he has a very short term memory and will easily become confused and lose his bearings.
“He does have a bus pass with him and may try to travel on local buses. We need members of the public to keep an eye out for him and call 101 if they see him.”
Anyone with information should contact police on 101 or call the Missing People charity on 116 000.
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Michael Kelly missing from Four Oaks
Concerns are growing for a man who has gone missing from the Sutton Coldfield area.
Michael Kelly was last seen leaving his home in Beaton Road, Four Oaks on Wednesday 14 September.
He is described as white, 5ft 8ins tall, large build, blonde hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing a white rugby top with a light green band across it and camouflage shorts.
The 44-year-old also walks with a walking stick.
PC Stewart McLaughlin, from Birmingham Police, said: “Michael suffers from mental health issues and we need to get him found as quickly as possible.
“We’d ask anyone who has seen him or knows where he is to get in touch with police as soon as possible."
Anyone with information should contact police on 101 or call the Missing People charity on 116 000.
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Man charged with murder of Zakir Nawaz
Detectives investigating the death of Zakir Nawaz in Washwood Heath have charged a man with murder overnight.
Waseem Azram has been remanded in custody to appear at Birmingham Magistrates Court this morning (Wednesday 21 September).
The 29-year-old, of Ward End Close in Ward End, was arrested on Monday.
Two other men, aged 18 and 43, were also arrested on suspicion of murder and assisting an offender respectively; both were bailed until a date in November pending further enquiries.
Father-of-two Zakir Nawaz was found injured on Highfield Road, Washwood Heath at around 10pm on Saturday 10 September. A post-mortem revealed he died from a stab wound to the chest.
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Offender management case study: From #1 shoplifter to #1 mum
West Midlands Police’s ‘Next Generation’ Neighbourhood Policing plan − due for launch later this year − has been shaped with a focus on swift intervention and preventing harm.
Intervention & Prevention is key to the force’s plans and aims to stop crimes happening in the first place, identifying and nipping issues in the bud, and not simply responding to crimes after they’ve occurred.
Central to the approach is an Offender Management programme which sees the most prolific, habitual crooks assigned dedicated officers in a bid to break their crime cycle.
It may be next generation but it’s underpinned by a past generation Peelian principle of “offering the hand of friendship…even to those who don’t realise they need it".
Laura (not her real name) is one of thousands of offenders offered that hand of friendship.
The 30-year-old racked up 42 convictions for a total of 124 offences over 10 years − largely shoplifting to fuel a heroin addiction − and was ranked among Coventry’s most prolific thieves.
But with support from a West Midlands Police Offender manager she’s now turned her life around…and is set to take on a new role as a ‘Recovery Champion’ to help others create brighter futures for themselves.
Here’s her story…
I first started getting into trouble in about 2004 when I was 17 or 18. My partner at the time was into drugs…I’d like to say it was his fault but in fairness I kept on at him to let me have a try. One day I did − it was crack cocaine − and my life went downhill from there.
I’d get up early in the morning feeling ill and needing a hit. I’d be out by 9am to steal from shops. At first they’d be ones near me but when I started to get recognised I’d sometimes walk miles to places where staff didn’t know me.
I’d take a bag with me and wear a coat that tied round the bottom so I could load stuff inside. I’d steal meat, spirits, make-up, whatever people wanted really. Some things would be stolen to order but I’d sell other things down the pub. I’d also do trolley dashes and take plasma TVs…a mate would park by the fire exit and I’d kick it open and load the TVs inside the car.
People were trying to help me: I had regular meetings with the Community Drug Team (now the Recovery Partnership) and was on a CRASBO (Criminal Anti-Social Behaviour Order) to try and curb my offending.
It was during a CDT meeting that I found out I was pregnant. At first it didn’t change what I was doing − in fact I was told that if I came off heroin instantly then the shock to my system could trigger a miscarriage. I don’t know if that’s true.
But over the following few weeks I realised I wanted to keep my baby − it was a shock as I didn’t think I could have children − and in order to do that I needed to get clean and change my life. If I didn’t the baby may well not survive − but if I did give birth the child would have been immediately taken off me.
I breached a suspended prison sentence by shoplifting and was given 10-months inside. I knew what I was doing…I knew I would get support inside to help me get off drugs, away from outside influences, and that it would be easier to get support.
It was at that time Brenda (Brenda Pattinson, West Midlands Police) was assigned as my Offender manager. She’s been wicked; a huge help.
Brenda got maternity clothes from a clothes bank and kept in contact with me on email to update me on things like decisions made at Child Protection Order meetings; I was nervous about where I was going to live when I was eventually released.
I was on 40ml of methadone, then weaned off methadone altogether, and attended all parenting; I was determined not to go back to my old lifestyle.
I was released on 9 November 2015 and moved into a mother and baby lodge in Coventry. Brenda gave me a lot of attention over the next few months…I think she was worried I might get back in touch with old drug dealers and fall back in with a bad crowd.
I did have one hiccup…I smoked a bit of brown (heroin). I told my support worker, stressed it was a one-off and I was focused on my recovery. They gave me a second chance…I’ve not touched anything since.
Brenda urged me to stay positive, gave me lots of encouragement and kept telling me to focus on my baby and our future together − and not to jeopardise that as ultimately she could be taken away.
I was also worried about how I was going to afford baby clothes, nappies, that kind of thing. Brenda got in touch with a charity who gave me £150; she also wrote a list of all the things I needed as I didn’t really know! She also got hold of good quality second hand baby clothes, equipment and toys.
More support came from a group called Kairos − they help vulnerable women in Coventry and offer a ‘befriending’ service − plus a support worker to help with accommodation after my time with the mother and baby lodge. I also had a debt with a housing agency that I needed help managing.
I’ve now moved out of the lodge and am living independently with my baby. My ex-partner − the father of my child − is not on the scene or contributing financially but again Brenda has helped me apply to charities for money to buy furniture and other stuff for the house.
I’m a very different person to the one I was a year ago. It’s pretty scary at first but there is lots of support out there.
My advice to anyone who finds themselves in that spiral of drugs, crime and prison is to get help from the police, the Recovery Partnership, and charities. If I can do it anyone can.
I hope I’ve made Brenda proud!
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Police appeal following canal towpath robbery
Detectives are appealing for information after three teenage boys were robbed in Shirley on 28 August.
The boys (all aged 13) were walking along the towpath near to Dickens Heath at 4.10pm when a stranger asked them to empty their pockets before stealing their phones.
It’s believed that the man threatened to stab them; however no knife was actually seen.
The suspect is described as a white man with a stocky build, around 5ft 7ins tall and aged in his late 20’s. He had blonde shaven hair and stubble and was wearing black tracksuit bottoms and a grey t-shirt with a rhino logo and ‘Man in Charge’ written in white.
He had several tattoos on his neck including one saying ‘666’ and various tattoos down his right arm.
The suspect was with a woman during the robbery, she is described as white, aged in her late 20’s and skinny. She had blonde hair and was with a child aged around three or four years old.
PC Claire Barker, from Birmingham Police, said: “This was a nasty robbery where three young boys have been targeted. We have a good description of the man responsible and would ask anyone who thinks they know him to get in touch with us as soon as possible.
“We’re also keen to trace the woman as part of this investigation as she will have vital information about what happened.”
If you think you know the identity of the suspect or the woman he was with or have any other information about the robbery please get in contact with PC Claire Barker by emailing contactus@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk
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“Despicable” thieves struck at 90-year-old woman’s home
Police are hunting two “despicable” thieves – one of whom was carrying a toddler in his arms – that barged their way inside a 90-year-old woman’s house before stealing her purse.
The men – believed to be around 40-years-old and who spoke with Irish accents – forced their way past the lady in Loynells Road, Rubery, last night (20 Sept) having rang the doorbell.
Initially the pensioner, who is partially blind, thought the men were family members but began screaming on realisation the intruders were rummaging through her lounge.
The pair made off with the woman’s purse containing just a £5 note and loose change.
Both men are said to be white, around 5ft 9ins tall and of slim build; one was carrying a child, thought to be around 18-months-old and wearing a purple print puffa jacket.
Investigating officer, Sergeant Dave Bebb, said: “The woman was not hurt but was very badly shaken up and left in tears from the experience.
“It’s difficult to imagine how anyone could stoop so low as to target a defenceless old woman – and also while carrying a small child who we suspect was being used as a potential distraction technique. It’s truly despicable.
“We believe the child – thought to be a girl – was wearing a purple puffa-style jacket and we’re hoping someone may have noticed the toddler being carried around the Rednal area. The men are said to have looked alike and could possibly be brothers or some other relation.
“People will know who is responsible for this awful burglary…they do not deserve protecting. I would ask anyone with information, or who suspects may be involved, to call us or the independent charity Crimestoppers.
“We need to catch these men quickly before any other elderly resident suffers at their hands.”
Anyone with information is urged to call Sgt Bebb at West Midlands Police on the 101 number or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
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Coventry man charged with rape, assault and theft
A man will appear in court today charged with the rape of a man in the Bell Green area of Coventry last week.
Unemployed Timothy Forsyth, aged 22, of no fixed address, will also stand accused of wounding and theft when he appears at Coventry Magistrates Court this morning (22 September).
It follows an alleged incident in the Roseberry Avenue area of the city on Thursday (15 September).
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Athlete admits attempted murder at Alexander Stadium
An athlete has admitted attempted murder and assault after an unprovoked attack on staff at Alexander Stadium in Birmingham earlier this year.
Lauren Jeska, of Wesley Terrace, Machynlleth, Wales, stabbed a 51-year-old man in the head and neck several times resulting in life-threatening injuries, from which he continues to make a steady recovery.
The 42-year-old runner also inflicted minor injuries on two other members of staff at the head office of UK Athletics in Walsall Road, Perry Barr on the morning of Tuesday 22 March.
Jeska was restrained by staff at the scene until police arrived. She was then arrested and taken into custody.
At Birmingham Crown Court today (22 September) Jeska pleaded guilty to attempted murder, two counts of assault, and possession of two bladed articles in a public place.
She was remanded in custody for psychiatric reports ahead of sentencing on Tuesday 15 November.
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New Pebbell device helps keep the vulnerable safe
New technology to prevent vulnerable people from going missing is being trialled by West Midlands Police as part of a partnership with Dudley Council.
Dudley Police is working with the council to introduce Pebbell trackers which can be used by relatives or carers of people suffering from dementia to monitor their whereabouts.
The gadgets - which are just several inches long - have built-in GPS to immediately pinpoint the location of someone who is considered at high risk of going missing.
Pictured: PC Arnold with Elizabeth Orange who has a relative using a Pebbell
Dudley Partnerships Team have received funding to start piloting some of the Pebbell’s which can be worn around the neck using a lanyard or attached to personal belongings they regularly take out such as a bag or dog lead.
Families can text the Pebbell’s own distinctive number and will receive a response which has a map of the owner’s location - it means they can locate loved ones without having to rely on police or partner agencies.
If they call and receive no response then the device will pick up background sounds which can also help to pinpoint the surroundings.
Each Pebbell is monitored by relatives or carers with the support of the council’s Dudley Telecare Service which helps reduce the demand on police resources.
The council has already successfully introduced the technology to some of its residents.
Pictured: PC Arnold with Elizabeth Orange and colleagues from Dudley Council
Elizabeth Orange has seen the benefits of the Pebbell in keeping tabs on her 61-year-old uncle who had been reported as missing several times before receiving a device.
She said: "I didn’t want to stop him going out after he was diagnosed with dementia; but it was a real worry when I couldn’t get in touch with him. The police had to find him after he went missing a couple of times.
"But the Pebbell is fantastic as even if he doesn’t answer his mobile I can keep a check on where he is. It has taken a lot of the anxiety away for me."
The West Midlands Police pilot is being led through Dudley partnership officers Andy Arnold and Sarah Nixon.
Missing persons officer, PC Arnold, said: “This latest technology is invaluable in keeping in touch with someone with dementia who can be prone to going missing.
“Those with dementia are able to keep their independence but can be tracked and give their loved ones and carers some peace of mind.
“The devices also reduce the demand on police resources in finding someone who has wandered off; as they can be quickly identified by family members or staff from Dudley Telecare Service."
Councillor Qadar Zada, cabinet lead for adult social care at Dudley Council said: "We are pleased to be working in partnership with West Midlands Police, providing support through our Dudley Telecare Service, to people with dementia.
"The pebbell is an innovative gadget which already supports many people across Dudley Borough who have dementia, and their families and carers.
"It really has proved that it can change peoples lives, providing freedom to people with dementia and reassurance and peace of mind to family members and carers."
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Senior officers urged to join West Midlands Police
West Midlands Police has begun a recruitment drive, aimed at attracting senior officers to make the move to the second largest force in the country.
The force is looking to recruit officers into the rank of Chief Inspector and Superintendent, with applications welcomed from both substantive officers and Inspectors and Chief Inspectors seeking promotion.
Assistant Chief Constable Michele Larmour is leading the recruitment drive and urged senior officers to consider making the move. “West Midlands Police offers a diverse and rewarding career in one of the busiest areas of the country.
“We want to hear from officers who are looking for a fresh challenge and are keen to join a force dedicated to change and modernisation.
“We are in the middle of a major change programme, WMP2020, that is set to make the force more mobile, able to connect with the public in a more meaningful way and speed up our deployment and investigations.
“We are no longer purely there to respond, but to intervene early and prevent harm - it’s an exciting and rewarding time to join West Midlands Police."
Successful applicants will be joining the second largest police force in the country, covering an area of 348 square miles and serving a population of almost 2.6 million.
The region sits at the very heart of the country and covers Birmingham, Coventry and Wolverhampton. It also includes the busy and thriving districts of Sandwell, Walsall, Solihull and Dudley. Leisure, retail and conference amenities, together with Premiership and Championship football teams, attract millions of visitors annually.
The West Midlands is rich in diversity, with approximately 30 per cent of its population from ethnic minority backgrounds. Policing a diverse community requires a depth of understanding and respect of faiths and cultures.
ACC Larmour added: “We have a richly diverse population here in the West Midlands and we very much want our force to reflect the communities it serves, therefore, we actively encourage people from all backgrounds to register their interest in joining the force."
West Midlands Police deals with more than 2,000 emergency calls for help every day, as well as patrolling the streets and responding to incidents 24-hours-a-day, seven days a week.
An internal promotion process is also underway.
Applicants should register their interest for positions of Chief Inspector or Superintendent by emailing ss_police_promotions@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk by 10am on Monday 3 October.
For more information about transferring to West Midlands Police, please visit: http://jobs.west-midlands.police.uk/transferees/
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Security plans in place ahead of Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham
A security operation begins this week in Birmingham as West Midlands Police prepares for the Conservative Party Conference on Sunday (2 October).
Additional officers will be carrying out high visibility patrols in the vicinity of the International Convention Centre (ICC) and armed officers will also be out on patrol during the conference.
Plans are also in place for the ‘People’s Assembly’ protest and march which is due to take place on Sunday - several thousand people are expected to march through the city centre from Victoria Square to Millennium Point.
The force recognises people’s right to peacefully protest and will seek to facilitate this. Having worked with the organisers it is expected that this protest will be peaceful.
The security operation has been months in the planning and has involved close working with Birmingham City Council, the International Convention Centre, the Hyatt and many other partners.
Throughout this week work will begin to secure the Hyatt and ICC ahead of the start of the conference, which will involve a number of road restrictions (see map).
Broad Street and Cambridge Street will have restrictions for vehicles from Sunday 2 October until Thursday 6 October - the roads will remain open for pedestrians. There will be additional restrictions on those roads and Bridge Street on the 28 and 29 September.
Nearby residents and businesses have been sent a letter explaining how they will be affected by the security operation. The information will also be available on the Birmingham City Council website.
The restrictions will be lifted and the security operation will scale down when the conference ends on Wednesday 5 October.
Motorists are reminded to allow extra time for their journey if they are travelling into the city centre and we thank them in advance for their patience and understanding.
Superintendent Darren Miles, who is leading the operation, said: “We are proud to be able to play our part in this event and are confident that we will provide a safe and secure environment for all those who attend the conference and for everyone who lives and works in Birmingham.
“We will have armed officers on patrol as part of our plans - they are there as a precaution and to provide reassurance.
"I want to stress that there has been no specific intelligence received relating to a threat to the conference and everything we are doing forms part of our safety plans.
“Members of the public are our eyes and ears in the city and I’d remind anyone who sees anything suspicious, or that causes concern, to speak to one of our officers or call 101 as soon as possible."
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Callous crooks target elderly residents in cop con
Police are warning residents to be on their guard after cruel thieves struck at the homes of pensioners three times in as many days.
The callous crooks broke into addresses in Rubery, Northfield and Frankley on successive days and each time claimed to be plain clothes police officers before swiping purses, cash and jewellery.
Detectives have released CCTV footage and still images of two men fleeing an address in Frankley Beeches Road, Northfield at around 4pm on Wednesday (Sept 21).
They walked in through the front door and pocketed valuables before being disturbed by a man pulling up on the drive in his car.
On Tuesday night (Sept 20) two men – one carrying a small child – stole a purse from a 90-year-old woman in Loynells Road, Rubery, after being let inside.
And just before midnight on Thursday (Sept 22) two men broke into the home of a 76-year-old woman, a dementia sufferer, and claimed to be officers investigating a fraud.
Investigating officer, Detective Constable Dave Cockbill from Birmingham Police’s specialist burglary team, said: “The latest offence was particularly brazen: the men gained entry via an insecure rear door and told the woman they needed to seize her bank cards.
“She told them she didn’t know her bank details…so they called her son on his mobile phone in an attempt to persuade him to disclose the PIN numbers.
“He didn’t fall for the trick and called police – but the men fled with the woman’s purse.
“These are truly despicable offences. It seems elderly, vulnerable people are being deliberately targeted. We cannot say definitively that these offences are linked but we are not ruling out the possibility.
“We’ve secured some good quality CCTV footage showing the men responsible for the Northfield burglary. Someone will know who these men are; they are cruel thieves and do not deserve protection.
“I would urge anyone who suspects they know these men, have seen them, or have information about these offences to call me as soon as possible before any other elderly people suffer at their hands.”
Anyone with information is urged to call DC Cockbill at South Birmingham Police on the 101 number, or the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
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