West Midlands Police - Latest News

A Solihull paedophile has been jailed for 22 years after being found guilty of historical sex offences. Alan Read, aged 62 from Colesbourne Road, was sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court last week (Wednesday 28th September) after an eight day trial, where a jury unanimously found him guilty of 15 counts of rape, attempted rape and indecent assault. The offences happened between 1987 and 2000 when his three victims (two boys and a girl) were aged between three and 14. Investigating officer Detective Constable Karen Jones, from the force’s Public Protection Unit, said: "The offences came to light when the oldest victim found the courage to report the abuse he had suffered as a child. "Read was arrested in May last year and a complex investigation began resulting in two further victims coming forward. "Read had abused the young children while they were in his care and threatened them into silence, saying they wouldn’t be believed if they told anyone, the consequences of which have had a long lasting effect." Read protested his innocence, but the jury took just eight hours to find him guilty of all counts and he was sentenced the same day. He will also remain on the Sex Offender Register indefinitely. DC Jones added: "Read’s victims showed tremendous courage when giving evidence in court and I hope that his sentence brings them some sense of justice as they continue to come to terms with the abuse they suffered. "I hope that their courage is an example to other people who have suffered abuse and have yet to come forward to report what has happened to them, even if it was several years ago. We have specially trained officers who can help survivors of sexual assault through every step of the process, from initial reporting to the court procedure. "We work with a raft of other agencies who also provide support and comfort." To contact police call 101 or for further information visit http://www.west-midlands.police.uk/advice-centre/help-and-advice/rape-and-sexual-violence/index.aspx

Media coverage at the weekend claiming potential DNA breakthroughs in the Birmingham pub bombings investigation are false. The reports, allegedly based on a leaked memo, are misleading. There is no new DNA or fingerprint evidence. West Midlands Police believe the material referred to in the press relates to DNA and fingerprints identified on anonymous letters examined by Nederlands Forensisch Instituut that were analysed more than two years ago, in the summer of 2014. The coroner and family members engaged with the inquest were already aware of this. Regrettably, the press articles are misleading in suggesting new material has been identified. It is disappointing that the newspaper did not contact West Midlands Police before publication for clarity which could have avoided unnecessary upset to the families of the victims of the bombings.

Earlier today (Monday 3 October) police were called to ESSO petrol station on Coventry Road, Solihull, following reports of a suspected fuel theft and a collision between a Blue Toyota Yaris and a White Citroen DS. A passenger from the Citroen, a 27-year-old pregnant woman was taken to hospital with minor injuries. Her condition is described as stable. Officers sighted the offending vehicle a short time later; however the driver rammed the patrol car and drove off, before abandoning the vehicle and fleeing on foot with the passenger. The police helicopter tracked the movements of the occupants and they were picked up and arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle, a series of bilking’s and an attempted wounding. The driver has additionally been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and driving whilst under the influence of drugs. Both remain in police custody. An officer responding to the emergency was unfortunately involved in a collision with a Fiat 500 on Wagon Lane at the junction with Coventry Road and has been taken to hospital with a fractured hand. The driver of the car, who was the sole-occupant of the Fiat was also taken to hospital with non-serious injuries. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information is asked to call 101, please quote 796 03/10/2016

A 44-year-old man has been charged with attempted murder following a stabbing in Coventry on Sunday (2 October). Officers were called to the Holyhead pub, Holyhead Road at around 7.40pm following reports that a man had been stabbed in the stomach. Adrian Brock, of Lower Precinct, Coventry, was arrested near to the scene. Officers worked quickly to gather evidence and press charges against Brock. He has been remanded in police custody and will appear before Coventry magistrates this morning (4 October). The 32-year-old victim was taken to hospital for treatment and his condition is described as stable. This appears to be a targeted incident and police are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.

Detectives are appealing for information after a 21-year-old woman was punched and robbed as she walked along a canal towpath in Brierley Hill. The woman was attacked as she made her way along the towpath off Ashton Park Drive around 5.15pm on Sunday 2 October, after leaving the Merry Hill Shopping Centre. She was approached by a man riding a pushbike, who punched her in the face a number of times before pushing her to the ground and stealing her bag. The man, described as white, stocky and wearing a ‘Castrol’ t-shirt, then rode off on the bike which was described as dark red with black wheels and no saddle. Detective Inspector Nigel Smith from Dudley CID said: “This was a nasty robbery in which the woman was making her way home along the towpath when she was attacked by this man riding a bike- some members of the public on a bridge saw what was happening and shouted at him- I’m anxious to trace this people as they may have vital information. “Anyone with information should email PC Shelly Punshon at contactus@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk or call officers on 101.”

“One of the worst violations of policing integrity I’ve ever seen” – those are the words of West Midlands Police Chief Constable Dave Thompson after one of his officers was jailed for sexually assaulting vulnerable women while on duty. Former Birmingham police response officer PC Steve Walters (pictured) assaulted two women on 8 February and 15 April last year, one in the back of a police patrol car and the latter in her own home after she’d dialled 999 asking for police assistance. The 48-year-old appeared at Stafford Crown Court today (Oct 4) where he was handed a four-year prison sentence having already been dismissed from the force for gross misconduct. Chief Constable Mr Thompson (pictured below) oversaw Monday’s special case hearing and apologised unreservedly on behalf of the force for PC Walters’ actions. He said: “The public expects simple things from the police: that they can trust us, that we offer friendship and service to people in need, and that vulnerable people are safe in our care. “A police uniform should be a beacon of comfort and protection. PC Walters has engaged in criminal activity that has shocked me…in 26 years police service this is one of the worst violations of policing integrity I have ever seen. “People at a point where they needed our help were abused by this officer who used his uniform and power to enter people’s lives. I am deeply sorry for what has happened and apologise on behalf of the force. “Having read one victim statement I am left in no doubt of the terrible impact these crimes have had on people. I only hope the public and PC Walters’ victims can understand the efforts we and the IPCC will take to bring officers who fail the public in this way to justice. “There is no place for a criminal like PC Walters in this force, I don’t accept his apology, and I have no hesitation for dismissing him without notice.” PC Walters, from Swadlincote, was on patrol in a marked police car on 8 February last year when he and a colleague offered a lift to a woman who was walking home from a night out. During the five minute journey Walters – who was a front seat passenger – reached into the back and touched the woman’s thigh; she reported the incident several days later after confiding in a work colleague who is a former police officer. And he was on duty and in uniform on 15 April when he attended the home address of a woman who’d reported her teenage son missing. The schoolboy returned home but, as PC Walters moved to leave the house, he pushed his mum up against the hallway, kissed her and placed his hand inside her clothing. PC Walters was arrested on 6 May and denied the allegations – but forensics experts found his DNA on the pants and vest of the woman he’d attacked in her own home. He maintained his innocence, claiming the DNA evidence was as a result of sneezing near the woman, but on day one of trial at Stafford Crown Court on September 5 he entered guilty pleas. In a prepared statement read out by a Police Federation representative at Monday’s hearing, PC Walters accepted his behaviour amounted to gross misconduct and apologised, saying he’d let everyone down and understood the consequences. West Midlands Police Chief Inspector Brian Carmichael from the force’s Professional Standards Department – the unit which investigates allegations of staff misconduct – said: “We expect the highest standards of professionalism from all officers and police staff. “Serving and protecting the public is paramount and it is vital that our communities have trust and confidence in everything that we do. To breach this trust in such an abhorrent way is totally unacceptable. “Any officer or staff members that fails to uphold our force values and falls below the high standards we expect will be dealt with accordingly." The case was investigated by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) following a referral from West Midlands Police. A third count of misconduct in a public office was left on court file.

A Birmingham man with links to a notorious city gang has been jailed for 27 years after admitting his part in a series of turf war shootings across the city centre, which left a total of eight people injured. Reial Phillips (20) from Musgrave Road, Winson Green pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life, possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, and possessing ammunition. He also admitted to conspiracy to supply cocaine and heroin. He was jailed for 18 years for the firearm offences and nine years for the drugs offences; the sentences will run consecutively. A second man on trial at Birmingham Crown Court pleaded guilty to his involvement in drug supply. Ashai Gray (22) from Willes Road, Winson Green admitted conspiracy to supply cocaine and heroin. He was given a nine year sentence. Ashai Gray (left) and Reial Phillips (right) A third man charged with drug offences pleaded not guilty and will stand trial at a later date. Phillips was at the heart of a series of shootings across the city, between February and October 2015. The court heard that the shootings were part of an on-going feud between rival gangs in the city, which escalated when members of the opposing factions uploaded rap videos online to taunt one another. Phillips and Gray had links to the notorious Burger Boys Gang, which targeted rival Johnson Crew members. Both men were believed to be the ‘armed response’ faction of the gang. The first reported shooting in the city took place on July 20, 2015 in Nursery Road, Newtown at a BBQ where a 16-year-old boy was shot in the back. Police investigating the shooting were met with a ‘wall of silence’ and no complaint was made to officers, despite the boy almost losing his ability to walk. A second shooting occurred a few days later, on July 25 inside the Electric Club in Hurst Street, when two men were shot in the leg. Rap videos uploaded online following the incident caused further tension between the groups. On August 29, Phillips’ own car was targeted in a shooting in Devonshire Street, Winson Green; no complaint was made to police. A further incident linked to Phillips occurred on September 15 in Hunters Road, Birmingham. Police were not called, but following searches a bullet was found underneath a parked car. A breakthrough came in September 2015, when police stopped a car containing Phillips and Gray on the M5. Inside the vehicle officers found balaclavas, gloves and stab vests. This led to searches of their homes in Winson Green, which recovered large amounts of drugs, cash, ammunition and a gun. Both men were arrested, Gray was remanded into custody and Phillips was bailed while enquiries continued. On Sept 26, there was another video uploaded onto YouTube, which encouraged gang-related violence. This led to the final incident on October 10, when four men were shot at Costcutters in Great Hampton Row, Newtown. Three of the men refused to make a statement, but a fourth, who was shot in the leg did report it to police. Following a police investigation, Phillips was arrested on 14 October and further drugs were found in his vehicle. The gun and drugs pictures were recovered from a vehicle close to Phillips' address - this gun was not believed to be used in any of the shootings. Detective Superintendent Mark Payne said: “For a period of time last year these men and their associates brought fear to the people of the West Midlands through their actions." He said: “Members of the public should feel reassured that these men have been handed lengthy custodial sentences… it shows the courts and police are united in a strong message that illegally held firearms are totally unacceptable and will not be tolerated on the streets of the West Midlands. “Our officers are working around the clock to close-in on individuals or gangs who bring fear to our communities. We’re disrupting crime networks, seizing weapons and punishing people who believe they can carry firearms with impunity. “There must be no let-up in our approach to tackling firearms."

Police are appealing for information to help trace a teenager who has gone missing from Dudley. Jade Cleveland, 16, was last seen on Jackson Street in Lye, Dudley yesterday (3 October) at around 7pm. Officers have since been searching the local area. They are now appealing to anyone with information of her whereabouts to contact them. She is described as white, around 5ft 4ins tall, she has shoulder length ginger hair, which was in a ponytail. She was last seen wearing black leggings, a grey long sleeve jumper and black pumps. Jade has links to London and may well have be using public transport to travel. Inspector Tim Draper from Dudley Police, said: “We urgently need to trace Jade and would urge anyone who has seen her to contact us. She is not in any trouble, we just need to make sure that she is safe and well." Anyone who sees Jade are urged to call 101.

Detectives in Sandwell have released images of a suspected distraction burglar they want to identify after an 80-year-old man was targeted last month. At around 4.20pm on 16 September a man claiming to be from the water board turned up at a property on Cooper Street in West Bromwich. He tricked his way in by stating that the supply to the property would be switched off if the relevant checks were not carrie...d out. As he was carrying out the supposed checks, he made a search of the home. When nothing was found he attacked the pensioner until he offered £40 cash from his wallet. Detective Sergeant Wayne Dudley said: "Distraction burglaries are truly despicable offences. However in this instance an elderly man was also seriously assaulted by the offender. “It was understandably a horrific ordeal for the victim who suffered a number of injuries including a broken arm, cuts and bruises not to mention the lasting psychological impact of such a crime.” Anyone with information is urged to contact DS Wayne Dudley on 101 extension 811 3102. Crime no. 20SW/181096U/16 See more

A global human rights group has hailed West Midlands Police for its Stop & Search reforms – and suggested Continental cops could benefit from following the force’s lead. Open Society Foundations is hosting a conference in Birmingham this week (3-6 October) to shine a light on West Midlands Police’s efforts make street stops fairer, more targeted and officers more accountable. Senior officers from Germany, Spain and Switzerland – all looking to review their stop and search procedures – are attending the Cannon Street event to hear inputs from academics, UK police chiefs and experts in the field. They also spent time with city centre officers (pictured) to observe street stops in action. The delegates watched as cops searched six people; one man was arrested on suspicion of possessing cocaine (pic below), while cannabis and a psychoactive substance were seized from two others who were allowed on their way after being offered advice. Latest stop and search stats show that the force’s intelligence-led approach is succeeding. In 2011-12 the force carried out 64,000 searches with just four per cent resulting in arrests – but last year 2,900 people (or around 16 per cent) were arrested from a total of 18,127 street stops. And a quarter of all stop and searches carried out in 2015-16 had a positive outcome with the subject being arrested, given a fixed penalty fine, cautioned, receiving a cannabis warning, agreeing a community resolution or some other disposal method. Dr Rebekah Delsol from Open Society’s Justice Initiative, said: “Stop and search is one of the more thorny police issues…doing it right is key to good community relations and forces around the world are reviewing their procedures and looking for examples of good practice. “West Midlands Police has overhauled its approach to stop and search…and with impressive results. That’s why we’ve chosen Birmingham to host this event and I’m sure delegates will go away with lots of food for thought.” Over the last two years, West Midlands Police has overhauled its use of stop and search – and central to those changes has been increased openness and public involvement. Members of the public sit on scrutiny panels – which meet bi-monthly to assess stop and search records – to give communities a voice on the force’s use of its powers, while information detailing all encounters is now logged on a new electronic recording system. Data is uploaded to the national police.uk website and anyone searched by a West Midlands Police officer can easily access information on police powers and how to give feedback via a web address and QR code. And all front line officers – those who may be required to stop someone in the street – have received additional training on how searches should be conducted. West Midlands Police Inspector, Dave Whordley, said: “Stop and search is an important police power. As a force we will always back officers who use their powers legitimately and accountably, but when stop and search is misapplied, and when people are stopped and searched for no good reason, it is unfair, wastes valuable police time, and damages the relationship between communities and the police. “That is why we have introduced reforms designed to ensure our stop and searches are properly targeted and intelligence-led. “Our reforms are working: HMIC inspectors recently praised the force for its use of stop and search, noting that we effectively monitor the use of such powers on young people and members of black and Asian communities.” The Open Society Foundations’ conference features presentations from the Home Office, the IPCC, College of Policing, the Equality & Human Rights Commission and stop and search project leads from the Met, Northamptonshire and Merseyside Police. Assistant West Midlands Police & Crime Commissioner Ashley Bertie, added: “I am pleased to welcome police forces from across the globe to the West Midlands to show them the progress we’ve made to improve public confidence in stop and search. “We have made stop and search fairer and more efficient…disproportionality is down and the number of positive results arising from stop and searches is up. “To support this work we hold regular workshops in schools across the region so that young people have a better understanding of their rights and responsibilities. This work has reached thousands of young people. “There is still much to do, but I am pleased that the West Midlands is leading the way on this important area.”

A driver who deliberately mowed down a woman in Birmingham park − leaving her with catastrophic leg injuries − has been jailed for more than 13 years. Andrew Benain was scouting for drugs in Ladywood on the early hours of 25 September last year when he approached a couple walking in Duchess Road. But the drug deal turned sour when the man purporting to be a dealer fled with £80 cash Benain had handed over. The 40-year-old, who was behind the wheel of his partner’s VW Touran, flew into a rage and sped after the pair across parkland − and when the woman slipped and fell Benain ramped the 4x4 over her as she lay helpless on the floor. Benain reversed and accelerated over her again − causing multiple fractures to her pelvis, plus a ruptured bladder and bowel − before her partner was able to drag her free. Nearby police officers alerted to the commotion ran into the park and were forced to jump for cover as waste disposal worker Benain tried desperately to find an exit route. He eventually smashed through a wooden fence and drove off. The Touran’s registered keeper told police he’d sold the car weeks earlier to a man he knew only as ‘Andy’ and that he’d previously sold an Audi to the same man. Detectives traced the Audi to Benain’s home in Bernard Road, Oldbury, where he was arrested later that same day. His iPhone 5 was found hidden down the back of a settee and data analysis revealed a call to the victim’s partner, made by the woman herself from inside the Touran, minutes before she was mown down. Officers also found a high-vis jacket at the address − similar to the one witnesses described the attacker wearing − while Benain was also picked out during an ID procedure. Benain went on to admit wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, plus dangerous driving, and at Birmingham Crown Court on Tuesday (Oct 4) was jailed for a total of 13-and-a-half years. Investigating officer, Detective Constable Sarah Evans, said: “This could easily have ended in a murder enquiry: not only did Benain deliberately run the woman over, he reversed over her body and sped forward again. She suffered awful crush injuries and was lucky to survive. “Our crash scene examiners found tyre marks all over the park from where he’d chased after the couple and from his frantic efforts to escape. “In interview, Benain claimed he was asleep at the time of the incident and that he’d sold the Touran days earlier to a man he knew only as ‘slim’. However, in the face of the evidence we presented he eventually changed his story and admitted being the driver. “This was an outrageous act and a gross over-reaction…he has now paid the price and will have plenty of time in prison to consider his actions. I wish the victim well in her continued recovery." The VW Touran was never recovered.

Detectives are appealing for information after a 52-year-old woman was punched and robbed as she walked along Bickford Road in Wednesfield. The woman had been to the newsagents and was returning to her car when she was attacked around 1pm on Friday 30 September. She was approached in the street by the suspect, who punched her in the face a number of times before pushing her to the ground and dragging her along the pavement and stealing her bag. The man, described as white, stocky and wearing a dark coloured hooded jacket and grey tracksuit bottoms, ran off in the direction of Ellerton Walk following the attack. Detective Constable Simon Williams, who is investigating the robbery, said: “This was a shocking and brazen assault on a woman in broad daylight. “We are determined to identify and apprehend the man responsible, and I am appealing for your help. If you have any information please don’t hesitate to contact us at the earliest opportunity." Anyone with information is asked to contact DC Simon Williams by emailing simon.williams@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk please quote crime no. 20WV/191198N/16

Detectives investigating a series of callous distraction burglaries on elderly people in south Birmingham – including one that saw tricksters steal a 101-year-old woman’s handbag – have arrested two people. A man aged 46 and a 29-year-old woman were picked up yesterday from a flat in Weoley Castle and are now being questioned over up to 10 offences where thieves have tricked their way into pensioners’ homes. One such offence on 25 September saw a man and woman team up to distract a 101-year-old woman on the doorstep of her home in Chatham Road, Northfield, before sneaking inside to swipe her purse. They will also be questioned in connection with a theft in Winney Road, Selly Oak, on 6 September where several thousand pounds in cash was stolen from an 81-year-old man as he returned to his car from a bank trip. And the man will be quizzed over a sneak-in burglary in Frankley Beeches Road, Northfield, on 21 September when two men – who claimed to be plain clothes police officers – pocketed valuables before being disturbed. Detectives have released an image of another man (pictured) they would like to speak to over the burglaries, plus a series of ‘purse dipping’ offences on elderly women. Francis Maughan, aged 31, is suspected of involvement in the Frankley Beeches Road break-in and other distraction burglaries in Rubery, Northfield and Frankley. And it’s believed during one cruel con in Loynells Road, Rubery, on 20 September Maughan carried a toddler in his arms to help convince a 90-year-old woman he was a friendly house visitor. Investigating officer, DC Dave Cockbil, said: “We have seen a spate of truly despicable offences where elderly people have been deliberately targeted. “Offenders have preyed on the victims’ vulnerabilities – some are dementia sufferers, partially blind or simply very old – and tricked them with an array of ruses to get inside their homes and steal from them. “We strongly believe Francis Maughan is connected to these offences. If anyone knows where he is or believes they have seen him, I would urge them to contact me on the 101 number or call Crimestoppers anonymously. “I would ask anyone with information to ask themselves how they would feel if someone had stolen from an elderly loved one of theirs. They would want them caught and brought to justice. So if anyone has information please get in touch so we can help protect our elderly residents.” The independent charity Crimestoppers can be called on 0800 555111, or to speak to DC Dave Cockbill call West Midlands Police on 101.

A man who regularly raped and sexually assaulted a girl throughout her teenage years has been jailed for almost two decades following a West Midlands Police investigation. John Peart attacked the woman - now aged 28 - at addresses in Derby, Loughborough and Handsworth between 2002 and 2007. The catalogue of abuse started when she was just 14-years-old. Sexual predator Peart first struck having forced the girl into the downstairs toilet of a property in Loughborough - but the attacks continued for years to come, often when Peart saw her during school holidays. She kept the torment to herself - in interview telling police she felt "powerless to stop the attacks" and was terrified of the 54-year-old - until 2013 when she disclosed the offences to a nursery support worker. West Midlands Police took up the case and arrested Peart in January 2014. He denied the allegations - but specialist detectives from the force’s Public Protection Unit worked with the woman to build up a detailed account of the offences. And at Birmingham Crown Court on 28 September he was jailed for a total of 19 years having been found guilty on seven counts of rape and indecent assault. He was found not guilty on three other rape charges when the woman was in her early 20s. Investigating officer, DC Neil Powell, said: "Peart is a cruel, selfish man - one who took advantage of a young woman whenever an opportunity presented itself. It’s awful what this brave girl put up with over many years. "In her own words she felt powerless to do anything, felt that she wouldn’t be believed because it would be her word against his. "I hope this case acts as an illustration that the police - working alongside charities and support agencies - take reports seriously and will always thoroughly investigate. It doesn’t matter if the offences took place many years ago, we can put compelling cases to the courts and ensure offenders face justice. "We have teams of specially trained police officers to deal sensitively with survivors, offer them support and guide them through the criminal process. "No-one should feel they have to suffer sexual offences in silence. The first step - disclosing offences to police, a support group or a friend - is often the most difficult but help is available to sex offence and domestic abuse survivors." DC Powell is keen to hear from anyone who has been targeted by Peart and has not yet contacted the police. He added: "Peart has lived in Derby, Loughborough, Staffordshire and Birmingham. I cannot rule out the possibility that he has offended against other people… if anyone has suffered at Peart’s hands I’d urge them to contact me so we can investigate." To speak to a specialist West Midlands Police Public Protection Unit (PPU) officer call 101. Alternatively, contact a third party reporting centre like www.rapecrisis.org.uk.

Two people suspected of carrying out a series of distraction burglaries at pensioners’ homes are today behind bars after being remanded in prison by magistrates. Joseph Fannin, aged 46, and 29-year-old Jolene Mahon appeared at court in Birmingham this morning (7 Oct) charged with conspiracy to commit burglary. It’s alleged the pair tricked their way into nine address in south Birmingham – including those of women aged 90 and 101 – before stealing cash and valuables. They also face one count of theft after several thousand pounds was stolen from an 81-year-old man’s car in Winney Road, Selly Oak, on 6 September. Fannin and Mahon – who were arrested from a flat in Abdon Avenue, Weoley Castle, on Wednesday – were both remanded into custody and are next due to appear at Birmingham Crown Court on 4 November. West Midlands Police is still keen to trace a second man suspected of involvement in the spate of distraction burglaries. That man is 31-year-old Francis Maughan (pictured). Yesterday detectives released an image of Maughan who is wanted for questioning over sneak-in thefts at homes in Rubery, Northfield and Frankley, plus up to nine ‘purse dippings’ on elderly women. Investigating officer, DC Dave Cockbill, said: “We strongly believe Francis Maughan is connected to these offences. If anyone knows where he is or believes they have seen him, I would urge them to contact me on the 101 number or call Crimestoppers anonymously. “I would ask anyone with information to ask themselves how they would feel if someone had stolen from an elderly loved one of theirs. They would want them caught and brought to justice. So if anyone has information please get in touch so we can help protect our elderly residents.” The independent charity Crimestoppers can be called on 0800 555111, or to speak to DC Dave Cockbill call West Midlands Police on 101.

Two drug dealers have been jailed for a total of more than 20 years after West Midlands Police rumbled a deal in a Birmingham car park – and led to officers uncovering a £3.5-million cocaine stash. Astute cops spotted Dipak Ram and Dean Smith (pic left-right) acting suspiciously around a vehicle parked near flats in Sherborne Street, Ladywood, on 9 March this year. Ram was followed by one officer as he walked off carrying a holdall taken from the car’s boot while Smith was stopped behind the wheel of the Toyota Avensis in Hagley Road. A search of the car uncovered 13kg of high-purity cocaine hidden in the boot – with a street value of more than £1.3-million – and a further 19kg of heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine were discovered in the base of a settee in Ram’s flat (pictured). And when officers strip-searched 32-year-old Ram at a police station they found 33 wraps of heroin and cocaine concealed inside his underpants. Both men admitted possessing drugs with intent to supply and at Birmingham Crown Court today (Fri 7 Oct) Ram was jailed for 13 years while 32-year-old Smith, from Watford, was handed an eight year sentence. Investigating officer, Detective Constable Kelly Whyte, said: “This was a fantastic piece of good old police intuition. Smith and Ram were spotted loitering around a parked car which had the boot open…and their suspicions were heightened when Ram took hold of a bag and walked off. “It acted as the catalyst for us to uncover a huge stash of drugs with a total street value estimated to be more than three million pounds. “This was a professional, sophisticated, wholesale drug enterprise with various drugs, including heroin and cocaine, cut and weighed into amounts varying from street deals up to several kilos. “Both Smith and Ram boasted of their extravagant lifestyles and used the proceeds of their drug dealing to fund trips abroad and buy expensive jewellery. “A Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) investigation will follow where we will look to strip them of any cash and assets we can show were made through criminal means.” In interview, Smith said he was in debt and had agreed a fee of £1,200 for two drugs runs; he refused to answer questions about the origins of the drugs. Anyone who suspects drug dealing in their communities can contact their local neighbourhood police team.

A religious teacher, who practised as an Imam at a Dudley mosque has been convicted of sexually abusing two pupils over 30 years ago. Hifiz Rahman, aged 57, from Ballard Road, Netherton, was found guilty at Wolverhampton Crown Court today (Friday 7 October) of sexually assaulting two girls at Queens Cross Mosque in the 1980s. Rahman was arrested and charged after one of the girls, now aged 40, bravely reported to police in 2012 that she had been sexually assaulted as child by the Imam at the mosque, when she was aged between seven and eight. She told officers that the Imam used to abuse her as she read from the ‘Holy Book’ but was too scared to tell anyone at the time. The woman even admitted starting to self-harm when she was child, by scratching her face in the hope he would no longer abuse her. Through enquires it was established Rahman was Imam at the mosque at the time and he was arrested in March 2014. During police interviews, he denied sexually assaulting or knowing the girl. The investigation uncovered a second victim and after extensive inquiries, she was traced and further charges were put to Rahman in January 2016. DC Liz Skyte from the force’s Public Protection Unit, said: "The abuse started with inappropriate touching but escalated to more serious assaults. The first complainant told us how the abuse happened almost daily but she never told anyone as due to his high standing in the community, she thought she would not be believed." Rahman will appear before Wolverhampton Crown Court for sentencing at a later date to be confirmed. DC Skyte added: "We’ve seen a significant increase in the number of historic cases we investigate - victims may only feel ready to talk about the abuse they suffered many years after the incidents and, whenever they do feel ready, the police and wider support services are here for them. "We have public protection officers who are specially trained to deal sensitively and compassionately with sex offence victims; they are able to support and guide them every step of the way from initial report to court conclusion. We have a successful track record of bringing historic sex offenders to justice even if the crimes they’ve committed are many years, even decades in the past. We’re determined sex offenders won’t escape punishment and we’d encourage any victims to contact us so that we can take action."

Rates of metal theft across the region have plummeted following a West Midlands Police crackdown on the illegal scrap trade. In late 2012 the force was registering an average of more than 350 metal crimes a month - but that figure fell to just 60 a month at the end of last year. The dramatic reduction is on the back of Operation Steel - a West Midlands Police initiative that sees officers working closely with scrap dealers and coming down hard on any shown to be offering a market for stolen metal. Sgt Sean Lowe and PC Richard Narrowmore at a scrap yard in Dudley The Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 has created tighter controls around scrap metal sites and collectors who need a licence from the local authority. Police teams across the West Midlands have carried out spot inspections at scrap yards on the lookout for metal thieves’ favourites like lead stripped from properties and copper cable stolen from telecoms and transport operators. And scrap metal collection vans have also been targeted during regular action days as Op Steel officers assess the legitimacy of their cargo and run vehicle checks. Temporary Superintendent Phil Dolby, who leads Operation Steel, said: “Regular checks of vehicles and scrap sites, along with new legal powers, have helped us combat metal theft and deter thieves. “Any scrap metal yards operating illegally or found to have taken stolen metal face being taken to court…and that’s helping really restrict the market for thieves and made metal theft less attractive. “Metal theft is not a victimless crime: thefts from iconic community buildings like churches or mosques can be harmful to a community, while stealing cables can cut off the internet, leading to losses of millions of pounds for some companies. "There is also the public safety element: for example, if manhole covers are removed it could lead to a serious car accident or injury to pedestrians. “We want to support the industry which is largely very hard working and honourable. But if you are looking to exploit this industry through criminality there is zero tolerance and with our partners we will catch you." Cables theft has hit public transport, residents and businesses such as telephone and broadband companies. Among those benefitting from the fall in crime is BT’s local network business, Openreach, which has worked closely with West Midlands Police and other organisations and deployed a variety of new technologies to beat the criminals. Bernie Auguste, General Manager for security services at Openreach said: “There’s no doubt new laws have had a positive impact, and that collaborative working with West Midlands Police, Crimestoppers and other organisations has played a key part in helping to reduce the number of crimes on our regional network. “We’re also using new technology more widely, including systems that highlight any unusual activity within our cables. As a result of these and other measures, nationally we’ve seen a significant downward trend in the number of attacks on our network in the past four years. “While we have many effective security measures that we continually evolve and innovate, cable theft is still a nationwide problem that affects our customers and we will continually to work closely with police to identify and tackle this crime." The reduction in metal thefts has been welcomed by West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson. He said: “Metal theft has a huge impact on its victims. Those responsible have no regard for their targets, with churches, war memorials and people’s homes all hit by those on the hunt for copper and lead. It costs the victims time, money and considerable heartache. “It also has an effect on the transport network, with thieves stealing metal cables from the motorways and rail tracks. “Tackling business crime is a top priority for me and I know of several companies that have lost thousands to metal thieves. This news is therefore thoroughly welcome and I want the good work of the Operation Steel team to continue."

Thousands of cannabis plants worth more than £2.3million were seized during raids on addresses across the region during February. The force’s Cannabis Disposal Team, which is responsible for dismantling and destroying cannabis factories once discovered, attended 17 different set-ups during the month. The team seized a total of 4,553 plants with the biggest haul of 2,133 coming from an address on Riley Square in Wood End, Coventry on 5 February (pic below left). Another 801 plants were seized during a raid at an address in Broad Street, Coventry on 25 February (above middle and right) while 452 more were recovered from a house in Grange Road, Dudley on 3 February. Cannabis Disposal Team Manager Mike Hall said: “The effects of drug use and supply can be far reaching across a community and they are often linked to other types of crime in a neighbourhood. “We regularly carry out raids at premises suspected to be housing these cannabis setups - and much of the time information that we act on is provided by people living in the local area. “We’d encourage anyone with information about drug dealing in their neighbourhood to come forward in confidence and contact their local officers on the 101 number." Anyone with information on cannabis production or dealing can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. For information on drugs and how to get help and support, Talk to Frank the confidential drugs advice service. Tell-tale signs of a cannabis factory - defined as a premises adapted solely to cultivate drugs - include: - A strong, sweet, leafy odour coming from an address; - A constant low humming noise; - Windows blacked out or curtains drawn all day; - Large silver ducting tubes coming from the property; - Powerful lights on at night; - Residents not living at the premises full time, only visiting for short periods; - Fertiliser regularly being taken to the property Full stats for plants seized in February: 01/02/2016 - Manor Lane, Halesowen, Dudley - 60 02/02/2016 - Hollies Ind Est, Graisley Row, Wolverhampton - 0* 03/02/2016 - Longbridge Lane, Longbridge, Birmingham - 19 03/02/2016 - Grange Road, Dudley - 452 05/02/2016 - Leicester Street, Whitmore Reans, Wolverhampton - 30 05/02/2016 - Riley Square, Wood End, Coventry - 2133 09/02/2016 - Malmesbury Road, Small Heath, Birmingham - 12 16/02/2016 - Sedgley Road West, Tipton, Dudley - 74 17/02/2016 - Hayes Lane, Lye, Dudley - 3 18/02/2016 - High Street, Bloxwich, Walsall - 263 19/02/2016 - Elwell Crescent, Dudley - 4 23/02/2016 - Branstree Drive, Coventry - 38 24/02/2016 - Stechford Lane, Hodge Hill, Birmingham - 68 24/02/2016 - Fairlawn, Close, New Invention, Wolverhampton - 0* 25/02/2016 - Broad Street, Coventry - 801 29/02/2016 - Alston Road, Bordesley Green, Birmingham - 8 29/02/2016 - St Margarets Road, Pelsall, Walsall - 588 *A cannabis setup was dismantled but no plants located.

Police have launched an investigation after a teenager died in suspicious circumstances in Erdington, Birmingham last night (7 October). Officers were initially called to The Gardens, Erdington at around 8.50pm following reports of disorder and a man being bundled into a car before being driven away. A few minutes later at around 8.55pm police were called to Hunton Road, Erdington to what was believed to be a hit-and-run collision involving a pedestrian. The ambulance service was called and a 19-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene. Detectives are linking the incidents and have launched a major investigation to locate those responsible. Detective Inspector Warren Hines, from the force's CID department, said: "At this stage we are treating the man's death as suspicious. "I believe there were two vehicles involved in this incident a blue Mercedes and a silver VW Passat and I would ask that anyone who saw these cars in the area around The Gardens and Hunton Road to contact me as a matter of urgency. "The circumstances are still being investigated and I am keeping an open mind into what happened. "The family of the teenager have been informed of his death and are being supported by specialist officers at this time." A 22-year-old man, who was also assaulted in the attack, was not seriously injured. Anyone with information that could help the investigation is urged to call 101 urgently. Anyone who wants to provide information anonymously can call Crimestoppers the independent charity on 0800 555 111.

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