You have all seen the videos of police forces across the world taking up the #RunningManChallenge and earlier this week we were nominated by Cleveland Police.
We accepted the challenge and yesterday we filmed our own version! All officers involved were either off duty or on their days off, so we can assure you that no public time or taxpayer’s money was used.
Our officers love the opportunity to have fun just like the rest of us and gave up their own time to put this together.
Well done to all involved!
We would like to nominate Greater Manchester Police and our neighbours Staffordshire Police and West Midlands Fire Service.
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WM cops take on international police dance challenge
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Woman feeling less flush after police seize cash found in toilet
A suspected money launderer hid almost £40,000 in a toilet cistern − but she’s feeling less flush after West Midlands Police seized the cash under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
Officers found the bathroom bounty during a drugs warrant executed at Helen Ross’s home in Dartford Road, Walsall, on 26 September last year.
Library image of cash seized in an unrelated WMP investigation
Ross − whose social housing property boasted a new high-spec kitchen and conservatory − claimed the bulk of the money was courtesy of casino and online bingo winnings.
However, officers from the Payback Team at West Midlands Police’s Economic Crime Unit probed her bank transactions and betting accounts and could find no evidence of her landing any bumper winnings.
In fact, they discovered she’d squandered thousands of pounds through online sites and had paid for extensive home improvements and a Range Rover Evoque despite having no clear income stream.
The 41-year-old initially contested the POCA application to seize the cash but at Birmingham Magistrates Court on Wednesday (May 11) dropped her defence in the face of compelling evidence put to the judge by Payback detectives.
A total of £38,610 was seized from her and will be put back into the public purse to be used on community schemes and crime prevention initiatives.
Detective Constable Yvonne Barwani from the Economic Crime Unit, said: "There was insufficient evidence to charge Ross with drug dealing following the warrant − but that doesn’t mean we can’t pursue POCA proceedings to seize money or assets we believe derive from criminality.
"Ross previously worked part-time for a local company but had been off on maternity leave for quite some time while claiming housing benefit, child support and other benefits.
"Despite this she was driving around in a £40,000 car and had renovated her social housing property to a standard way in excess of her means. She could not explain how she had been able to afford any of this expenditure.
"Ross has flaunted her ‘wealth’ in the community for many years, driving expensive cars and going on lavish holidays, despite having very little legitimate income.
"I’m sure news that we’ve seized the money will be welcomed by members of the community who get rightly frustrated at people living a high-earner lifestyle without actually working for the money."
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WMPeople: Custody Sergeant Andrea Danks
Andrea Danks has the keys to one of the most contemporary lodgings in the West Midlands − but also has to deal with some of the most unruly guests.
She is one of 25 custody sergeants overseeing detainees around the clock at the force’s new custody facility in Oldbury which opened in March as part of a multi-million pound modernisation project. This week saw its ‘sister suite’ in Perry Barr open its cell doors to further expand the force’s custody capacity.
In Andrea’s three years as a Custody Sergeant she’s seen it all…quite literally at times with some suspects whiling away their detention time by stripping off and performing in front of cell CCTV!
The 60-bed facility is unlikely to rank highly on Trip Advisor but, as Andrea explains, it’s helping speed up the custody process and freeing officers up to patrol the streets.
Tell us about your role as a Custody Sergeant…sounds like you’re a police landlady!
Well I guess there are some similarities: I check-in our guests, show them to their ‘en-suite’ room, and provide refreshments. However, the en-suite element extends to a toilet in the corner of the room and the furnishings are sparse to say the least. We provide a mattress, a pillow and a blanket.
It’s a fantastically modern facility, one of the best in the country, but certainly not one I would advise people check in to!
As a Custody Sergeant I will deal with people answering bail, risk assess all the new arrivals, and look after the welfare of the detainees. That includes providing food and drink, medical attention, allowing them access to the shower room, facilitating religious requirements.
There is a cell buzzer detainees can press if they need anything.
Child detainees (under 18s) are kept separate from adults to ensure they are safe and a social worker is on site most days to help with those who might not have a parent able to attend.
How does it differ to the older custody blocks you’ve worked in?
The main difference is that it’s a purpose-built custody suite, not bolted onto the side of a police station.
Some of our old custody blocks are out-dated, inefficient and have limited space. The police cells in central Birmingham date back to Victorian times and in honesty haven’t changed too much in the last 100 years.
The force has recognised this needs to change and the new facilities − one here in Bromford Lane and another opening soon in Perry Barr − are a huge step forward.
We now have six booking in desks so can quickly process detainees, even if several come in at the same time, which means the arresting officers aren’t held up in a bottleneck and can quickly get back out on the streets.
Talk us through the facilities then Andrea…
The cells have cameras, anti-graffiti surfaces, reflective ceiling domes so we can see occupants at all times, plus low beds to prevent falls − an important consideration for many of the night-time detainees who arrive drunk. In fact, the whole building has been designed to prevent harm and keep people safe whilst in police custody.
There are also four accessible cells for disabled occupants and six windowed cells for high-risk detainees. They previously had to be monitored by officers sitting in the open doorway of their cell so again this improvement frees up officers for other duties.
The central hub has a control desk from where all areas of the suite can be monitored using cameras, intercoms and alarm panels on every wall.
The medical room, fingerprint room and intoximeter room all feature the latest equipment, plus there are 12 interview rooms with digital interview recording facilities. It all helps make the system quicker and more efficient.
And presumably it’s a more pleasant environment for you to work in?
Absolutely: the old blocks, at times, were a bit of an attack on the senses. In the smaller ones it didn’t take too many rowdy detainees, some banging on cells doors, rattling the metal cell drop-hatch, shouting or even singing, before it was a cacophony of noise. It was always a good idea to have some headache tablets on hand.
The noise was quite off putting when dealing with visitors and especially when booking in a non-English speaker via an interpreter on a phone.
It’s now much cleaner and smells a lot better…
We won’t ask you to expand on that Andrea! Some people have suggested the suite is too modern for detainees and that the conditions should be bleaker in order to deter offending?
You have to remember that people who arrive in the custody block have only been arrested − they have not been convicted of an offence. These are temporary holding facilities and it’s only right the block is safe, clean and fit for purpose − anything less and it can have a detrimental impact on detainees’ behaviour.
It’s modern and fitted with state-of-the-art equipment…but that doesn’t mean it’s luxurious! We provide shower rooms and refreshments but the meals wouldn’t be winning too many Masterchef awards!
One detainee who was here recently − and this is someone who’s served countless stints in prison − said he found the sheer scale of it quite intimidating.
What frame of mind are people in when they arrive − have you encountered any aggression?
Most PIC’s as we call them − Person in Custody − are pleasant enough, though understandably a bit grumpy at being caught. They accept the procedures they have to go through.
Night shifts are a little harder as more are drunk and can be quite difficult but by morning they have sobered up, or come down, and some are apologetic at their behaviour the previous night. We frequently come on shift to be confronted with naked men on CCTV camera…not too pleasant when you’re eating breakfast!
Not too many are violent, fortunately, although I have been assaulted twice. The last time was completely out of the blue: I was chatting quite nicely to the man and he suddenly shoved past me out the cell then turned and punched me once, knocking me straight to the floor. It hurt…a lot! It just goes to show you have to be on your guard at all times.
Any incidents stick in your mind during your three years as a Custody Sergeant?
I remember once trying to impersonate a chicken! I was struggling to explain the food options to one detainee who spoke no English…charades was my last hope of trying to get across ‘chicken korma’.
And I was once left wondering if a detainee was a vampire when he insisted his date of birth was 1380; it later dawned on me that he was using the Afghan calendar rather than our Gregorian one!
You’ve mentioned people you encounter who clearly have drug and/or alcohol issues. Is there anything you can do to tackle that in custody?
The new custody block affords more opportunities to work with partner agencies − like substance abuse support or mental health − and signpost people to groups who can help.
We will do a basic assessment of everyone that comes into custody to understand why they have offended and pass appropriate cases onto the Offender Management case workers who can look at ways to reduce the likelihood of them re-offending.
**West Midlands Police’s Oldbury custody facility cost almost £15-million but, due to its more cost-effective staffing model, will save around £1.3-million a year compared to previous custody arrangements. It was three years in the making, from planning approval through to finished product.**
Pictured: Perry Barr custody entrance
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Two arrested in West Bromwich shooting
Detectives investigating a shooting in West Bromwich yesterday (Tuesday 27 December) have arrested two men on suspicion of murder.
A 33-year-old man died after shots were fired into a stationary vehicle on the High Street just after 2.30pm. He suffered a gunshot wound to the head and was pronounced dead at the scene. A post mortem will be carried out today.
Two local men, aged 19 and 24, were arrested on suspicion of murder in Daggers Lane a short time later. They remain in police custody and detectives will continue to question them today.
A grey Audi Q5 believed to have been involved in the shooting has been recovered in Kiniths Crescent and detectives are now appealing for anyone who saw the car in West Bromwich High Street driving away from Dartmouth Road just after 2.30pm to come forward.
Detective Inspector Martin Slevin is leading the inquiry. He said: “The scene of the shooting remains cordoned off while we continue forensic examinations and we are conducting house to house enquiries.
“A man has lost his life in broad daylight so I would ask anyone who has information to assist us in establishing what happened yesterday afternoon to contact my team urgently.
“We have increased patrols in the area to reassure residents, however we do believe this to be a targeted attack and there is no risk to the general public.”
Information can be given to police on 101 or to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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Appeal after street robbery in Coventry
Police are appealing for information after a man was left with a broken back following a street robbery in Coventry city centre this morning (Wednesday).
The victim, aged in his 60s, was knocked to the ground outside Barclays Bank, High Street, as a quantity of cash was stolen from him at around 9.45am.
It is believed at least one attacker got out of a silver Mercedes and then fled in the vehicle driven by another man following the robbery.
The victim has been taken to hospital with a broken back and shoulder and officers are keen to speak to any witnesses.
Sergeant Kelly Mills, from the robbery team at Coventry Police, said: "This was a nasty robbery where a man was left with serious injuries.
"We are still in the early stages of our investigation and would appeal for anyone with any information to come forward."
People can call 101 extension 834 3056 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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Two charged with murder in West Bromwich shooting
Two men are set to appear at court today accused of the murder of a 33-year-old man in West Bromwich on Tuesday 27 December.
A man died after shots were fired into a stationary vehicle on the High Street just after 2.30pm. He suffered a gunshot wound to the head and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Last night, 19-year-old Mohammed Humza and 24-year-old Vikesh Chauhan both from the West Bromwich area, were charged with murder.
They are both due to appear at Dudley Magistrates Court today (Thursday).
A grey Audi Q5 believed to have been involved in the shooting was recovered in Kiniths Crescent, West Bromwich. Detectives continue to appeal for anyone in West Bromwich High Street driving away from Dartmouth Road just after 2.30pm on Tuesday to come forward.
Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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Teenager killed in Wolverhampton collision
Police are appealing for witnesses following a fatal collision between a teenage pedestrian and a car yesterday (Thursday 29 December) in Wednesfield.
It happened around 2pm in Lakefield Road at the junction with March End Road and Wednesfield Road.
The 13-year-old boy from Bushbury, Wolverhampton, was taken to hospital but sadly died of his injuries.
His family are being supported by specially trained liaison officers. He is not being named at this stage.
The driver of the car involved was taken to hospital and treated for the effects of shock. He continues to assist collision investigators with the inquiry which left the road closed for several hours.
Police Constable Karl Davies, from the regional collision investigation unit, said: "I am appealing to anyone who witnessed this collision to get in touch and help us piece together what happened.
"The young boy was taken to hospital, but despite valiant efforts by medical staff, tragically he died a short time later. I urge anyone who may have seen what happened to please contact us on 101."
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Speeding driver jailed after WMP expose his lies
A deceitful driver who gave fake names to avoid five speeding tickets has been put behind bars − after West Midlands Police exposed his lies.
Mohammed Saber from Birmingham was caught out by traffic officers after providing false identities to escape punishment.
He was clocked at 62mph on a 50mph stretch of the M1 in Bedfordshire in November 2013 and then at 65mph on the same motorway in January 2014.
Sales assistant Saber was also caught speeding in a BMW on Washwood Heath Road in July 2015; Tyndale Road, Birmingham, in December last year; and again in Washwood Heath Road in July when a camera snapped him travelling at 45mph in a 30-zone.
On each occasion the 51 year-old completed a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) form with bogus names and addresses which meant the ‘phantom’ driver could not be traced.
Suspicious officers led an investigation and Saber, from Stechford Road, initially denied any wrong-doing to police.
However, a forensic examination was carried out on one of the penalty notices to prove he’d been in possession of the document and CCTV which caught him behind the wheel helped to expose his lies.
Saber admitted five counts of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice and was jailed for 10 months at Birmingham Crown Court last Friday (23 December). He was also disqualified from driving for 17 months.
PC Steve Jevons, from the camera enforcement unit, said: “Speeding is a serious matter and those who lie to avoid a fine or penalty points will be hauled before the courts.
“Saber thought he could persistently avoid punishment but justice caught up with him and he is now behind bars.
“Speed limits are in place for a reason: to protect the safety of the public and other road users and he repeatedly showed no regards for the law."
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Tributes paid to man who died in Wolverhampton collision
Police have released the name of a 59-year-old man who died following a collision between a car and a van in Wolverhampton yesterday (29 December).
Balvinder Singh was taken to hospital following the incident on Cannock Road, near to the junction of Cross Street North, at around 8.20am, but later died from his injuries. He was driving the van at the time of the collision.
His family has paid tribute to the popular Wednesfield shopkeeper, saying; “He was the most loyal and hard-working family man, with three grandchildren and five grandchildren who were his everything. He was loved throughout the community.”
The family are currently being supported by specially trained officers and have asked that their privacy be respected.
The driver of the car involved in the collision was treated for minor injuries and continues to help officers with their enquiries. No arrests have been made.
Sergeant Alan Hands, from the regional collision investigation unit, said: “I would like anybody who witnessed this incident and hasn’t yet spoken to us to get in touch and help us find out exactly what happened.
“Medical staff did all they could but tragically Mr Singh could not be saved. I urge anyone who saw what happened to contact us on 101 quoting log number 423 of 29 December.”
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Families among those jailed in drug crime blitz
Entire families are among 62 people and sentenced to almost a century behind bars in a Sandwell blitz on drug dealers and criminals.
Mothers and sons, partners, brothers and brothers-in-law as well as cousins are among those made to pay for dealing drugs, handling stolen goods and other crimes.
Codenamed Spring Safer Six, the covert policing operation was months in the planning and was sparked by community concerns about kerbside drug dealing.
In addition to prison sentences totalling 89 years − with more yet to come - judges issued:
370 hours of unpaid work.
£1,140 in fines.
Four year-long community orders.
Four year-long supervision orders.
Two drug rehabilitation orders.
One criminal behaviour order with 17 more to be heard next month.
"With so many people appearing in court sentencing has taken over two weeks," said Chief Inspector Jane Parry from Sandwell Police.
"Typically when a person in sentenced for their crimes, that marks the end of the process. For Spring Safer Six the jail terms are just beginning!
"We’re now working with Sandwell Council to evict or warn those people who lost their right to a home when they chose to make their neighbours lives a misery by dealing drugs or committing other crimes on their doorsteps. Others have already left their council homes ahead of the imminent action.
"In March, 17 of those convicted will return to court as a judge decides whether to grant criminal behaviour orders banning them from certain areas to stop them and imposing other conditions to stop them offending when they’re released from jail.
"Our specialist Offender Management Unit is also on standby ready for the release of those targeted by the operation. They will work closely with drugs workers and others to make sure Spring Safer Six nominals stay on the straight and narrow."
With criminal proceedings complete Sandwell Police are now also looking to recover thousands of pounds in cash from nine people under the Process of Crime Act (PoCA).
The Act allows officers to seize the homes, cars and other assets - such as jewellery - of those convicted of crimes and who are unable to prove they bought the items by legitimate means.
Failure to comply with the court ordering the handover of cash can result in a further jail term.
The money recovered under PoCA is ploughed back into local community crime-fighting initiatives.
Sandwell Council Leader Councillor Darren Cooper said: "We welcome the prosecutions of these people which clearly demonstrate that crime doesn’t pay and drug dealers will be brought to justice.
"I would like to thank the police, council staff, our partners and members of the public who have helped bring this about."
Sixty-six people were arrested in six days of co-ordinated swoops across Birmingham and the Black Country in April and May 2015.
Hundreds of police officers and police staff from across the West Midlands were involved in the initiative.
To share the news of the convictions a giant mobile TV screen displaying the custody mugshots toured Oldbury, Rowley Regis, Smethwick, Tipton, Wednesbury and West Bromwich on Sunday (31 January) as officers urged people to come forward with even more information about criminals operating in the area.
To pay for their fixes, users would commit crimes like burglary and robbery stealing bikes, mobile phones and other valuables to sell on.
As part of the operation officers seized hundreds of items of suspected stolen property.
Hope Church on Marsh Lane in Hateley Heath was turned into a temporary Aladdin’s cave with victims of crime invited along to see if their valuables were some of those recovered.
The event was even streamed live over the internet by the force prompting the owners of a £2,000 electric powered mountain bike, a BMX and power tools to come forward.
To report those responsible for crime call police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Four people convicted as part of Spring Safer Six will be sentenced for their crimes next month.
For advice and support breaking free from drugs visit: www.sandwell.gov.uk/healthysandwell
For exclusive photographs and films from the raids along with custody image of those sentenced visit the Spring Safer Six Flickr album.
Details of those who were found or pleaded guilty as part of Spring Safer Six:
Andrew Baker (M), 33, unemployed of Ramsey Close, West Bromwich. Handed a 12 month community order and a 12 month supervision order for being concerned in the supply of cannabis. He was also ordered to undertake 100 hours of unpaid work.
James Brennan (M), 29, unemployed of no fixed address. Adjourned until next week.
Justin Brook (M), 30, unemployed of Grace Road, Tipton, Sandwell. Jailed for 18 months for conspiracy to supply crack cocaine.
Reece Cherrington (M), 21, unemployed of Wallace Road, Bradley, Wolverhampton. Jailed for 18 months for supplying cannabis.
Brandon Coates (M), 19, unemployed of Bassett Crescent, Hateley Heath, West Bromwich. Jailed for six months (suspended for 12 months) for conspiracy to handle stolen goods.
Liam Coates (M), 21, unemployed of no fixed address. Jailed for six months for conspiracy to handle stolen goods.
Gareth Dawson (M), 29, unemployed of Sandfield Road, West Bromwich. Jailed for 22 months for conspiracy to hande stolen goods, being concerned in the supply of cannabis and supplying crack cocaine.
Daniel Delahaye (M), 27, unemployed of no fixed address. Jailed for 40 months for conspiracy to supply crack cocaine.
Gary Delahaye (M), 49, unemployed of Wellington Road, Perry Barr, Birmingham. To be sentenced 11 March for conspiracy to supply crack cocaine.
Dion Dixon (M), 25, unemployed of Wedgbury Close, Wednesbury. Jailed for 36 months for conspiracy to supply crack cocaine and possession with intent to supply cannabis.
Shane Dukes (M), 21, unemployed of Arron Manby Court, Princess End, Tipton. Jailed for nine months for conspiracy to handle stolen goods.
Jacob Fogoe (M), 23, unemployed of Wyrley Road, Witton, Birmingham. Jailed for 24 months for conspiracy to supply crack cocaine.
Wendy Gibbons (F), 42, unemployed of Beacon View Road, Charlemont Farm, West Bromwich. Jailed for 24 months for conspiracy to supply crack cocaine and heroin.
Jaskirandeep Gill (M), 22, unemployed of Middle Meadow, Tipton. Handed a 12 month community order and a 12 month supervision order as well as being fined £500 and given a 30 day activity requirement.
Zoheeb Habib, (M), 24, unemployed of Wilson Road, Lozells, Birmingham. Jailed for 30 months for conspiracy to supply heroin and crack cocaine.
Daquarn Hamil-Smith (M), 21, unemployed of Rollason Road, Erdington, Birmingham. Jailed for 12 months (suspended for two years) and ordered to completed 150 hours unpaid work for conspiracy to supply heroin and crack cocaine.
Philip Harper (M), 23, unemployed of Chapel Street, West Bromwich. Jailed for 10 months (suspended for two years) for conspiracy to handle stolen goods.
Claire Hickman (F), 30, unemployed of Hamstead Road, Great Barr, Birmingham. Jailed for 20 months for conspiracy to supply heroin and crack cocaine.
Robert Hill, (M), 43, Unemployed of Carisbrooke Road, Wednesbury. Jailed for 32 months for conspiracy to supply heroin and crack cocaine.
Stacey Hilton (F), 28, unemployed of Sandfield Road, West Bromwich. Jailed for 18 months (suspended for 12 months) with a 30 specified activity order being concerned in the supply of cannabis and crack cocaine, and possession of cannabis.
Ashley Howen (M), 29, unemployed of Hartlebury Road, Lion Farm Estate, Oldbury. Jailed for 30 weeks, fined £150 and handed an indefinite criminal behaviour order for conspiracy to handle stolen goods.
Issam Ali Irfan (M), 27, unemployed of Dale Street, Wednesbury. Jailed for 24 months for conspiracy to supply crack cocaine.
Kelly Jesson (F), 27, unemployed of Grace Road, Tipton, Sandwell. Jailed for 18 months (suspended for two years) for conspiracy to supply crack cocaine.
Jaspal Singh Johal (M), 41, unemployed of Langdon Gardens, Oldbury. Jailed for 30 months for conspiracy to supply cocaine and conspiracy to supply amphetamine.
Amandeep Kaur Gill (F), 23, unemployed of St Mark’s Road, Smethwick. Jailed for 32 months for conspiracy to supply crack cocaine and heroin.
Stuart Lawley (M), 30, factory worker of Young Street, West Bromwich. Jailed for 24 months for conspiracy to supply crack cocaine and heroin.
Andrew Lilley (M), 27, unemployed of Campville Crescent, West Bromwich. Jailed for 15 months for possession with intent to supply cannabis and supplying cannabis.
Darren Lilley (M), 24, unemployed of no fixed address. Jailed for 12 months for breach of an existing anti-social behaviour and conspiracy to handle stolen good.
Stacey Mansell (M), 39, unemployed of The Green, Darlaston, Wednesbury. Jailed for 28 monthsfor conspiracy to supply crack cocaine and heroin.
Stefan Mason (M), 41, unemployed of no fixed address. Jailed for five years and seven months for conspiracy to supply crack cocaine.
Keith Melia (M), 52, unemployed of Windmill Street, Wednesbury. To be sentenced next month for conspiracy to supply cocaine, conspiracy to supply amphetamine and production of cannabis.
Ricky Millard (M), 27, unemployed of Campville Crescent, West Bromwich. Jailed for four months for breach of an existing anti-social behaviour order.
Edgar Milkis (M), 33, unemployed of no fixed address. Jailed for 18 months for being concerned in the supply of heroin and crack cocaine.
Anthony Noon (M), 36, unemployed of no fixed address. Jailed for 30 months for the supply of crack cocaine, breach of suspended sentence, battery, witness intimidation and obstructing a police officer.
Adam Padmore (M), 34, unemployed of Beacon View Road, West Bromwich. Jailed for 18 months for supplying cannabis and possession of cannabis.
Jasbir Singh Rai (M), 47, factory worker of Queens Road, Tipton, Dudley. Jailed for 32 months for conspiracy to supply crack cocaine and heroin.
Martyn Rawle (M), 32, unemployed of Willows Close, Cradley Heath. Jailed for 39 months for supplying crack cocaine, supplying heroin and handling stolen goods.
Andraias Reid-Watson (M), 33, unemployed of West Road, Tipton, Jailed for 26 months for conspiracy to supply crack cocaine.
Reece Roberts (M), 23, unemployed of Primrose Lane, Scotlands, Wolverhampton. Jailed for 54 months for conspiracy to supply crack cocaine and possession with intent to supply crack cocaine.
Carl Russell (M), 37, unemployed of Friar Park Road, Wednesbury. Handed a 12 month community order and a 12 month supervision order for handling stolen goods.
Richard Russell (M), 23, unemployed of no fixed address. Jailed for six months for conspiracy to handle stolen goods.
Wayne Russell (M), 40, unemployed of Campville Crescent, West Bromwich. Jailed for 15 months for conspiracy to handle stolen goods, theft from a motor vehicle and breach of a suspended sentence.
Jordan Smith (M), 20, unemployed of Essex Avenue, Hateley Heath. Jailed for seven months for conspiracy to handle stolen goods and breach of an existing criminal anti-social behaviour order.
Aaron Stokes (M), 27, unemployed of no fixed address. Jailed for six months conspiracy to handle stolen goods.
Hamza Sufi (M), 24, unemployed of no fixed address. Jailed for 10 months for conspiracy to supply heroin and crack cocaine.
Scott Timmins, (M), 25, unemployed of no fixed address. Jailed for 12 months for 12 months for conspiracy to handle stolen goods.
Nico Thomas (M), 24, unemployed of Inchcape Avenue, Handsworth Wood, Birmingham. Jailed for 18 months for conspiracy to supply crack cocaine.
Nicola Turner (F), 42, of Primrose Lane, Bushbury, Wolverhampton. She will be sentenced at a date yet to be set for possession with intent to supply crack cocaine.
Mahboob Raja Walayat (M), 24, unemployed of Westminster Rd, Handsworth, Birmingham. Jailed for 36 months for conspiracy to supply heroin and crack cocaine.
Mark Wilkes (M), 32, unemployed of Pavillion Avenue, Smethwick. Jailed for 16 months (suspended for two years) for conspiracy to supply cocaine.
Shaun Whinnery (M), 48, unemployed of Beaconview Road, Charlemont Farm, West Bromwich. Jailed for nine months for burglary and taking a car without the owner’s consent.
Stephen Whinnery (M), 52, unemployed of Beaconview Road, Charlemont Farm, West Bromwich. Jailed for two years and nine months for supplying crack cocaine and cannabis, and conspiracy to handle stolen goods.
Craig Wise (M), 28, unemployed of no fixed address. Jailed for nine months for conspiracy to handle stolen goods.
Arfan Zafar (M), 26, of Archibald Road, Lozells. Birmingham. Jailed for 42 months for conspiracy to supply heroin and crack cocaine, and breach of a suspended sentence.
Three men were under 18-years-old when they committed their crimes and therefore cannot be named:
One from Hill Top, West Bromwich was handed a 12 month rehabilitation order and ordered to undertake 60 hours of unpaid work.
One from Hateley Heath, West Bromwich was jailed for six months (suspended for one year) and ordered to complete 60 hours unpaid work for conspiracy to handle stolen goods.
A third, from Bradley in Wolverhampton was jailed for 13 months for conspiracy to handle stolen goods and breach of an existing criminal anti-social behaviour order.
Four people were sentenced at the time and have completed their punishment:
A 31-year-old man from Southey Close, Willenhall, Walsall was handed a 12 month supervision order, was tagged and ordered to pay a £60 victim surcharge and £145 costs for handling stolen goods.
A 33-year-old man from Wylde Crescent, Rowley Regis in Warley was fined £200 for handling stolen goods.
A 48-year-old woman from Willows Close, Cradley Heath was tagged and given a 14 day night time curfew banning her from leaving her home as well as receiving a community order and an £85 fine for cannabis production.
A 38-year-old man from Cumberland Road, Hateley Heath was handed a six month community order and ordered to pay a £60 victim surcharge and £180 in court costs for production of cannabis.
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Police postcard to crooks asks: “Prison…wish you were here?"
West Midlands Police is reaching out to crooks with a postcard warning they’ll soon be back behind bars unless they ditch their criminal ways.
Postcards have been sent to 150 convicted offenders in Sandwell − some of whom have only just been released from jail − urging them to switch to the ‘straight and narrow’ or face more time in prison.
They’ve been distributed just a week after 62 people across Sandwell were convicted in a blitz on drug dealers in the borough.
The cards outline the recent success of Spring Safer Six − a covert operation sparked by local tip-offs − to target drugs dealers and other criminals operating across the borough.
Mothers and sons, brothers, partners and even cousins were among those jailed for almost 100 years.
"The message from police is clear," said Chief Inspector Jane Parry, who led the crime crackdown.
"If you make the lives of local law abiding people a misery, they will tell us and we will take action."
But it’s not all tough talk on the card. Those who do want to turn their lives around are being offered help as Chief Insp Parry explained: "We know that some criminals make definitive choices and actively pursue a life of crime. Others just make bad choices. They fall into crime by dropping out of education, mixing with the wrong crowd, becoming addicting to drink or drugs and so on.
"Many of these people don’t actually want to be living in constant fear of being arrested or always looking over their shoulder to see if a rival is seeking retribution.
"While the postcards primarily warn recipients that if they continue to offend they will be arrested, they also offer a helping hand to those who want to make a fresh start in life free from crime.
"Our expert offender managers can put them in touch with drug groups to break their cycle of crime to fund their addiction. They can also signpost them to training providers, call in the support of the Princes Trust and more."
Offender managers are specialist police officers who work alongside the probation service and others to stop those who have completed their sentence from re-offending. They also act as a rapid response force to quickly return those released on licence to prison should they break the terms of their release.
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Force sets out plans for the year
WMP has launched its annual strategic assessment which sets out the force’s priorities for the coming year.
Entitled ‘Creating safe and healthy futures’, it focuses on reducing violence and investing in intervention strategies, it also highlights the importance of partnership working.
Issues such as the importance of early support and intervention are explored. It also addresses families that experience ‘severe and multiple disadvantage’ that can lead to them being excluded from society.
Chief Constable Dave Thompson commented: “This is the first time we have made our strategic assessment available to the public, illustrating our commitment to having an open dialogue with our communities and developing a modern relationship with the people we serve.
“We need to find new and different ways to work with our partners to better understand and be able to intervene in cases. It is no longer enough for the police to simply lock up criminals.”
“The document takes a real life example of a boy growing up in the West Midlands who becomes involved in violent crime. His experiences and circumstances have been studied and analysed using academic research and partner information. The resulting assessment looks at what his story tells us about how to address violence and a range of associated crimes through effective intervention.
“Using this real life case study has helped to reshape our thinking about how we and our partner agencies need to work differently together to improve how we stop other vulnerable children from experiencing harm.
“It is our collective duty to find a way to help families like this one to become active citizens in our communities.”
To view the strategic assessment please click here.
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Birmingham men jailed for ‘Ghost Broker’ insurance scam
Four men from Birmingham have been sentenced after a ghost-broker insurance scam was uncovered by detectives from the Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department (IFED), part of the City of London Police.
Mohammed Aquil, along with Amjad Hussain, Alwyn Snape and Anees Ahmed, conspired together to defraud insurance companies by providing false details and forged documents in order to get cheaper premiums for their motor insurance.
The main ghost broker and ‘architect’ behind the scam - Aquil - was making motor insurance applications on behalf of his ‘clients’ to get them cheaper car insurance deals. However, the reason he was able to get them cheaper deals was because he changed key information on the applications, such as the home address, dates of birth, or no-claims details.
He would then charge his ‘clients’ between £250-£500 for brokering the deal, but in reality, those people were holding invalid insurance because Aquil had provided false details to the insurance companies.
The scam was uncovered when investigators at Ageas noticed that three separate motor insurance policies had been taken out for Snape, Hussain and Ahmed. Common to all three policies was that their home address was in Birmingham, but the address where the vehicles were being stored overnight was stated as being at a holiday cottage in Somerset.
When asked by Ageas for proof that the vehicles were being kept at the Somerset location overnight, separate letters were sent back purporting to be from the manager of the holiday cottages stating that all three had been staying at the cottages long-term due to having jobs in the area.
However, when investigators contacted the cottage owners, they stated they had never heard of Snape, Hussain or Ahmed and when they saw the letters that had been sent to Ageas, they confirmed they were forgeries and hadn’t been written by them.
The cases were referred to IFED and officers found that all three policies had been opened via the Internet from the same IP address, which was linked to Aquil and that a debit account that was used to make an initial payment for one of the policies was also in Aquil’s name.
Officers raided his home address and seized his computers and phones. When they looked on his computer, detectives found several template documents that he had used for the fraudulent insurance applications.
When they examined his phone, officers also found hundreds of messages to people that he had been acting as a ghost broker for. When they carried out further checks, detectives found that Aquil had set up around 20 fraudulent policies.
Among these were the policies for Snape, Hussain and Ahmed. When they were questioned, all three admitted that they were fully aware of the false details Aquil had supplied and that they knew they would get cheaper insurance deals if they stated the vehicles were being kept at a different location overnight.
Police Staff Investigator Abdelkader Rezkallah, from IFED, who investigated the case said: “Aquil was making money by opening up insurance policies that contained false details and from the templates we found on his computer, it was clear he was doing this for a number of people and not just as a one-off.
“Snape, Hussain and Ahmed were also fully aware that they were providing false details to get cheaper insurance deals and as a result they all now have criminal records.
“If you think an insurance deal is too good to be true, then it probably isn’t. If you’re in any doubt, then check the broker is registered with the British Insurance Brokers Association (BIBA), otherwise you may end up driving uninsured.”
Paula Howett, Fraud and Risk Manager at Ageas Insurance Limited said: “Cases such as this demonstrate how important it is for insurers to stay ahead of fraudsters and their ever-evolving tactics. Ageas uses a combination of anti-fraud measures at point of sale and claim, including investment in a dedicated underwriting team and training of astute claims handlers with the skills to pick up the signs of fraud. In this way we help to ensure innocent policyholders are not paying for the dishonesty of a select few.
“This case in particular highlights how ghost brokers can operate and take vast amounts of money from unsuspecting victims. However, thanks to the thorough work of our teams, and the support of Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department (IFED), the fraudsters were caught. This is a great example of how Ageas and IFED continue to work together to combat fraud, and we are extremely pleased with the result.”
Mohammed Aquil, 29 (23/08/1986) of Wellington Road, Handsworth previously pleaded guilty to three counts of conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation and possession of articles for use in fraud. He was sentenced on Wednesday 10 February, at Birmingham Crown Court to six months’ imprisonment, suspended for 12 months as well as being ordered to carry out a nine-month rehabilitation order, pay £500 in costs and pay a £100 victim surcharge.
Amjad Hussain 36 (14/07/1979) of Gilbert Road, Smethwick was sentenced to wear an electronic tag for one month with a curfew and Alwyn Snape 50 (29/07/1965) of Long Street, Birmingham and Anees Ahmed 43 (10/03/1972) of Trinity Road, Birmingham were sentenced to both carry out 40 hours of unpaid work; all three having all previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation. In addition, they were ordered to pay £220 costs and a £60 victim surcharge.
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Police going 'Facebook Live' to showcase officer's work
West Midlands Police will give its Facebook followers a live insight into response policing on Wednesday (9 March).
The force will be using the social network’s new live video broadcasting feature - Facebook Live - to take followers to live incidents as they’re called in across the region.
Superintendent Kerry Blakeman − who was named ‘top cop’ at last year’s international SMILE conference − will be on hand to explain how the force works to keep people safe, 24 hours a day.
Supt Blakeman explained: "For a number of years we’ve brought our followers live video - be it through YouTube or Periscope on Twitter.
"This new format gives us another way to reach out to people across the West Midlands and showcase the hard work we do on a daily basis.
"We’ll also be inviting questions during the broadcasts and look forward to answering those and helping people understand our work throughout the evening."
The series of live broadcasts will begin on Wednesday afternoon and will continue into the evening from the West Midlands Police Facebook page − follow #WMPLive to join in.
The force currently has more than 117,000 ‘likes’ on Facebook and 225,000 followers on Twitter and reaches more than one million people a week through social media.
Find out more about how you can follow West Midlands Police online here.
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Ground-breaking car cruise ban continued by High Court
A ground-breaking injunction banning car cruising in the Black Country has been permitted to continue.
The High Court, sitting in Birmingham on Monday (7 March), heard the introduction of the injunction in February 2015 had significantly reduced the problem across much of the region – and eradicated it altogether in many areas.
The Black Country-wide injunction bans people from taking part in a car cruise anywhere within Wolverhampton, Dudley, Sandwell and Walsall – or from promoting, organising or publicising any such event in those areas.
And it has had an instant impact, with police and councils reporting a "significant reduction in car cruising" across the Black Country, with it being "eliminated altogether" in some areas.
Previously, there were a number of hotspots around the region including the Black Country Route near Bilston and Birmingham New Road on the border of Wolverhampton and Dudley, with drivers and spectators turning local roads into a race track.
As well as deterring would-be car cruisers from gathering in the first place, four people who took part in car cruises have been convicted for contempt of court for breaching the injunction, with a further eight prosecutions pending.
A 25-year-old from Wordsley and a 35-year-old from Tipton admitted contempt of court after participating in a car cruise in Wolverhampton last October when they appeared before the High Court in January. Both were given suspended jail sentences and each ordered to pay £443.63 costs.
Meanwhile, last July an 18-year-old from Walsall admitted breaching the injunction in a case brought by Sandwell Council by racing another car at speed in a 40mph zone in West Bromwich. In February this year, the driver he was racing, a 24-year-old from Birmingham, admitted the same offence. Both were found guilty of contempt of court and handed three-month jail sentences, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to pay £500 costs.
When the injunction was granted by the High Court in December 2014, His Honour Judge Owen directed there should be a review hearing 12 months after its implementation, at which the court would consider the effect of the injunction and decide whether it should be continued to its original expiry date of 1 February 2018.
In evidence presented to the High Court, Joanne Mason of Wolverhampton's Anti Social Behaviour Team said: "There has been a significant reduction in car cruising activity across the Black Country since the injunction came into force.
"There is overwhelming support for the continuation of the injunction from local residents and businesses. It is vital the injunction remains in force to enable police and the four Black Country councils to continue to tackle the dangerous, anti-social and nuisance behaviour of car cruising."
The High Court permitted the continuation of the injunction yesterday (Monday 7 March, 2016) and Councillor Sandra Samuels, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "We are delighted that the court has seen the enormous impact the injunction has had in tackling the menace of car cruising in the Black Country.
“It is important that the authorities are able to not only continue using it bring perpetrators to book but, more importantly, to deter would-be car cruisers in the first place."
Chief Inspector Jed White from West Midlands Police’s Motorway Policing unit said: “Street racing is completely unacceptable and won’t be tolerated. West Midlands Police welcome the extension of the ground-breaking ban on car cruisers.
“The injunction enables us, together with our partners, to continue to tackle those individuals who flout the laws of the road and pose a danger for innocent members of the public.
“The force recently launched Operation Hercules, a campaign which sees traffic officers patrolling major trunk roads popular with car cruisers on the look-out for speeders and drivers of illegally modified vehicles.”
Car cruising – the act of drivers meeting on the public highway on either an organised or impromptu basis to race or show off in their cars – is noisy, dangerous and illegal.
The injunction, secured by the four Black Country boroughs and led by the City of Wolverhampton Council and West Midlands Police, prohibits a number of activities typically associated with car cruising, including speeding, racing and driving in convoy, performing stunts and causing an obstruction on a public highway.
It also prohibits a number of consequences associated with car cruising, including excessive noise, danger or risk of injury to other road users and pedestrians, damage or risk of damage to property and significant risk of harm, public nuisance and annoyance to the public.
Anyone breaching the injunction is at risk of being in contempt of court, for which an adult can face up to two years in prison and a fine. In addition, police retain their powers in relation to traffic offences including driving without insurance, driving an unroadworthy vehicle and driving without due care and attention.
To read a copy of the injunction, and for more information, please visit: http://bit.ly/carcruisingban.
Incidents of car cruising should be reported to West Midlands Police on 101. In an emergency, always dial 999.
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Latest PC recruits make a big impact
They may be new to the force − but student officers at West Midlands Police are already making their mark on the beat.
The newly trained PCs have only been on the streets for a matter of months but already made an impact with their nous for cracking crime and fearless approach.
There were certainly no first day nerves for student officer Andi Aujla - as he bravely leapt across a car bonnet to arrest a suspect!
The 26-year-old was only hours into his shift with traffic officers before he, literally, jumped into action in Birmingham.
He was on a one-day posting with the team when they were called to a car pursuit on 22 February this year.
After officers in several cars managed to stop the Citroen Picasso in Slade Road, Erdington, Andi took instinctive action to apprehend the suspect.
Andi, who previously worked as a complaints manager in the private sector, said: “The adrenaline just kicked in. The way the car was blocked in, I jumped over the bonnet and grabbed the suspect.
“The training prepares you for such a scenario, but in a real-life situation it happens so quickly."
Andi, who is now due join Walsall Police later this month, added: “It feels great to be a police officer; to be able to protect the public and make a difference.
“I was a Special Constable for more than four years, and enjoyed the experience, so becoming a PC was the next step for me."
A 36-year-old man was later charged with more than 20 offences including burglary and driving offences.
Fellow student officer Claire Bailey has also received praise − receiving a Commander’s Commendation for her actions on duty.
She was a front seat passenger as officers managed to stop a car suspected of being used for a burglary in Wolverhampton Street, Willenhall.
They were rammed into by the Subaru leaving the 35-year-old with shoulder and head injuries, while her fellow officers were also hurt, on 23 December last year.
Despite this they gave chase and arrested a 21-year-old man who has since been charged with burglary and driving offences.
Claire, who is based with the investigation team at Wolverhampton, said: “It was my fourth day on shift after finishing training school.
“I was hurt but there was no time to be shaken, you just react and do your role.
“I have wanted to be an officer for a long time and it feels great to be part of West Midlands Police."
Training supervisor Christian Harrison said: "It is great to see our student officers are making a real difference even in the early stages of their police careers. There has been some fantastic feedback already."
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Man arrested in Coventry attack investigation
A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following an attack in the Stoke area of Coventry.
The 41-year-old local was arrested at his home at 7.30am this morning (Saturday 12 March) just one hour after a 36-year-old man was seriously assaulted. Initial inquiries suggest that both men know each other.
“Although the attack is believed to have happened elsewhere, we were called to a petrol station on Binley Road shortly before 6am following reports of a disturbance on the forecourt,” said Detective Sergeant Joel Mildinhall, from West Midlands Police.
“Officers attended and found the local man with serious head injuries. He was cared for by officers until medics took him to hospital where he remains in a critical condition.”
The motive for the attack and its precise location remain unclear and detectives are working hard to piece together the evidence.
CCTV has been downloaded for immediate review and house to house inquiries have taken place.
Forensic scene investigators have also scoured the area for clues.
The injured man’s car – an Audi A4 – was on the forecourt and has been removed to a secure location for a details forensic analysis.
Anyone with information which may help Det Con Mildenhall should call him on 101. Information can also be passed on anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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Court: Man charged after petrol station attack
A man is set to appear before Coventry magistrates tomorrow (Monday 14 March) accused of attacking a 36-year-old and leaving him in hospital.
Unemployed Marcin Scherer, 41, of Fusilers Close, Stoke, Coventry will appear before the court charged with grievous bodily harm and cannabis production.
Officers were called to a petrol station on Binley Road shortly before 6am on Saturday 12 March following reports of a disturbance.
A 36-year-old local man was found with serious head injuries.
Anyone with information which may aid the on-going inquiry should call Detective Sergeant Joel Mildinhall on 101. Information can also be passed on anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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PSCO given 12 month community order after admitting fraud
A West Midlands Police community support officer has been given a 12 month community order and a fine after admitting she changed her NVQ qualification to a higher grade while applying to join the regular police force.
Samantha Skinner, aged 24, who was based at Walsall police station, was also handed a 12 month supervision order and told she must complete 60 hours of unpaid work when she appeared at Birmingham Crown Court today (Tuesday 15 March).
She had earlier pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation.
Ms Skinner had been suspended from the force and was due to face internal disciplinary proceedings but has submitted her resignation.
Ms Skinner, who worked for the force for seven years, was interviewed about the matter in July 2015 after it was found she had altered an NVQ Level 1 certificate to Level 3 after applying to become a police officer.
Chief Inspector Kevin Doyle, from the force’s recruitment programme, said: "West Midlands Police is committed to recruiting the very best people from our communities to form the next generation of officers. Ms Skinner dishonestly claimed to have a qualification that she did not possess. Her behaviour fell short of the standards we expect from potential recruits and this was especially disappointing given she was already part of our organisation. She was not fit to be a police officer in the West Midlands and as a consequence she was prosecuted for criminal matters."
"The competition for appointment to serve our communities as a police officer has been intense, as has the rigour and scrutiny that we have applied to the assessment and selection of recruits. I hope today’s conviction will reassure the communities of the West Midlands how dedicated we are to ensuring fair and ethical selection processes."
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Be our guest – new police custody suite opens
A new 60-bed facility, unlikely to feature in any most wanted place to stay list, has opened in Oldbury today (Tuesday 22 March), complete with en-suite rooms, especially for guests of West Midlands Police.
In a first for the force the new facility is a dedicated custody suite and does not have a police station attached.
The building is three years in the making, from planning approval through to a finished product, and has been officially opened this morning by Chief Constable Dave Thompson and Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson
The suite, which is close to Sandwell and Dudley railway station, has been built on 3.4 acres.
The cells have cameras, anti-graffiti surfaces, reflective ceiling domes so occupants can be seen at all times plus low beds to prevent falls. The building has been designed to prevent harm and keep people safe whilst in police custody.
Oldbury custody suite also has four accessible cells for disabled occupants and six windowed cells for high-risk detainees, who previously had to be monitored by officers sitting in the open doorway of their cell.
The corridors are much wider, providing a safer environment for staff and detainees when restraint is necessary.
The central hub has six desks, six times as many as was standard and a control desk from which all areas of the suite can be monitored using cameras, intercoms and alarm panels on every wall.
The suite has state-of-the-art equipment in its medical room, fingerprint room and intoximeter room. There are 12 interview rooms, to further cut waiting times all fitted with state of the art digital interview recording facilities.
The building will house detainees mainly from across the western side of the West Midlands Police area.
It has been designed in line with the latest standards and will enable officers to safely detain and interview those suspected of crime.
It is the first of two 60 -cell custody suites with the second due to open in Perry Barr in May.
The new facility provides much greater flexibility in meeting demand that should speed up the booking in process allowing officers to return to their local front-line policing duties much faster after taking a detainee to custody.
It also offers greater opportunities to work with partners in health creating pathways intended to deal with those suffering mental illness or addicted to drugs or alcohol.
The modernising custody project is part of the force’s WMP2020 organisational change programme.
Chief Constable Dave Thompson said: “I am really pleased to be opening this facility today.
“We have been trying to conduct modern policing in what are essentially out-dated blocks with limited space. On many occasions we end up in a bottleneck situation with not enough space to cater for demand.
"Now we have a purpose-built facility in which we will never need to hold up processing.
"The standard of this suite is absolutely fantastic and it will allow us to run a much more efficient service.
"The speed with which we can deal with detainees will increase, meaning officers can spend more time on the streets.
“However fantastic the suite is though it’s not a great place to spend time in and as well as a place to question and investigate offenders we now have the space to work with those in our care to try to prevent the cycle of offending.”
PCC David Jamieson said: "This is an important investment for policing in the West Midlands and will bring our custody facilities up to date.
“The new custody suite is a significant commitment that will support service improvements, provide further budget savings and speed up the booking in process so officers are back out on the streets where the public wants them
“This is a state-of-the-art complex which will ensure West Midlands Police is at the forefront of fighting and preventing crime and keeping people in our communities safe.
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