Police investigating suspicious behaviour involving a number of people at a warehouse in Coventry have ruled out foul play.
It follows the arrest of a man on suspicion of modern day slavery at the address on Torrington Avenue in Tile Hill on 28 August, who has now been released without charge.
Officers have been able to establish that the eight men, a woman and a baby they found at the scene were actually living there legitimately and not at risk of any harm.
Sergeant Michelle Kiedron, from Force CID in Coventry, said: “We’ve carried out a thorough inquiry and it’s clear that contrary to initial concerns there was nothing untoward going on at the warehouse.
“I know local people were worried by the police activity and media coverage at the time, but we are confident all the businesses in the area are being run lawfully.
“However the action we took at the time was done with the best of intentions and it’s important we are all alert to the signs of modern day slavery which is happening in our communities.
“If anyone has suspicions about addresses near them, such as minibuses taking people away at dawn for work, then I’d ask them to call us.”
West Midlands Police can be contacted on 101, while the human trafficking charity Hope for Justice can be contacted on 0845 519 7402.
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Slaves not held at Coventry warehouse
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Bobbies give Coventry kids an Easter treat
Kind-hearted bobbies on the beat provided treats in Coventry - after handing over gifts to children.
Officers from the Binley and Willenhall neighbourhood team gave out more than 60 goodies ranging from books, jigsaws and DVDs to youngsters.
Led by Sergeant Antony Ashton the team of PCs and PCSOs decided to hand over old family toys to children in the community.
The team have become familiar faces with families in the Binley and Willenhall area from their routine patrols - and presented presents while out on the streets.
Sgt Ashton said: "This was our chance to give something back to the community and it was great to see all the smiling faces.
"It was good to be able to engage with the children; and a lot of parents were saying it was a nice thing to do.
"We want to work with our community and make a difference; the beaming faces on their faces as we handed over the toys made it all worthwhile."
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Dog Unit goes Dutch as Bart hits the streets!
West Midlands Police’s Dog Unit is going Dutch in its latest move to catch crooks and keep the region’s streets safe.
German Shepherds make up the bulk of the force’s four-legged crime-fighting corps but Police Dog Bart is the first Dutch Herder to join the ranks.
Jet black Bart (pictured below and as a puppy in training) teamed up with handler Keith Bennett when he was just eight weeks old but has now hit the streets having graduated from West Midlands Police’s award-winning training programme with distinction.
He’s one of six Dutch Herders bought by the unit last year as trainers explore opportunities to introduce new breeds.
Dog handler and trainer, PC Terry Arnett, said: “Herders are very sociable dogs, confident and highly driven…it makes them potentially excellent police dogs and we’re confident Bart will be a huge success.
“Bart has been trained to locate and catch crime suspects and uncover any stolen property, weapons or clothing − evidence that’s often crucial in securing court convictions. He’s only been on the streets a few days but the early signs are good.
“We have kept another Herder as a brood bitch and all being well hope to have our first litter later this year.”
West Midlands Police operates one of the largest, most successful police dog breeding schemes in the country.
Close to 1,000 German Shepherds have come through the programme’s base in Balsall Common – a centre awarded Assured Breeder Accreditation by the Kennel Club in recognition of its commitment to dog welfare – since it was launched in 1994.
In December 2012, a litter of German Shepherd / Dutch Herder cross-breed pups were born at the base – of which Police Dog Ice (pic below) still patrols the region’s streets – but Bart is the first full Herder introduced to the force.
Breed scheme manager Dave Raymond, added: “More than 80 per cent of the dogs we breed and train in-house go on to be operational dogs…and the scourge of criminals!
“The dogs regularly find hidden items not immediately obvious to officers and which would otherwise take much longer to locate…or not be found at all.
“Our dogs play an important role in catching offenders and keeping the public safe…the breed scheme allows us to plan ahead and ensure we have the right number of dogs ready and able to replace ones who retire."
Four of the other Dutch Herders trained by the force have been sold to other police forces, including Bart’s sister Ziva who’s now with Derbyshire Police, while another has been taken on by the prison service.
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Stolen army badges returned to SAS hero’s family
Army badges stolen from the late John McAleese – the ex-SAS soldier hailed a hero for his role ending the 1980 Iranian Embassy siege in London – have been returned to his family after being recovered by West Midlands Police.
The SAS and Parachute Regiment cap badges – stolen from Mr McAleese’s Hereford home during a burglary – were found by officers back in 2010 hidden in the boot of a drug dealer’s car.
But before PC Alan Reeves – the man who led the Erdington drug crime crackdown – could reunite him with his army insignia the 62-year-old tragically suffered a fatal heart attack while on holiday in Greece.
Alan made repeated attempts to contact his next of kin without success – including enquiries through the SAS base in Hereford – until a former army colleague responded to a Facebook message last year and put him in touch with one of Mr McAleese’s daughters.
And on Friday (April 8) PC Reeves ‘repatriated’ the badges to his former wife Joanna and 19-year-old son Kieran (pictured with PC Reeves) during a presentation at Sutton Coldfield police station.
“John was a colourful, larger than life character,” said PC Reeves, “and these cap badges for the two regiments he served represent a significant part of our country’s history, let alone being of sentimental value to the family.
“The drug dealer we arrested denied all knowledge of the burglary when we found them in his car so they were booked into a police property store – and when Mr McAleese died that’s where they stayed despite my best efforts to find a next of kin.
“Thankfully one of my messages reached an old army colleague of Mr McAleese’s and he gave me the family's contact details down in South Wales. I’m delighted we’ve finally been able to give them back to the family.”
John McAleese, who guarded three Prime Ministers during a distinguished career, became a national hero in 1980 after blasting open a window so his elite unit could storm the Iranian Embassy building in West London.
Five terrorist gunmen were killed during the 17-minute raid – which Margaret Thatcher said made her 'proud to be British' – and all 26 hostages were saved as millions watched the dramatic scenes on television.
Joanna, said: “We’re delighted to finally have the badges back…I know it’s been a bit of a mission of Alan’s to return them and we’re extremely grateful for his time and effort.
“It’s personal, sentimental items like these that people miss the most after a burglary: the badges were very dear to John’s heart and he was gutted to find they’d been taken.
“They will be returned pride of place in a glass display cabinet alongside other memorabilia from John’s time in the SAS.”
The cap badges were discovered on 25 May 2010 following the arrest of a drug dealer in Eagle Gardens, Erdington, where several wraps of heroin and crack cocaine were found hidden inside a 30-year-old man’s boxer shorts. He was later jailed for four years.
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Appeal after non-stop collision injures mother and children
Police are appealing for the driver of a car who ran from the scene of a collision to come forward. The crash left a young child seriously injured and led to the child’s mother suffering a miscarriage.
The collision took place on Saturday 2 April at 3.25pm in Eastfield Road, Bordesley Green.
A black Vauxhall Astra collided with a red Ford Fiesta; the driver of the Astra then ran off on foot from the scene.
The driver of the Fiesta, a woman who was eight weeks pregnant, was left injured with two young children inside the car.
A two-year-old boy suffered serious head injuries and required surgery. A four-year-old boy also suffered minor injuries.
PC John Slater, from the force’s traffic collision investigation unit, said: “Tragically the woman was in the early stages of pregnancy at the time and as a result of the collision suffered a miscarriage. I would like to hear form anyone who may have seen the crash to call police on 101, I would also ask that the driver does the right thing and makes contact with the police.”
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Thief jailed for six years after Minnie Mouse gloves link him to robbery
A thief who was linked to a robbery at a shop in Dudley by his Minnie Mouse gloves, severe limp and distinctive tattoo has been jailed for six years at Wolverhampton Crown Court.
Shane Hadlington was wearing a motorcycle helmet when he walked into the One Stop Shop on Bourne Street, Roseville on 15 August last year.
The 27-year-old was with another man, who has never been identified, when they threatened staff with a metal bar and stole £3,700 worth of spirits and cigarettes.
When detectives reviewed CCTV footage they noticed one of the masked robbers walked with a distinctive limp, had a tattoo of the word ‘DAD’ on his right wrist and was wearing a pair of Minnie Mouse gloves.
It emerged that just four days prior to the robbery a police officer had seen Hadlington in a wheelchair and he told them he had fallen off his motorbike.
Subsequent enquiries on Facebook showed he also had a ‘DAD’ tattoo on his wrist, identical to that of the offender from the One Stop Shop.
When Hadlington became a named suspect in August 2015 detectives raided his last known address in the Lower Gornal area of Dudley but he wasn’t there.
During a search they found the incriminating Minnie Mouse gloves, a two tone duvet similar to that used as a swag bag in the robbery and tracksuit bottoms identical to those worn by one of the offenders.
When the search for Hadlington went cold, his photograph was published on the West Midlands Police website as ‘wanted’ and circulated across social media.
In October 2015 he was finally arrested at a café in Kingswinford after being spotted by a Police Community Support Officer who was on routine patrol.
He was later charged with robbery.
He denied the offence but at Wolverhampton Crown Court on Friday (8 April) was found guilty by a jury and sentenced to six years in prison.
Sergeant Sean Corrigan, from Dudley Police, said: “This was a terrifying robbery for the staff involved and I’m glad we were able to track down one of the main offenders and secure this lengthy jail term at court.
“After starting with just the limp, we soon racked up a whole package of overwhelming evidence against Hadlington including the tattoo, the duvet and the tracksuit bottoms, with Minnie Mouse being his ultimate downfall.
“By that point we’d pretty much built the whole case and then it was simply a matter of trying to find him. Thanks to an observant PCSO on the ground it didn’t take very long and we’ve now been able to take a dangerous offender off the streets.”
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Our dogs named among the country’s bravest!
Two West Midlands Police dogs and their handlers are being honoured tonight (Sat 16 April) for their bravery in the National Service Dog Awards.
German Shepherds Titan and Jack, plus handlers PCs Neil Cherrington and Darryl Marsh, have been nominated alongside the fire service and army’s finest four-legged servants, including bomb sniffer dogs that have toured war zones.
Titan chased down a rapist through a Walsall park last year – and even swam out to keep a grip on the suspect when he waded into a pond – while Jack tracked for almost an hour before locating a burglary suspect lying low in a fenced compound.
Both graduated from West Midlands Police’s celebrated breeding and training programme, based in Balsall Common, which has nurtured more than 800 dogs from cute-and-cuddly pups to crime fighters on the region’s streets.
And at tonight’s event – being held at Ingatestone Hall in Essex – Breed Scheme Manager Dave Raymond will also pick up a special award for his commitment to dog welfare and making the programme arguably the finest of its kind in the country.
Selection committee Chairman Roy Dyer MBE, said: “Working dogs play a huge part in keeping us safe both at home and abroad. They often carry out dangerous missions and if they were not there, a vast number of crimes might go undetected and a great number of lives could be lost…we should never underestimate their outstanding contribution.”
Titan made his award-winning arrest on 5 April last year when he and PC Cherrington were called to a caravan park to help arrest a suspected rapist with a history of violence.
He fled, scaled a perimeter wall and ran across fields…but even after wading into a freezing pond he couldn’t shake off the attentions of dogged Titan!
The 25-year-old, of no fixed address, was eventually plucked out of the water by officers and later jailed at Wolverhampton Crown Court for 11 years.
PD Jack sprang into action on 27 October last year following a police pursuit that ended in Kings Heath when the driver abandoned his car and made a dash into a housing estate.
He tracked through dark alleyways for more than 45 minutes before leading PC Marsh to a fenced compound. Despite injuring a leg on metal spike concealed in undergrowth Jack refused to give up and chased down the suspect when he bolted from his hiding place.
A search of the car uncovered baseball bats and an array of tools and he was charged with going equipped to commit burglary.
Dave Raymond is the first civilian to be honoured in the National Service Dog Awards 20-year history.
He said: “It’ll be very humbling standing alongside some of the bravest service dogs and handlers in the country. We’ve worked hard as a team to develop West Midlands Police’s breed scheme and ensure a steady stream of top-quality dogs to protect the public.
“I love the job and it’s hugely rewarding every time I hear that one of the dogs that started life as a pup in our kennels has made an arrest or located a crucial piece of evidence.”
West Midlands Police is one of just four UK police forces being recognised at the event alongside City of London Police, Bedfordshire and Avon & Somerset.
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Two jailed as police continue offensive against illegal weapons
Two people have been jailed for more than eight years after a shotgun was seized by West Midlands Police during an on-going crackdown on illegal weapons.
Firearms officers recovered the shortened shotgun and ammunition after acting on intelligence to monitor a gun deal on a car park in Waverley Avenue, Pheasey, on 9 March last year.
Ben Wellings was seen to park up near to Pauline Ali’s BMW just before 11am and pass a black bag - containing the shotgun - through an open window.
Ali drove off but was stopped soon after by officers in Shady Lane, Great Barr, who seized the short-barrelled gun - similar to a sawn-off shotgun - and cartridge from the car seat.
Wellings was followed by officers and arrested at a petrol station forecourt in nearby Kingstanding Road.
Wellings, aged 30, of Birdbrook Road, Great Barr, pleaded guilty to possessing and supplying a firearm and was jailed for six years at Birmingham Crown Court on Monday (19 September).
Ali, 37, of Windsor Road, Castle Bromwich, admitted possessing a firearm and was sentenced to two-and-a-half years behind bars.
West Midlands Police has vowed to take firm action against illegal firearms and continue to pursue court action.
Detective Inspector Darren Crutchley, of the West Midlands Regional Organised Crime Unit, said: "This was a potentially lethal gun which has been removed from the streets.
"These sentences should reassure the public that possession of an illegal weapon will not be tolerated and are treated seriously by police and the courts."
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Police seek missing Coventry man
Police are searching for a Coventry man who has been missing since Wednesday (21 September).
Sagir Akhtar, aged 43, left his accommodation in Coundon around 7pm and was last seen at a cashpoint on the Alvis retail park.
Mr Akhtar requires regular medication for diabetes and there are concerns for his health should he not receive insulin regularly.
Mr Akhtar is described as Asian, 5ft 7ins tall, medium build with short dark hair. He was last seen wearing a grey and white striped top with blue jeans and a khaki jacket.
Anyone who has seen Mr Akhtar should contact police urgently on 101 or the Missing People charity anonymously on 116 000.
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Search continues for missing Birmingham man
Concerns are growing for a Birmingham man who has not been seen since Monday 12 September.
Luke English, aged 40 from Quinton, has not made contact with his family and they have become very worried for his safety.
Mr English is described as white, 5ft 7ins tall with a stocky build, bald and clean shaven. He was last seen wearing black jeans and a blue t-shirt.
It is possible that Mr English could have travelled to Sussex, Hampshire or Devon and Cornwall.
Anyone who has seen Mr English should call police urgently on 101 or the Missing People charity anonymously on 116 000.
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Offender Management − breaking the crime cycle of vulnerable offenders
Chief Inspector Paul Betts is West Midlands Police’s lead officer for offender management.
In this blog he discusses the force’s evolving response to dealing with vulnerable offenders − people who are committing crimes driven by desperation or addiction, not greed.
When I was a kid the split between goodies and baddies was pretty clear. Cops on one side and robbers on the other; you could always spot a baddie because they wore stripy jumpers, masks and carried bags with ‘SWAG’ written on them!
If only it were that simple. Many people who commit crime are complex characters − they are not simply “baddies" − and that’s why we need subtler approaches to how we view, label and manage offenders to prevent them reoffending or reduce the harm and risk they pose.
A recent arrest in Solihull illustrates this brilliantly and shows why West Midlands Police now looks more at the underlying causes of crime − and how we stop that person coming back to our attention − rather than simply dishing out a caution or court date.
The man was arrested on suspicion of burglary after being spotted stealing food from a bin behind Tesco in Warwick Road. The 23-year-old fully admitted the offence − but during an interview with one of our officers it became clear he was stealing food due to need, not greed. He wasn’t stealing food to sell down the local pub; he was hungry and desperate.
He was autistic and had been living in a van outside his mother’s home after deciding to move out of the house. He needed help…and we had the opportunity to offer it. The officer referred the man to Fry Housing Trust, a charity and housing association that provides supported accommodation for homeless people at risk of offending.
He now has a room at a project in Selly Oak, plus a support worker, and is hoping to enrol on a course to boost his employment opportunities.
It would have been easier to simply caution him and send him on his way − but that wouldn’t have addressed the root cause of his offending. He’s embraced the support offered to him and, fingers crossed, he’s on the right track to turning his life around.
Does prison work for vulnerable offenders?
Evaluation of a West Midlands Police operation in Birmingham − aimed at diverting offenders out of the criminal justice system into rehabilitative pathways − showed that 56% of people arrested had also been victims of crime, including 28% as victims of violent crime.
This correlation is true across almost all academic studies and the position is worse for vulnerable groups, especially women and children. Over half of women in prison in the UK report suffering domestic abuse; one in three has suffered sexual abuse.
Goodie? Baddie? Victim? Offender? All of the above? Depends how we choose to label and look at it.
Do they need to go to prison? Prison works doesn’t it; it relieves communities of crime?
In the short term, maybe. And some people definitely need to go to prison for reasons of punishment, deterrence or public protection − but 82 per cent of women, for example, entering prison have committed a non-violent offence.
In 2014, 41 per cent of women jailed at court had been convicted of theft or handling stolen goods offences. More women were sent to prison to serve a sentence for theft and handling than for violence, robbery, sexual offences, burglary, fraud, drugs, and motoring offences combined.
And about two thirds of women on short sentences (less than 12 months) reoffend within a year.
That’s why West Midlands Police is increasingly looking at alternatives to address offender vulnerability and investigating alternative choices about how we process them.
One successful partnership has seen West Midlands Police & Crime Commissioner’s office donate funding to Anawim Women’s Centre and Sandwell Women’s Aid.
The groups support vulnerable women, including domestic abuse survivors and offenders, with incredible results: Anawim’s reoffending rate among clients is around five per cent, compared to the overall 45% reoffending rate from sending women to prison.
We’re not social workers but…
This blog has focused on women but when you think about vulnerabilities caused from mental health, armed forces veterans and homelessness, for example, you can begin to see the scope for expanding this ‘prevention and intervention’ policy.
I’m not suggesting for a minute that West Midlands Police officers become social workers or a charity.
But looking at what causes vulnerable people to commit offences and helping them access the right support is proven to be highly effective in reducing the chance of them committing more crime. Preventing crime is our core business.
To address demand, reduce crime, improve the lives of them and their victims, we need to offer them the friendship they often don’t realise they need.
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Man critical after non-stop collision in Birmingham
Police have launched an investigation after a pedestrian on crutches has been seriously injured in a non-stop collision in the early hours of this morning (Sunday 25 September) in Birmingham.
The man, who has not yet been identified, was struck on Lawley Middleway between Ashted Circus and Curzon Circus around 2.30am. He is currently in hospital with life threatening injuries.
The driver of a Fiat Panda, a 78-year-old man, was arrested a short time later for drink driving and failing to stop at the scene of a collision. He remains in police custody.
Collision investigators are also looking for the driver of a silver Vauxhall Vectra who they believe is crucial to the investigation and could hold key information to help them uncover how the crash happened.
Sergeant Paul Hughes, from the regional Collision Investigation Unit, said: "We are asking anyone who saw what happened and hasn’t spoken to a police officer to come forward urgently.
"Crucially we would like to speak to the driver of a silver Vauxhall Vectra who stopped at the scene, but left before police arrived.
"At present we are struggling to identify the man in hospital who is described as white, possibly Eastern European, with dark hair, a moustache and a goatee beard.
"The crutches were possibly used as a result of a previous leg operation which doctors believe was not performed in the UK.
"I would ask anyone who thinks they know who he might be to get in touch so that we can contact his family."
Collision investigators can be contacted on 101 or information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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Plea to identify man who died in Birmingham crash
A man who was critically injured in a non-stop collision in Birmingham over the weekend has died.
The man was injured in the early hours of Sunday (25 September) on Lawley Middleway between Ashted Circus and Curzon Circle around 2.30am.
He was taken to hospital but died yesterday afternoon. Police investigating the collision have not been able to identify the man and are appealing for anyone who may know who he is to come forward with information. A post mortem will be carried out in due course.
Investigators were appealing for the driver of a silver Vauxhall Vectra to come forward – a 29-year-old man from Birmingham was arrested on Sunday afternoon on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and failing to stop and the Vectra recovered. He was subsequently bailed pending further enquiries.
The driver of a Fiat Panda, a 78-year-old man, was arrested on Sunday morning for drink driving and failing to stop at the scene of a collision. He was also bailed as enquiries continue.
Sergeant Paul Hughes, from the regional Collision Investigation Unit, said: "Sadly, the man died as a result of his significant injuries, our enquiries continue but it is vital that we find out who he is.
“At this stage, we are not able to let his family or next of kin know what has happened.
"The man is described as white, possibly Eastern European, with dark hair, a moustache and a goatee beard. He was wearing Nike trainers, Adidas bottoms and a Next jacket.
"He walked with crutches which were possibly used as a result of a previous leg operation which doctors believe was not performed in the UK.
"I would ask anyone who thinks they know who he might be to get in touch so that we can contact his family.
“We are asking anyone who saw what happened and hasn’t spoken to a police officer to come forward urgently.”
Collision investigators can be contacted on 101 or information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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Man jailed for rape following ten year man hunt
A man who attacked and repeatedly raped a woman has been brought to justice following a ten year man hunt by detectives.
Rashid Abdilah Jama, aged 39, was today (Monday 26 September) sentenced to 13 and a half years which will be extended for three years on licence at Birmingham Crown Court for raping a woman in Alum Rock in 2005.
Jama, together with a number of other men, had originally been arrested in November 2005 by officers investigating a gang rape attack on a woman at a house in Bowyer Road.
The woman, aged 35 at the time, had gone back to the address with a friend, where she had been attacked multiple times by a number of men over a prolonged period. Her friend managed to escape and raise the alarm by calling police.
Due to complex forensic enquiries, the men arrested were bailed by police while investigations took place, during which time Jama fled and failed to answer his bail.
Two other men were charged and convicted of rape in 2008 following the attack- Yusuf Jama was convicted and jailed for life, while Jamal Yusuf was convicted of rape in 2008 and jailed for ten years.
Meanwhile detectives continued to follow a trail for Rashid Jama, following up leads and making enquiries across the country and abroad.
In October 2015, he was arrested in Sweden and detectives had him extradited to England to face charges.
Detective Sergeant Mick Ross, from Force CID, said: "This has been a long and complex enquiry spanning ten years across places in this country and abroad.
“Jama was arrested in Sweden and extradited under the terms of a European Arrest Warrant arriving back into the UK on 27 October 2015.
“He was charged with rape and remanded in custody. In July 2016, he pleaded guilty to rape.
“The attack on the woman over ten years ago was horrendous and I hope this can bring some justice and closure for the victim, who showed tremendous courage, which the judge commended her on. I’m pleased we have finally been able to bring another of her attackers to justice and put him behind bars.
“We would like to reassure people that West Midlands Police will continue to pursue offenders who think they have escaped justice."
Jama was also ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life.
More information on reporting rape and sexual violence, as well as details of partner agencies who offer a range of advice and services, is available here - https://www.west-midlands.police.uk/advice-centre/help-and-advice/rape-and-sexual-violence/reporting-rape/index.aspx
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Police investigate death of Coventry man
Police have launched an investigation after a man was found dead in Coventry last night.
Officers were called to Edmund Road, Foleshill at 10.05pm last night (Monday 26 September) to reports of a man collapsed.
The man, aged 47, was declared dead at the scene. His death is being treated as unexplained and post mortem will take place.
Two men aged 42 and 43, who were at the address have been arrested on suspicion of murder and are currently helping police with their enquiries.
Detective Inspector Paul Joyce from Force CID said: “Officers were called to the address last night by ambulance colleagues. The death is being treated as suspicious and a post mortem will take place to establish the cause. At this stage we are investigating the circumstances of the death and I’m asking for anyone who has any information or anyone who was in the area last night to contact Force CID on 101.”
Officers remain at the scene this morning to carry out forensic enquiries.
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Appeal following fatal collision in Solihull
Police are appealing for witnesses following a fatal traffic collision in Solihull yesterday.
Officers were called to Damson Lane, Solihull around 4.40pm Monday 26 September.
A 23-year-old motorcyclist was in collision with a manufacturing tractor unit and trailer on a private road situated on the Jaguar Land Rover factory site.
The rider, who is not being named at this stage, was unfortunately pronounced dead at the scene.
Sergeant Alan Wood from the force’s collision investigation unit, said: “Investigations are on-going into the collision and we will be working with our colleagues at the Health and Safety Executive to establish what happened. Anyone with information should contact the Regional Collision Investigation on 0121 322 6098."
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Three arrested in police slavery operation at scrap yards
Three men have been arrested on suspicion of working a group of Polish nationals like slaves and paying them just £1 an hour at recycling plants in Sandwell.
West Midlands Police officers raided CAP Recycling in Elwell Street, West Bromwich, and sister firm Black Country Recycling in Union Road, Oldbury, this morning (27 Sept) as part of a modern day slavery investigation.
Six Polish men were found at the two businesses, three at a flat in Market Place, Great Bridge – believed to be living quarters for some workers – and another two found in a van outside a suspect’s address in West Bromwich’s Hope Street.
All the men have been taken to a reception centre in Tipton where they are being supported by the Red Cross. One is believed to have been working despite having a broken shoulder while others were displaying signs of malnutrition and alcohol dependency.
A 52-year-old local man was arrested at the Elwell Street facility – and in connected raids at addresses and West Bromwich and Handsworth Wood men aged 26 and 47, respectively, were arrested on suspicion of slavery offences.
West Midlands Police Inspector Colin Mattinson led the operation. He said: “Police intelligence suggested eastern European men were being exploited at the unit and being paid just £10 for working long hours.
“By contrast it’s believed the men taking advantage of these people – and playing on their vulnerabilities by plying them with alcohol – were living luxury lifestyles and driving around in high-value cars.
“We’ve found evidence suggesting some of these men were sleeping at one of the recycling units and bedding down on waste cardboard.
“Suspected victims will receive medical attention and support before being spoken to by our officers with the aid of Polish interpreters.
“We are raising awareness of modern day slavery but it remains a largely hidden crime. I’d urge members of the public to look out for tell-tale signs, things like large numbers of people staying in multi-occupancy houses and people being ferried to and from the address on vans or minibuses early in the morning and returning late at night.
“Cruel individuals are making large sums of money on the back of others’ misery – so please call us if you suspect people are being exploited in your community.”
Today’s operation saw West Midlands Police work alongside partners from the National Crime Agency’s Modern Slavery & Human Trafficking Unit, Health & Safety Executive, West Midlands Fire Service, and council housing officers.
The 11 men safeguarded will have the option of supporting a criminal complaint and referred through the National Referral Mechanism.
Should they be identified as victims they will be housed by the Salvation Army outside the region – and away from the clutches of suspected gang masters – for 28 days while enquiries progress.
Councillor Preet Gill, Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for Public Health & Protection, added: “I welcome these raids; they send out a clear message that we will not tolerate the exploitation of people in our community. Modern day slavery may be a hidden crime – but it’s a real concern.
“I hope today’s arrests will give a strong warning as well as encouraging people to report suspicious behaviour which may indicate exploitation is happening in their neighbourhood.”
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Street preacher convicted of abusing passer-by
A street preacher who hurled abuse at a woman in Birmingham city centre - swearing at her for “wearing tight jeans" - has been convicted of a racially-aggravated public order offence.
Krissoni Henderson was in New Street on 4 July when he launched a torrent of insults at a passer-by he singled out after taking umbrage at her appearance.
Henderson shouted “you Satan, you devil, you prostitute wearing tight jeans… take them off, you’ll go to hell" before branding her a “kafir" and threatening to blow up her house.
Police were directed to the scene at around 5.30pm after a 38-year-old woman called 999 saying she feared for her safety and was left physically shaking from the encounter.
A video later appeared on social media channels of a West Midlands Police officer trying to speak to 31-year-old Henderson but he too was met with aggression and verbal taunts.
The following day he was arrested from his Brook Street home in Hockley and questioned over the public order allegations.
In interview he branded the woman a liar, claiming she was the aggressor and that she’d tried to “seduce" him.
At Birmingham Magistrates Court today (Tues 27 Oct) he was handed a community order of 24 months and received a six month curfew between 7pm and 7am after being convicted of using racially aggravated insulting words or behaviour.
As part of the community order Henderson will be ordered to take a rehabilitation activity to targeting his anger management.
Henderson was also ordered to pay his victim £200 in compensation and a further £485 in fees and court costs.
He was also found guilty of using insulting, threatening words or behaviour against the officer.
Birmingham Police Superintendent Andy Parsons praised the professionalism of the PC who dealt with the New Street fracas.
He said: “The officer showed commendable restraint in the face of extreme provocation and intimidation. The incident attracted a large crowd and there was a degree of tension… the officer tried to diffuse the situation and protected the woman who’d been targeted.
“The decision was made to arrest Henderson the following day from his home address as to have taken action at the time could have resulted in more disorder.
“People absolutely have the right in law to freedom of speech and visitors to Birmingham city centre will regularly hear people offering their opinion on a wide range of topics.
“However, people must do so lawfully and if there is any suggestion anyone is abusing that right and using words likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress or cause a breach of the peace then we will investigate and take the appropriate action."
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Five face court over nuisance biking charges
Four men and a teenager will appear in court tomorrow (Wed 28 Sept) charged with causing a public nuisance on off-road bikes − part of a force-wide West Midlands Police operation tackling anti-social biking.
Mark Mottram (22) from Bicknell Croft, Druids Heath; Jerome Pencheon (20) from Arrowfield Green, Kings Norton; John Shorthouse (20) from Greenford Road, Warstock; Alex Day (18) from Yardley Wood Road, Yardley Wood; and a 17-year-old male youth from Kings Heath will appear at Birmingham Magistrates Court.
The charges were brought following complaints by members of the public that off-road bikes, scramblers and quad bikes were running amok in the Yardley Wood and Billesley area.
In response, a series of warrants were conducted across June and several bikes seized.
Birmingham South Police Sergeant, Steve Parkes, said: “We’ve received numerous complaints from local residents that bike riders are frightening and intimidating people, including young children, in public spaces and parks by riding dangerously and also pulling wheelies on the roads. This not only causes danger to themselves, but also to other road users.
“We are still keen to hear from anyone who has not yet spoken to us, who may have witnessed off-road bikes causing nuisance in the Yardley and Billesley between 1 January and the 30 June to get in touch.
“The noise from these bikes is also unacceptable at a time of year when people want to enjoy parkland and their gardens.
“We hope that these charges show we have listened to people’s concerns and are determined to tackle the problem. We need the public’s help so I’d urge people to report any examples of nuisance biking so we can track down those who make other’s lives a misery. Even if you don’t call us every time, keep a record of dates, times and descriptions."
West Midlands Police can be called on 101 or information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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Three men jailed in connection with the death of businessman Akhtar Javeed
Three men have been jailed for almost 40 years for their involvement in an armed robbery that led to the death of a Birmingham businessman at his factory in Digbeth earlier this year.
Suraj Misty, 26, was found guilty of the manslaughter of Akhtar Javeed and sentenced today to 23 years in prison. He was also sentenced to 20 years conspiracy to commit robbery and eight years for possession of firearms to run concurrently.
Lamar Wali, 19, was found guilty of conspiracy to commit robbery and sentenced to seven years in prison.
Sander van Aalten, who was an accomplice in the planning of the murder, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery and was sentenced to six years and eight months.
Misty and Wali together with Tahir Zarif travelled from Derby to raid Direct Source 3 on Rea Street in Digbeth back in February this year.
But the raid went horrifically wrong as they threatened the manager, Mr Javeed (56), to give up the company’s takings. While Mistry held staff hostage at gunpoint Zarif led Mr Javeed from the office into the reception where he shot him in the leg as a violent warning to open the safe.
After being shot Mr Javeed attempted to escape and during the ensuing struggle was shot a further two times at point blank range in the mouth and neck. Bravely, he managed to escape before stumbling across the car park to the pavement where he collapsed and died in a pool of his own blood.
The men immediately fled the scene in a Renault Megane, picked up a second car nearby and then returned to Derby.
Detectives painstakingly trawled CCTV to piece together the sequence of events in the hours before and after the robbery, corroborating the images with mobile phone data and ANPR captures.
The jury heard how Sander van Aalten, a Dutch national − a former disgruntled employee at Direct Source 3 - drew a plan of the warehouse for his co-conspirators so they knew exactly where to go once inside.
The evidence showed that he was in contact with the offenders as they carried out reconnaissance of the warehouse in the days before the attack and used a premises he was working at as a meeting point just before and immediately after the botched robbery.
Detective Chief Inspector Martin Slevin, who led the investigation, said: "The sentences handed down today reflect the severity and the part played by each individual in the planning and execution of this offence."
“This was a violent attack where the offenders - armed with loaded guns - bound staff with cable ties and were held by Mistry. His accomplice threatened Mr Javeed to open the safe and when he refused he was shot in the leg. When he attempted to escape he was shot in the face and chest causing horrific injuries which led to his death moments later.
“The sickening offence, which led to the loss of a loved and respected husband, father, brother and grandfather, was motivated by greed.
"The court heard that the man who is thought to have fired the fatal shots was Tahir Zarif, who fled the country to Pakistan days after the offence. We are actively seeking to locate Zarif and working with our global policing partners in order to ensure he is returned to the UK to face the criminal justice system.
“I would urge anyone with any information no matter how small which may assist in this to contact West Midlands Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111."
Tahir Zarif wanted for murder and on the run
Speaking at the conviction, Lilas - Mr Javeed’s daughter − said: “I do not want us to forget that there is still one outstanding perpetrator on the run, as it stands, literally getting away with murder. I have faith that the justice system will do its best to bring him back and bring him to justice. I would be saddened to think he has got away with it as what message would that give to society?"
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