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.
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Thousands of cannabis plants seized by police during February
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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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Birmingham gun gang to spend extra 51 and a half years behind bars
A gang of men from Birmingham who were jailed for supplying guns and ammunition to criminals across the country are going to spend an extra 51 and a half years in prison following a decision by the Court of Appeal today (9 March).
In total 18 men were given custodial sentences in November 2015 and January 2016 including the ‘untouchable’ Nosakhere Stephenson, who was known to his contacts as ‘Nosa’.
A judge today quashed the original sentences and ordered increased jail terms for 16 offenders. In total the gang will be spending just over 51 and a half extra years behind bars – that’s more than 200 years in prison.
Nosa Stephenson
They were all caught in a major undercover operation in summer 2014 by the West Midlands Police’s Serious and Organised Crime Unit with support from the National Ballistics Intelligence Service (NABIS).
Detectives intercepted the movement of weapons from suppliers to buyers on five separate occasions, resulting in the recovery of a total of eight firearms, including a MAC-10 machine gun and pump action shotgun found buried in a garden in Aston, as well as thousands of rounds of ammunition.
The Solicitor General, Robert Buckland QC MP, referred the sentences to the Court of Appeal in December last year and presented the case personally in court. He said:
“This was a professional operation run by an organised gang who conspired to supply lethal weapons and large amounts of ammunition to criminals up and down the country. These weapons fuelled violence on our streets and had a terrible effect on those caught up in it."
“I referred these sentences to the Court of Appeal because of the very serious nature of the offending. I am glad that the Court of Appeal has agreed that these men should spend longer in prison."
Detective Chief Superintendent Kenny Bell, from West Midlands Police, said: “Nosa Stephenson and his gang presented a very real and dangerous threat to the people of Birmingham and the West Midlands. I welcome the Solicitor General’s referral against their unduly lenient sentences and am pleased that these criminals will spend even more time behind bars.
“The recent spike in gun crime is clearly a concern for us, as it is for members of the public. We’ve got officers and staff working around the clock to close-in on those who bring this fear to our communities. In the six months to the end of January 2016 we arrested 261 people for firearms offences and seized dozens of guns. This is a result of our relentless efforts to disrupt networks like Stephenson’s.”
Collage Shows:
Far left - Nosakhere Stephenson
Far right - Sundish Nazran
Top row L/R - Amar Ghalib, Clinton Officer, Joynal Abdin, Louis McDermott
Second row L/R - Darren Mentore, Fitzroy Ducram, Mohammed Fedar, Mohammed Selu Miah
Third row L/R - Ifran Hussain, Jamal Shaka Smith, Muhammed Ullah, Rowan Gul
Bottom row L/R - Janed Mohammed, Joga Mattu, Theodore Junior Wiggan, Usman Hussain
Details of today’s reviewed sentences:
Nosakhere Stephenson, 41, of St Michael’s Road, Handsworth, Birmingham
Pleaded guilty - jailed for 16-and-a-half years in November 2015
INCREASED by 5 and a half years > NOW 22 YEARS
Sundish Nazran, 32, of Nijon Close, Handsworth, Birmingham
Pleaded guilty - jailed for 13 years in November 2015
INCREASED by 4 years 3 months > NOW 17 YEARS 3 MONTHS
Joynal Abdin, 26, of Hanover Close, Aston, Birmingham
Found guilty following trial - jailed for 7 years 3 months in November 2015
INCREASED by 4 years 9 months > NOW 12 YEARS
Fitzroy Ducram, 50, of no fixed address
Pleaded guilty - jailed for 7 years 4 months in November 2015
INCREASED by 3 years 4 months > NOW 10 YEARS 8 MONTHS
Mohammed Fedar, 27, of Westfield Road, Smethwick
Pleaded guilty - jailed for 4 years 4 months in November 2015
INCREASED by 2 years 4 months > NOW SIX YEARS 8 MONTHS
Amar Ghalib, 32, of Davey Road, Perry Barr, Birmingham
Pleaded guilty - jailed for 4 years 11 months in November 2015
INCREASED by 2 years 3 months > NOW 7 YEARS 2 MONTHS
Rowan Gul, 33, of Reginald Road, Alum Rock, Birmingham
Pleaded guilty - jailed for 12 years 3 months in November 2015
INCREASED by 4 and a half years > NOW 16 YEARS 9 MONTHS
Usman Hussain, 31, of Brays Road, Sheldon, Birmingham
Pleaded guilty - jailed for 5 years in November 2015
INCREASED by 3 years > NOW 8 YEARS
Ifran Hussain, 25, of Underwood Road, Handsworth Wood, Birmingham
Pleaded guilty - jailed for 10 years 10 months (also for possession with intent to supply Class A) in November 2015
INCREASED by 3 years > NOW 13 YEARS 10 MONTHS
Joga Mattu, 31, of Cranbrook Road, Handsworth, Birmingham
Pleaded guilty - jailed for 5 years in November 2015
No increase.
Louis McDermott, 36, of no fixed address
Pleaded guilty - jailed for 9 years 4 months in November 2015
INCREASED by 3 years 4 months > NOW 12 YEARS 8 MONTHS
Darren Mentore, 35, of no fixed address
Found guilty following trial - jailed for 12 years in January 2016
INCREASED by 2 years > NOW 14 YEARS
Mohammed Selu Miah, 24, of no fixed address
Pleaded guilty - jailed for 13 years (also for possession with intent to supply Class A) in November 2015
INCREASED by 4-and-a-half years > NOW 17 AND A HALF YEARS
Janed Mohammed, 21, of Dibble Road, Smethwick
Pleaded guilty - jailed for 4 years 6 months in November 2015
INCREASED by 11 months > NOW 5 YEARS 5 MONTHS
Clinton Officer, 32, of Wallflower Street, Shepherds Bush, London
Found guilty following trial - jailed for 11 years in January 2016
INCREASED by 3 years > NOW 14 YEARS
Jamal Shaka Smith, 35, of Ladywood Middleway, Birmingham
Pleaded guilty - jailed for 6 and a half years in January 2016
INCREASED by 1 and a half years > NOW 8 YEARS
Mohammed Ullah, 19, of Frederick Road, Aston, Birmingham
Pleaded guilty - jailed for five years in November 2015
No increase.
Theodore Junior Wiggan, 28, of Scaffle Way, West Bromwich
Pleaded guilty - jailed for 10 years in November 2015
INCREASED by 3 years and 4 months > NOW 13 YEARS 4 MONTHS
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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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Appeal update: Man arrested in connection with serious sexual assault
Earlier today officers appealed for information in relation to a serious sexual assault that occurred behind Flan O’Brien’s in Walsall town centre on Sunday 21 February.
A 27-year-old man from Walsall has attended a police station and been arrested since the images were released.
Enquiries continue, and anyone with information about what happened is asked to contact PC Madeleine Farmer at West Bromwich police station on 101.
Alternatively Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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Two of our finest four-legged crime fighters prepare to put paws up
Two of West Midlands Police’s finest four-legged crime fighters are retiring…seven years after graduating together from the force’s police dog training camp!
German shepherds Ska (pictured left) and Pride have been the scourge of countless crooks during award-winning careers that have seen them chase down and sniff out offenders, find missing people, and uncover vital evidence like weapons and clothing.
Jet black Ska - who turns nine in July - won West Midlands Police’s Dog Action of the Year award in 2014 for leading handler Keith Bennett to a stabbing victim after tracking a trail of blood from her Northfield home to a disused garage.
PD Pride is three months older than Ska and was due to retire last year…but plans for him to put his paws up were postponed due to his boundless appetite for work!
One of Pride’s career highlights came in 2009 when he found a kidnapped teenager - who had been bound, gagged and denied food and drink for two days - hidden behind a false wall in a the cellar of a Wolverhampton shop.
Both Ska and Pride are being taken on as pets by their handlers in retirement: as with most former police dogs, such is the bond that’s developed over the years neither Keith nor Adrian could entertain the thought of giving them up.
PC Adrian Sheargold said: “It’s like the old saying - a dog is a man’s best friend - but in my case Pride has also been a loyal work colleague.
“We’ve been partners for many years and Pride’s now part of the family. He’s got me out of plenty of sticky situations in the past…it’s only right that he enjoys his retirement at home with us."
PC Bennett said it’s fitting two dogs that trained together as police pups are now retiring at the same time after careers dedicated to keeping the West Midlands public safe.
He added: “Ska was on duty for 16 days straight during the 2011 Birmingham riots; together we were engaged in some of the most serious public disorder I’ve witnessed. He never flinched, though, and certainly played his part in restoring order.
“I think he’s going to miss his day job! In just the last few weeks he’s taken great delight in chasing down a car thief, plus a burglar who went to collect stolen loot he’d hidden in woodland…only to find Ska had got their first!"
That arrest followed a break-in at a home in Kings Norton where an Apple iMac was stolen. Ska found it hidden in undergrowth after a lengthy track over parkland and minutes later detained the burglar who’d returned in the hope of collecting the computer.
Keith’s new canine sidekick is Bart (pictured left) - the first full Dutch Herder to work with West Midlands Police - while Adrian is now paired with German shepherd Astle.
Both have progressed through the force’s in-house dog breeding and training scheme with flying colours and Dog Unit Manager, Inspector Russ Evans, is confident they will make a big impression on the region’s streets.
He added “When people think of police dogs they often picture them chasing down fleeing criminals. Apprehending offenders is, of course, a key role but they actually have many other uses.
“Our dogs are highly trained and capable of following a scent over long distances, in all sorts of conditions…so when someone is in grave danger, they really can make the difference between life and death."
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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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Further charges for Walsall men arrested for terror-related offences
Two Walsall men have been charged today (Wednesday 23 March) with helping to fund terrorism.
Maruf Uddin, aged 26 an accountant from Earl Street, has been charged with one count of arranging funds or property for purposes of terrorism under Sec 17 of the Terrorism Act 2000 and Mohammed Atiqur Khan, aged 27 a warehouse distributor from Buckle Close, has been charged with two counts.
Both men were originally arrested on Thursday 14 January by officers from the Counter Terrorism Unit and were given conditional bail while further enquiries were carried out.
The two men were charged with the offences this morning and have been bailed to appear before Westminster Magistrates Court tomorrow (Thursday 24 March).
The investigation was intelligence-led with no immediate threat to public safety.
Two other men arrested on 12 January by counter terrorism officers in Walsall as part of the same investigation are currently remanded into custody awaiting court proceedings.
Mohammed Iqbal Hussain, aged 25 from Castle Road, Walsall and Mohamed Suyaubur Rohaman, aged 32 of the same address, were earlier charged with four counts of funding terrorism and one count of funding terrorism respectively.
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Man given increased jail sentence following fatal collision
A 31-year-old man from Stourbridge has today (Wednesday 23 March) been given an extended jail sentence for causing death by dangerous driving after the Court of Appeal ruled his original sentence was unduly lenient.
Omar Tariq, who was jailed in January has had his sentence increased by 14 months and will now serve four and a half years for causing the death of Peter Price, 39, who was killed when he was hit by the white Mercedes E250 convertible being driven by Tariq.
Mr Price had been crossing Hagley Road West, Quinton near to the junction of Stanley Road just after 9pm on Saturday 29 November last year. Despite the best efforts of passers-by, police officers and medics, Mr Price died at the scene as a result of his injuries.
Tariq pleaded guilty on 21 December to causing death by dangerous driving. In addition to the jail term handed down by Wolverhampton Crown Court he was also disqualified from driving for five years. His ban will start at the end of his prison sentence.
Tariq had not been permitted nor insured to drive the car which was a courtesy car loaned to his 23-year-old girlfriend, also from Stourbridge, following an accident.
His girlfriend, Parvinder Ubhi, 23, a health and safety officer of Jardine Close, was prosecuted for permitting use of the vehicle without valid insurance and obstructing the police in their execution of their duty by falsely claiming she was driving.
She pleaded guilty to both offences at an earlier magistrates’ court hearing and in January received a 12 month community order with 150 hours unpaid work, 12 months supervision order and was disqualified from driving for one year.
Peter’s father Bob Harrison welcomed the increased sentence: "The loss of Peter has been devastating to all who knew and loved him.
"Pete was a fantastic guy and will always be sorely missed.
"We would like to thank all of the police and the Attorney General who appealed the sentence. We are happy with the increased sentence and can now begin to concentrate on coming to terms with our loss.”
Sergeant Adam Green, from the Regional Collision Investigation Unit, said: "We welcome the increased sentence that Omar Tariq will have to serve.
“The simple fact is that speed kills. People who speed may think that this would never happen to them, but clearly, in Tariq’s case it did and the devastation caused is irreparable."
Those affected by crashes can get information and support from the charity Brake at: www.brake.org.uk
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Two Walsall men charged with helping to fund terrorism
Two Walsall men have appeared in court this morning (Thursday 24 March) charged with helping to fund terrorism.
Maruf Uddin, aged 26 an accountant from Earl Street, pleaded not guilty at Westminster Magistrates Court to one count of arranging funds or property for purposes of terrorism under Sec17 of the Terrorism Act 2000.
Mohammed Atiqur Khan, aged 27, a warehouse distributer from Buckle Close, offered no plea to two charges of arranging funds or property for purposes of terrorism.
Both have been bailed with strict conditions imposed by the court to reappear at The Old Bailey Criminal Court on Friday 1 April.
Both men were originally arrested by officers from West Midlands Counter Terrorism Unit in January this year. Two other men from Walsall, also arrested as part of the same investigation, are currently remanded in custody awaiting court proceedings.
Mohammed Iqbal Hussain, aged 25 from Castle Road, Walsall, and Mohammed Suyaubur Rohaman, aged 32 of the same address, were earlier charged with four counts of funding terrorism and one count of funding terrorism respectively.
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Bobbies give Coventry kids an Easter treat
Kind-hearted bobbies on the beat provided treats in Coventry - after handing over gifts to children.
Officers from the Binley and Willenhall neighbourhood team gave out more than 60 goodies ranging from books, jigsaws and DVDs to youngsters.
Led by Sergeant Antony Ashton the team of PCs and PCSOs decided to hand over old family toys to children in the community.
The team have become familiar faces with families in the Binley and Willenhall area from their routine patrols - and presented presents while out on the streets.
Sgt Ashton said: "This was our chance to give something back to the community and it was great to see all the smiling faces.
"It was good to be able to engage with the children; and a lot of parents were saying it was a nice thing to do.
"We want to work with our community and make a difference; the beaming faces on their faces as we handed over the toys made it all worthwhile."
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Dog Unit goes Dutch as Bart hits the streets!
West Midlands Police’s Dog Unit is going Dutch in its latest move to catch crooks and keep the region’s streets safe.
German Shepherds make up the bulk of the force’s four-legged crime-fighting corps but Police Dog Bart is the first Dutch Herder to join the ranks.
Jet black Bart (pictured below and as a puppy in training) teamed up with handler Keith Bennett when he was just eight weeks old but has now hit the streets having graduated from West Midlands Police’s award-winning training programme with distinction.
He’s one of six Dutch Herders bought by the unit last year as trainers explore opportunities to introduce new breeds.
Dog handler and trainer, PC Terry Arnett, said: “Herders are very sociable dogs, confident and highly driven…it makes them potentially excellent police dogs and we’re confident Bart will be a huge success.
“Bart has been trained to locate and catch crime suspects and uncover any stolen property, weapons or clothing − evidence that’s often crucial in securing court convictions. He’s only been on the streets a few days but the early signs are good.
“We have kept another Herder as a brood bitch and all being well hope to have our first litter later this year.”
West Midlands Police operates one of the largest, most successful police dog breeding schemes in the country.
Close to 1,000 German Shepherds have come through the programme’s base in Balsall Common – a centre awarded Assured Breeder Accreditation by the Kennel Club in recognition of its commitment to dog welfare – since it was launched in 1994.
In December 2012, a litter of German Shepherd / Dutch Herder cross-breed pups were born at the base – of which Police Dog Ice (pic below) still patrols the region’s streets – but Bart is the first full Herder introduced to the force.
Breed scheme manager Dave Raymond, added: “More than 80 per cent of the dogs we breed and train in-house go on to be operational dogs…and the scourge of criminals!
“The dogs regularly find hidden items not immediately obvious to officers and which would otherwise take much longer to locate…or not be found at all.
“Our dogs play an important role in catching offenders and keeping the public safe…the breed scheme allows us to plan ahead and ensure we have the right number of dogs ready and able to replace ones who retire."
Four of the other Dutch Herders trained by the force have been sold to other police forces, including Bart’s sister Ziva who’s now with Derbyshire Police, while another has been taken on by the prison service.
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Stolen army badges returned to SAS hero’s family
Army badges stolen from the late John McAleese – the ex-SAS soldier hailed a hero for his role ending the 1980 Iranian Embassy siege in London – have been returned to his family after being recovered by West Midlands Police.
The SAS and Parachute Regiment cap badges – stolen from Mr McAleese’s Hereford home during a burglary – were found by officers back in 2010 hidden in the boot of a drug dealer’s car.
But before PC Alan Reeves – the man who led the Erdington drug crime crackdown – could reunite him with his army insignia the 62-year-old tragically suffered a fatal heart attack while on holiday in Greece.
Alan made repeated attempts to contact his next of kin without success – including enquiries through the SAS base in Hereford – until a former army colleague responded to a Facebook message last year and put him in touch with one of Mr McAleese’s daughters.
And on Friday (April 8) PC Reeves ‘repatriated’ the badges to his former wife Joanna and 19-year-old son Kieran (pictured with PC Reeves) during a presentation at Sutton Coldfield police station.
“John was a colourful, larger than life character,” said PC Reeves, “and these cap badges for the two regiments he served represent a significant part of our country’s history, let alone being of sentimental value to the family.
“The drug dealer we arrested denied all knowledge of the burglary when we found them in his car so they were booked into a police property store – and when Mr McAleese died that’s where they stayed despite my best efforts to find a next of kin.
“Thankfully one of my messages reached an old army colleague of Mr McAleese’s and he gave me the family's contact details down in South Wales. I’m delighted we’ve finally been able to give them back to the family.”
John McAleese, who guarded three Prime Ministers during a distinguished career, became a national hero in 1980 after blasting open a window so his elite unit could storm the Iranian Embassy building in West London.
Five terrorist gunmen were killed during the 17-minute raid – which Margaret Thatcher said made her 'proud to be British' – and all 26 hostages were saved as millions watched the dramatic scenes on television.
Joanna, said: “We’re delighted to finally have the badges back…I know it’s been a bit of a mission of Alan’s to return them and we’re extremely grateful for his time and effort.
“It’s personal, sentimental items like these that people miss the most after a burglary: the badges were very dear to John’s heart and he was gutted to find they’d been taken.
“They will be returned pride of place in a glass display cabinet alongside other memorabilia from John’s time in the SAS.”
The cap badges were discovered on 25 May 2010 following the arrest of a drug dealer in Eagle Gardens, Erdington, where several wraps of heroin and crack cocaine were found hidden inside a 30-year-old man’s boxer shorts. He was later jailed for four years.
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Appeal after non-stop collision injures mother and children
Police are appealing for the driver of a car who ran from the scene of a collision to come forward. The crash left a young child seriously injured and led to the child’s mother suffering a miscarriage.
The collision took place on Saturday 2 April at 3.25pm in Eastfield Road, Bordesley Green.
A black Vauxhall Astra collided with a red Ford Fiesta; the driver of the Astra then ran off on foot from the scene.
The driver of the Fiesta, a woman who was eight weeks pregnant, was left injured with two young children inside the car.
A two-year-old boy suffered serious head injuries and required surgery. A four-year-old boy also suffered minor injuries.
PC John Slater, from the force’s traffic collision investigation unit, said: “Tragically the woman was in the early stages of pregnancy at the time and as a result of the collision suffered a miscarriage. I would like to hear form anyone who may have seen the crash to call police on 101, I would also ask that the driver does the right thing and makes contact with the police.”
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Thief jailed for six years after Minnie Mouse gloves link him to robbery
A thief who was linked to a robbery at a shop in Dudley by his Minnie Mouse gloves, severe limp and distinctive tattoo has been jailed for six years at Wolverhampton Crown Court.
Shane Hadlington was wearing a motorcycle helmet when he walked into the One Stop Shop on Bourne Street, Roseville on 15 August last year.
The 27-year-old was with another man, who has never been identified, when they threatened staff with a metal bar and stole £3,700 worth of spirits and cigarettes.
When detectives reviewed CCTV footage they noticed one of the masked robbers walked with a distinctive limp, had a tattoo of the word ‘DAD’ on his right wrist and was wearing a pair of Minnie Mouse gloves.
It emerged that just four days prior to the robbery a police officer had seen Hadlington in a wheelchair and he told them he had fallen off his motorbike.
Subsequent enquiries on Facebook showed he also had a ‘DAD’ tattoo on his wrist, identical to that of the offender from the One Stop Shop.
When Hadlington became a named suspect in August 2015 detectives raided his last known address in the Lower Gornal area of Dudley but he wasn’t there.
During a search they found the incriminating Minnie Mouse gloves, a two tone duvet similar to that used as a swag bag in the robbery and tracksuit bottoms identical to those worn by one of the offenders.
When the search for Hadlington went cold, his photograph was published on the West Midlands Police website as ‘wanted’ and circulated across social media.
In October 2015 he was finally arrested at a café in Kingswinford after being spotted by a Police Community Support Officer who was on routine patrol.
He was later charged with robbery.
He denied the offence but at Wolverhampton Crown Court on Friday (8 April) was found guilty by a jury and sentenced to six years in prison.
Sergeant Sean Corrigan, from Dudley Police, said: “This was a terrifying robbery for the staff involved and I’m glad we were able to track down one of the main offenders and secure this lengthy jail term at court.
“After starting with just the limp, we soon racked up a whole package of overwhelming evidence against Hadlington including the tattoo, the duvet and the tracksuit bottoms, with Minnie Mouse being his ultimate downfall.
“By that point we’d pretty much built the whole case and then it was simply a matter of trying to find him. Thanks to an observant PCSO on the ground it didn’t take very long and we’ve now been able to take a dangerous offender off the streets.”
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Police appeal over Wolves v Birmingham City disorder
Police are appealing for information following disorder during and after last month’s football match between, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Birmingham City FC.
Officers are attempting to identify 14 men who were involved in either bottle throwing during the match or disorder after the final whistle.
An investigation was launched after the 13 March game and so far there have been six arrests.
Sergeant Mick Wilkinson, from the force football unit, said: “Our enquiries are on-going and we would urge anyone who witnessed this disorder, or anyone who can identify those involved, to contact us immediately with information.
“We’d like to remind everyone that although there was a very small amount of disorder, the vast majority of fans were well-behaved and were there to enjoy the game.
“We would like to praise those fans and reassure them that action will be taken against those few who didn’t follow the law.”
If you have any information which could help the investigation, please contact the football unit on 101 at the earliest opportunity.
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