A group of Birmingham gang members are facing more than 30 years behind bars after police smashed a drugs ring operating in the city.
Images (top l-r) Duruji, Ahmed, Hutchinson, (bottom l-r) Tulloch, Sandhu and Johnson
Anthony Johnson, aged 32, from Preston Road, Winson Green, Ashfaq Ahmed, aged 37, from Grasmere Road, Winson Green and Ravelle Hutchinson, aged 20, from Clissold Street, Hockley, all pleaded guilty to offences including conspiracy to supply crack cocaine, conspiracy to supply heroin and money laundering after police caught them red-handed in possession of the drugs thanks to a covert surveillance operation.
They were sentenced to between five years and nine years imprisonment each at Birmingham Crown Court on 6 March, with Johnson also banned from driving for three years after he is released.
A fourth man, 42-year-old Augustine Duruji, from Abbey Close, West Bromwich pleaded not guilty to the same offences and was handed a ten year sentence.
All the men were linked to the notorious Johnson crew gang and more than £120,000 worth of Class A drugs were taken off the streets thanks to the successful police sting.
A fifth man, 31-year-old Jermaine Tulloch, from Rockford Road, Great Barr was found guilty of obstructing a police officer after he threw cocaine worth almost £9,000 out of his car window when he was stopped in his car in June last year. He was given a one year suspended sentence.
And a sixth man was given a community order after pleading guilty to money laundering. 37-year-old Narinderpal Sandhu,from Bell Street in Tipton, laundered over £8,000.
Detective Inspector James Mahon from the Regional Organised Crime Unit said: “This was a major operation to tackle the supply of drugs to the Winson Green, Smethwick and West Bromwich areas of the city and disrupt gang activity.
“Thanks to our surveillance work we were able to catch these men in possession of drugs in their cars and at their home addresses and mount a successful prosecution against them.
“Many lives could potentially have been ruined by their criminal behaviour and we are delighted that, thanks to the sentences handed, out these offenders and the drugs they would have sold have been taken off the streets.”
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Members of Birmingham drug gang jailed after police sting
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Pair charged over three shop raids in three days
Two men have been remanded in prison over a series of armed shop robberies in which staff were threatened with an axe and a knife.
Jonathan Jordan, aged 26, and 37-year-old John Leeson are charged with raiding Sidhu News in Washwood Heath Road, Ward End, on Saturday morning (11 March) and escaping with £250 in cash.
The pair are also accused of an attempted robbery at Nisa in Kitts Green Road on Monday evening (March 13) and an attack at Co-Op in Walmley Close, Sutton Coldfield, later that night when £100 was grabbed.
No-one was injured during the raids.
Jordan, from Reservoir Road in Selly Oak, and Leeson, from Gilpin Close, Hodge Hill, appeared at Birmingham Magistrates Court this morning to face two counts of robbery and one of attempted robbery.
They were remanded into prison and are next due to appear at the city’s Crown Court on 12 April.
A third man arrested in the early hours of Tuesday morning, 23-year-old James Smith from Old Bromford Lane, will not face any action in relation to the raids but was charged with drugs possession.
He was bailed to appear before magistrates at a later date.
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Woman to appear in court for making threatening calls to nurseries
A 22-year-old woman will appear in court this morning charged with making threatening calls to nurseries and schools across the West Midlands.
Rebecca Cooper, of Parkhill Street, Dixons Green in Dudley, is accused of making the calls yesterday. She was arrested shortly after they were reported to police and remanded in custody overnight.
She will appear at Dudley Magistrates Court charged with eight counts of malicious communications and a further charge of racially aggravated behaviour towards a police officer.
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Police appeal over Oldbury bank robberies
Officers investigating robberies at two separate banks on the same road in Oldbury believe the crimes are linked.
Two of the incidents occurred at TSB on 28 February and 9 March while the third took place at Barclays Bank yesterday (15 March) on Birmingham Street.
On each occasion a man entered the store and handed over a note stating he was armed with a gun; although no weapon was reportedly seen.
He threatened to harm staff if they did not hand over money and eventually fled with a substantial amount of cash each time.
Officers have secured CCTV footage and are confident the same man is responsible for all three robberies.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Sergeant Wayne Dudley on w.dudley@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk or by calling West Midlands Police on 101.
If you do not wish to speak to police directly, please call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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Officers face misconduct sanctions following IPCC investigation
Nineteen West Midlands Police officers and staff face misconduct sanctions after their failure to deal properly with a woman suffering domestic violence in the months leading up to her death.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) looked into the force’s contact with Jacqueline Oakes , who was killed by Marcus Musgrove after months of abuse. Musgrove was convicted in July 2014 of the murder of 51-year-old Jacqueline at her home in Edgbaston.
The investigation looked at 17 separate reports about Musgrove made to police between April 2103 and January 2014.
The report recommends 19 officers and staff be dealt with through the force’s misconduct process; it has been agreed with the IPCC that two police officers will appear before misconduct meetings, and a further 17 officers and staff will be given management action. The sanctions will reflect the individual contact of those involved.
The IPCC also found there was a case to answer for gross misconduct for one police officer, now retired.
No misconduct was identified for a further 20 officers and staff whose contacts with Ms Oakes were also investigated.
Deputy Chief Constable Louisa Rolfe said: “Our thoughts and condolences remain with the family of Jacqueline Oakes following her tragic death in January 2014. It is our duty and responsibility to ensure that we do everything we can to learn from the tragedy and to use that learning to improve how we protect people at risk of abuse.
“We acknowledge that some of our officers and staff failed in their duty to complete certain checks, risk assessments and, on occasion, follow the force’s domestic abuse policy and for this we sincerely apologise to the family of Jacqueline Oakes .
“I would like to reassure people that since the death of Ms Oakes , the force has seen significant changes in the way it responds to reports of domestic abuse, with the number of officers working in the Public Protection Unit having doubled, meaning a tenth of all police officers in the force now work as part of the unit.
“Since 2014, specialist domestic abuse investigation teams have been created to work alongside a protection team supporting those most at risk. These staff receive enhanced domestic abuse training.
“All frontline officers and staff are given specialist training in dealing with domestic abuse calls, with specialist training given in recognising signs of exploitation.
“We have also changed our systems to more effectively recognise a pattern or history of abuse."
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Man arrested after holding woman hostage
A man has been arrested on suspicion of holding a staff member at gunpoint inside a Birmingham bank.
West Midlands Police were alerted just before 11.45am to a man having entered Natwest in Bristol Road South, Northfield, and holding a female staff member hostage in an interview room.
It’s understood the 60-year-old produced a firearm from a bag − but no threats or demands for money were made and no-one was injured.
Officers, including armed police, contained the building and negotiators were sent to the scene.
But the man − believed to be from the local area and a customer at the branch − left the bank and surrendered to police at around 12.50pm.
He has been taken to hospital for an assessment but is expected to later be questioned on suspicion of firearms offences.
West Midlands Police Force Incident Manager, Chief Inspector Shaun Phillips, said: “Officers quickly surrounded the bank, set-up a street cordon and established phone contact with some staff members who were hiding in a back room.
“It’s understood the man was with one female staff member, while other staff were lying low in another back room. No customers were caught up in the incident and no-one was hurt.
“The man’s motive is unclear at this stage but it doesn’t appear this was a robbery attempt.
“Staff did exactly the right thing in remaining calm and I’d like to praise their actions in what was undoubtedly a scary situation. Thankfully we managed to bring it to an end very quickly."
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More off-road bike menaces arrested in morning house raids
Seven more suspected bike menaces have been arrested from their homes during raids this morning – as West Midlands Police underlines its commitment to tackle lawless road rallies.
Most were detained at addresses in Birmingham – with one picked up in Leicester – in the latest phase of police action targeting off-road bikers who brought chaos to the region’s roads during so called ‘ride out’ gatherings.
The men – who are aged between 19 and 25 – have been arrested on suspicion of causing a public nuisance.
They are the latest group suspected of being involved in illegal bike rallies that last year saw louts taking to the streets on scramblers, pit bikes, mini motos and quad bikes.
In December, West Midlands Police executed tens of warrants across the region that led to the arrest of 28 suspects and the seizure of 27 bikes (pictured).
Sergeant Adam Jobson said: “Those arrested remain on police bail; we are working closely with prosecutors to secure charges against them and illustrate that this type of behaviour is dangerous and won’t be tolerated.
“We’ve seen off-road bikers clogging up our roads, intimidating other road users, jumping red lights, speeding and pulling stunts in the street. It’s totally unacceptable and I sympathise with any members of the public that have been inconvenienced by the bikers.
“We now have anti-social motoring and street racing injunctions in force across the whole of Solihull, Birmingham and the Black Country – and several people have been handed suspended jail terms and heavy fines for breaching the injunctions.
“People need to recognise that if there participate in such events they can expect a knock on the door from us, we will seize their bikes… and they can prepare for a day in court.”
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Appeal to find two missing teenage girls
We are growing increasingly concerned for the welfare of two teenage girls who have gone missing from their home in Staffordshire.
Holly Ward and Rhianna Spitz both aged 13, were last seen exiting the no. 97 bus at around 9pm last night (17 March) in Garrison Lane at the junction of Crown Road in Bordesley Green, Birmingham and were seen heading towards Stechford.
Holly is described as white, 5ft 6ins tall, slim build and has shoulder length dark brown hair. She was last seen wearing a black polo shirt, black trousers, a black jacket and blue trainers. And Rhianna is described as white, 5ft 4ins tall, with shoulder length brown hair. She was last seen wearing a black school uniform.
Inspector Tony Cole, from Birmingham police, said: “We want to trace these girls as soon as possible. Given their age we are very concerned for their welfare.
“We need them to get in touch with police or someone else so we know they are safe or for anyone who has information on their whereabouts to call us on 101."
We are asking Holly and Rhianna, or anyone who may have seen them to contact police on 101 or call the Missing People charity on 116 000.
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Three in court charged with attack and robbery of pensioner
A man and two teenagers will appear in court this morning (Saturday 18 March) charged in connection with an attack and robbery of a 90-year-old man in Moseley yesterday.
Mohammed Subhan, aged 18, of Solihull Lane, Hall Green, has been charged with robbery, aggravated vehicle taking, dangerous driving and possession of a stun gun type weapon.
Two boys aged 16 and 14 who cannot be named for legal reasons have also been charged with robbery and aggravated vehicle taking.
The 90-year-old man, was assaulted in Highbury Park in Moseley at just before midday yesterday. His Vauxhall Corsa was stolen and later recovered by officers a short distance away.
DC Tom Lyons, from force CID, said: “Luckily the elderly gent only suffered minor injuries but is still very shaken following the incident.
“We do not tolerate this kind of behaviour and will take action against anyone involved in this horrible crime."
All three will appear at Birmingham Magistrates court this morning.
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Super sniffers Eco and Scoobie praised in WMP police dog awards
A West Midlands Police officer has marked 20 years with the ‘Canine Corps’ by being named the force’s Dog Handler of the Year.
But in true awards acceptance speech style PC Carl Dean has heaped praise on his partner in crime-fighting − Police Dog Eco − for helping him land the accolade.
Super sniffer Eco, who turns five soon, led Carl to a suspected gunman last September after following the suspect’s scent from an abandoned car for more than half a mile, across a ring road, through a park, under a rail bridge, along a canal and finally to a bin storage area!
Eco is the sixth West Midlands Police dog that Carl − who handles German Shepherds and specialist spaniel sniffer dogs − has worked with since joining the unit in 1996.
They’ve helped him catch countless crooks over the years − but Eco’s determined track through Wolverhampton was among the best he’s ever seen.
He said: “What was particularly impressive was that Eco tracked across a huge range of surfaces and through the busy city centre where there are lots of distractions and other scents to potentially lead him astray.
“But he kept really focused over a distance of about half a mile…then when we reached a wall he suddenly went berserk, jumping up and barking. I told the firearms officers with us to surround the refuse area on the other side − and moments later they spotted the suspect hiding behind a large bin.
“It’s a real honour to receive the award but, as any handler knows, you’re only as good as your dog. And Eco has matured into a fantastic police dog.
“He does everything with so much energy…his enthusiasm wears off on me, it’s infectious! We have a good bond, we hit it off straight away, and it’s made him such a joy to train and work.
“It’s important dogs are paired with the right handler: it sounds strange but you can get personality clashes between dogs and handlers so it’s important the pairings are right."
Carl and Eco were joined by PC Sean Barr and Police Dog Scoobie in landing a 2016 Dog Unit Award − this time for “Police Dog Action of the Year".
The pair were called to help find an 89-year-old dementia sufferer who had gone missing from a care home in Knowle on the outskirts of Solihull.
PD Scoobie picked up the man’s scent from an open fire door and led Sean across a church yard and several hundred yards of open land to the rear of some farm buildings where they found the man collapsed.
Sean said: “The man had taken a tumble and couldn’t get back to his feet; it was around six or seven o’clock in the evening when we found him.
“It was a huge relief when Scoobie tracked him down as if he’d remained there undetected he might not have made it through the night.
“Our dogs are trained to search for suspects over a variety of terrains − but for Scoobie to stay focussed over such a long distance was quite incredible and may well have saved this man’s life."
Both Eco and Scoobie are graduates of West Midlands Police’s acclaimed dog breeding and training scheme in Balsall Common.
Dog Handling Supervisor, Sergeant Stephen Winckles, said: “When people think of police dogs they often picture them chasing down fleeing criminals or helping to keep order during disturbances.
“Apprehending offenders is, of course, a key role but they actually have many other uses, including sniffing out drugs, cash and firearms − and as Scoobie demonstrated so brilliantly, to help find missing people.
“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."
The man arrested was one of two detained on suspicion of possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence − but they were later released without charge when enquiries revealed it to be an air weapon.
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Appeal after pedestrian seriously hurt in Handsworth collision
Police are appealing for information after a pedestrian was seriously injured after being hit by a van in Birmingham.
A 26 year-old man remains in a critical condition in hospital following the collision in Gibson Road, Handsworth, at around 5am on Thursday (16 March).
The driver of the white Ford Transit stopped at the scene and is helping police with their enquiries.
Sergeant Alan Wood, from Collision Investigation Unit said: “The investigation is in its early stages and we are trying to piece together exactly what happened.
"I would ask for anyone with information to come forward; particularly anybody who was driving along Gibson Road around this time that may have seen the pedestrian prior to the collision."
Contact the Collision Investigation Unit on 101, email FL_COLLISION@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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CCTV released to trace missing girls
We are appealing for help in tracing two 13-year-old girls who have been missing since Friday night (17 March).
Holly Ward and Rhianna Spitz were last seen in the company of two men believed to be in their mid-teens as they got off the no. 97 bus in Garrison Lane at the junction of Crown Road in Bordesley Green at around 9pm.
Rhianna is described as white, 5ft 4ins tall, with shoulder length brown hair. She was last seen wearing a black school uniform. And Holly is described as white, 5ft 6ins tall, slim build and has shoulder length dark brown hair. She was last seen wearing a black polo shirt, black trousers, a black jacket and blue trainers.
Superintendent Tom Chisolm, from Force CID, said: “Extensive searches have been underway since last night and we are taking the unusual step of releasing these images to try and locate Holly and Rhianna.
“We are appealing for anyone who can help identify these men or has any information to call us immediately on 101.
“Given their age we are very concerned for their welfare."
We are asking Holly and Rhianna, or anyone who may have seen them to contact police on 101 or call the Missing People charity on 116 000.
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WMP hits the hoops and leads the way for Olympians
Olympic hopefuls have been shown how to net basketball success this month − by the West Midlands Police team.
International stars of the game will be competing at Rio 2016 as the world’s largest sporting competition opens tonight (Friday).
But the West Midlands Police men’s basketball team has already achieved its own medal-standard in Birmingham - rather than Brazil - after winning promotion.
The squad which includes PCs, PCSOs, police staff and retired officers will play in the West Midlands Basketball League Premier Division next season.
The league is open to any team in the region and officers successfully swapped patrols for points to reach the summit.
In a bid to improve engagement with the public they have also welcomed non-police staff − from teaching to engineering - to join them on the court.
Sergeant Rob Goodwin - from Force Contact - who runs the team said: "It may not be the Olympics but we are still really proud to win promotion to the Premier League.
"We all enjoy our basketball and there are so many benefits to the sport. It is so diverse and we have players aged from their 20s to 60s.
"The skills you develop in policing and basketball are similar; how to work as team, to build strong relationships and communicate with others.
"We have everyone from response and firearms officers to staff in the Force Contact who are part of the team. It is great to come up against the other teams and there is some real banter on the court.
Rob, aged 37, who is one the players in the squad to have also represented the British police team, added: "It has also helped us to engage with the public by playing against other teams and having some people from the community join the team.
"The power of sport should not be underestimated - it can really break down barriers while having fun at the same time.
"With basketball being one of the sports at the Olympics, hopefully it may encourage more people to become involved - it is a great way to keep fit and active."
The team - which dates back more than 30 years - also compete in the annual Police Sport UK competition which takes place in Cardiff this year.
It will be hosted in Birmingham in 2017 and will be organised alongside the force’s ladies team.
The West Midlands Police Basketball team is one of many sports activities run through the force’s Sports & Social Club.
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Cops stand up – and stand out – for equality
One hundred West Midlands Police officers and staff a month are putting their name to a scheme to increase equality.
Just eight weeks after Chief Constable Dave Thompson and other members of the Executive team signed up to the Allies initiative, membership has surged to over 500.
Allies are individuals who do not identify as LGBT but who believe that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people should experience full equality in the workplace.
Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson said: “Allies are role models who create truly inclusive workplaces and send a strong message to the wider community. Some of the world’s most successful organisations have introduced similar schemes.
“To increase their visibility I have funded the purchase of lanyards in the colours of the rainbow – the worldwide symbol of LGBT pride.
“They are a powerful statement about who we are as an organisation and as people who value diversity. It is a symbol which I myself wear every day and one which I would encourage others to adopt.”
Allies is cost free to the force and those who sign-up to the scheme receive similar benefits as members of the LGBT Network. Membership is not mandatory and is in addition to the force's legal and moral equalities duties.
The scheme is backed by the gay rights group Stonewall and managed by the force’s LGBT Network.
Chairman of the group, PC Gary Stack, said: “I’m really very grateful to Mr Jamieson for his donation which we have used to buy 900 lanyards for Allies from a local business.
“Our ambition is to have 75 per cent of the entire workforce sign-up. And while we have a long way to go to reach that figure, 500 is a significant milestone particularly as we already have 390 regular Network members.”
West Midlands Police is ranked at 71 out of 400 top UK businesses in terms of LGBT rights.
Formed in 2000 West Midlands Police’s LGBT Network is the largest of its kind in the country.
The group provide members with access to mentoring, exclusive taster sessions in departments looking to boost the number of LGBT people within their teams, regular networking opportunities and more. Externally they work with LGBT communities to independently scrutinise hate crime investigations and to ensure the fore's policies and procedures are fair.
Photograph (L-R): LGBT Network chairman PC Gary Stack, PCC David Jamieson and LGBT Network committee member Billy Corrigan
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WMPeople: Safer Travel Partnership - Inspector Rachel Crump
It is the dedicated team that’s cut crime on the region’s buses, trains and trams by 70 per cent in just eight years.
Now the new head of the Safer Travel Partnership is aiming to continue the trend and make public transport users feel even safer on the West Midlands network.
Inspector Rachel Crump has previously earned the nickname “Sheriff of Sutton Park" for her commitment to stamping out crime and anti-social behaviour at the nature reserve…but now she is focussed on her new role and perhaps a new moniker. The Marshal of the Metro!
Tell us a bit more about the Safer Travel Partnership, Rachel?
"In the most simple terms we are here to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour on public transport and ensuring commuters feel safer on the trains, buses and trams.
"It is part of a successful partnership with West Midlands Police, British Transport Police and transport operators in the region.
"It was the first partnership of its kind in the country and we have we have a team of more than 30 people including PCs, PCSOs and CCTV operators.
"We also have access to over 1,000 CCTV cameras at bus, rail and metro stations along with shelters and park and ride locations. A dedicated control centre is staffed 24 hours a day to monitor and respond to incidents."
Can people feel safe on our public transport network?
"Absolutely! The team has had great success in cutting crime: it’s down 70 per cent in the last eight years and last year saw another reduction with almost 400 fewer offences compared to the previous 12 months (6,199 in 2014/15 to 5,822 in 2015-16).
"We are always striving to do more and will continue to run operations and take action against those who commit crimes.
"We have a visible presence but also have plain clothed officers on buses, trains and metros as we target known hotspots including train and bus stations."
What kinds of Operations?
"We conduct seasonal operations to tackle historical crime trends and these have proved successful.
"We ran Operation Goliath − a month-long crackdown to prevent anti-social behaviour on the bus network − in March which saw a 12 per cent drop in crime compared to the previous 12 months.
"There is traditionally a rise in complaints about anti-social behaviour as the lighter nights arrive and we target hotspot areas.
"We had extra patrols and officers on-board in uniform and plain clothes and made arrests for offences including assaults, criminal damage and drug possession.
"We are already planning ahead to the winter where we will be focussing extra patrols around Birmingham New Street, Snow Hill, Moor Street and key routes and bus terminals within the West Midlands area during the busy Christmas period.
"But one of the more recent initiatives we have been focussing on is sexual harassment as part of Operation Empower."
What is Operation Empower?
"It aims to tackle sexual harassment on public transport and to encourage victims to report unwanted advances.
"We want to increase confidence in passengers to let us know about any incidents, particularly offences deemed low-level which people may shrug off or deem not serious enough to report.
"It is crucial they don’t ignore what has happened as the person could carry on offending − potentially with increased seriousness − if they believe they’re getting away with it.
"Unwanted advances are unacceptable and passengers should not tolerate such behaviour.
"Safer Travel has trained bus drivers and conductors to spot signs of inappropriate behaviour, like offenders sitting next to lone females and pinning them in against the window seat. The training is helping us prevent offences, support victims and get intelligence on sex offence suspects.
"Last year a man was convicted and given a suspended jail term for sexual assault after stroking a woman’s leg and putting his arm around her.
"His image was caught on CCTV and within 24 hours of us releasing his picture he was identified. It illustrates how seriously we take such crimes and how we need the help of the public."
How important are the public in helping to drive down crime?
"We have a team of highly skilled, very determined officers and staff but they cannot do this alone.
"We need to work with the public to make sure they feel safer and even more reassured on the transport network.
"We have the See Something Say Something scheme which allows members to report any nuisance or anti-social behaviour anonymously.
"We are getting more than 100 reports a month and these are picked up by our Anti-Social Behaviour team to investigate.
"Getting information from the public helps our investigations and to take action ranging from warning letters to Criminal Behaviour Orders. It can also help to identify hotspots so we can target these areas."
So how else does the Safer Travel Partnership set about reducing crime?
"We go into schools and give presentations on how to stay safe on public transport and to avoid being a victim of crime.
"We also have cycle surgeries where people can bring their bikes and learn how to keep them safe.
"At the moment we are carrying out patrols on trains and rail stations to prevent thefts as part of a summer operation.
"With it being a time of year for holidays and music festivals there are officers who will be on the look-out for opportunist criminals and offering advice to commuters on keeping luggage safe and valuables out of view."
How did the moniker Sheriff of Sutton Park come about?
"It started more than 10 years ago when I was a lead beat officer covering Sutton Park, Wyndley Leisure Centre and the Four Oaks residential area.
"There had been a spate of robberies, thefts and general anti-social behaviour so we did extra high visibility patrols and operations.
"Amongst the things we did was work with park rangers to source funding for two off-road bikes to assist us.
"Overall, we managed to see a reduction in crime and anti-social behaviour in the park and near the leisure centre.
"Someone said I was the unofficial Sheriff of Sutton Park and it just went from there to the point where everyone in the area calling me that name…it’s something I look back on with pride!
"I ended up with a community services award in the force’s first annual awards for women in policing."
What other areas of police work have you been involved with?
"Before I joined the police I worked in milk delivery and then at the Royal Mail sorting office.
"But I always wanted to join the police force, it was a burning ambition and something I would have regretted if I hadn’t joined.
"I have been on response, attending emergency incidents, and neighbourhood teams within the force area along with being a Sergeant with the partnerships team at Birmingham City Council.
"I also spent some time with Force Contact; it was probably the biggest learning curve I have been on during my time with WMP. It is the forefront of policing, the first point of contact with the public when they call needing help and guidance. You are assessing police resources, the vulnerabilities of people and potential threats to communities all within a matter of moments.
"I believe all the knowledge I have picked up will help me in the current role."
So what are your aims for Safer Travel?
"We want people to continue feeling safe on public transport and for crime and anti-social behaviour to carry on reducing. I can already see a lot of hard work is going on to make sure this happens.
"I will have to wait and see whether I can earn the title Marshal of the Metro...watch this space!"
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Three arrested on suspicion of child abduction as missing teenagers found
A man and two teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of child abduction after two missing schoolgirls were found in the early hours of this morning (19 March).
The missing 13 year-olds were discovered by officers at an address in the Washwood Heath area at around 1am.
The girls - who had not been seen since leaving a bus in Bordesley Green on Friday night - were safe and well but are now receiving specialist support.
A 27 year-old man and two teenagers, aged 16 and 17, have been arrested on suspicion of child abduction and are currently in police custody.
Superintendent Tom Chisholm, from Force CID, said: "We would like to thank everyone who shared our appeal to assist in tracing these two girls.
"We are now in the process of investigating the full circumstances and would ask anyone with information which could help our enquiry to call us on 101."
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Fur-well to Twitter scent-sation Smithy
A captivating canine, who was one of the first police dogs on Twitter, is saying a fond fur-well to West Midlands Police - after joining his handler in retirement.
Labrador Smithy has attracted more than 3,200 followers on social media after innovative PC Terry Arnett set up the @WMPcsidogsmithy account to share his crime-fighting exploits and progress with the public.
Over the last eight years the pair have been involved in hundreds of West Midlands Police investigations - helping to carry out searches, sniff out suspects and bring about justice.
But the time has finally arrived to cur-tail their policing careers and the duo bowed out at Crufts last weekend after taking part in the force’s annual dog display.
Even then their police instincts came to the fore after helping to reunite a four-year-old child with his family after he wandered off at the busy Birmingham-based event.
Father-of-three Terry joined West Midlands Police as a beat bobby in Chelmsley Wood but has spent the majority of his time as an officer working as a dog handler and a breeder.
He joined forces with Smithy - who was originally a guide dog before going through the force’s dedicated dog training unit at Balsall Common - after previously being a handler of four other crime-fighting canines.
The now nine-year-old Labrador was trained in sniffing out any signs of human life and has been involved in enquiries around the Nicola Payne investigation and also assisted other forces including the April Jones case.
The pair will now have the op-paw-tunity to spend more time together in retirement as Terry is keeping Smithy as a family pet.
Terry, aged 49 from Coventry, who is involved with the Pilgrim Bandits charity, also received an award from the Kennel Club last weekend for his work with dogs.
He said: "There have been many memorable moments with the dog unit, and particularly Smithy. We have developed such a bond over the years and it is quite fitting we were ready to retire together.
"I have had a great time working with the dogs at West Midlands Police; it has never been dull and we were even needed to help out at Crufts last week!
"We have always had great support from the public and Twitter enabled me to give updates on Smithy’s progress. I feel quite proud of the fact he was one of the first police dog’s on social media as it showed that the force was looking at different ways of engaging with people.
"The work of a police dog is invaluable and now is time for the next breed to take over the mantle."
To see the work of other police dogs and their handlers follow @WMPdogs on Twitter.
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Man charged in connection with bank worker held hostage
A man has been charged in relation to holding a staff member hostage at a Birmingham bank on Friday (17 March).
David Hempseed is accused of false imprisonment and possession of an imitation firearm at Natwest in Bristol Road South, Northfield.
The 60 year-old of Northfield, Birmingham, is also charged with possession of a knife and arson with intent to endanger life.
He has been remanded in custody to face the allegations at Birmingham Magistrates Court tomorrow (Monday).
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Police hunt man after savage attack on guard
Police are investigating after a 73-year-old security guard was savagely beaten and left lying seriously injured for hours, following an attack at a Brierley Hill factory yesterday.
The guard was attacked after he challenged a man found near an office inside Stoke Forgings, a metal factory in Vine Street at around 1pm (Sunday 19 March).
The man was hit numerous times, leaving him with serious head injuries.
The guard was later discovered by a colleague who started work at around 7pm last night.
The factory unit has been sealed off by officers while forensic enquiries take place.
Detective Inspector Colin Mattinson from Force CID said: “The security guard is currently detained in a critical condition in hospital. This was a sustained and violent attack on an elderly man. We believe he challenged a man found inside the premises which led to the unprovoked attack taking place. The attacker then left the factory and the injured man was not discovered until several hours later.
“Enquiries are continuing and we are studying CCTV and carrying our forensic investigations at the scene. We are still trying to establish what the man was doing inside the premises and what, if anything was stolen.
“I would ask anyone who saw anything in the Vine Street area yesterday or anyone who has knowledge of this attack to call us as soon as possible on 101 or call Crimestoppers confidentially on 0800 555 111.”
Local neighbourhood officers have increased reassurance patrols in the area.
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Pensioner jailed for killing three-year-old girl on pedestrian crossing
A Sutton Coldfield pensioner has been sentenced to four years in prison after knocking down and killing a three-year-old girl as she walked over a pedestrian crossing last summer.
John Place, aged 72, was handed the sentence at Birmingham Crown Court today (March 20) after he hit Poppy-Arabella Rose Clarke with his Volkswagen Passat as she pushed her bike across Chester Road in Boldmere on 6 July.
The traffic lights were on red at the time and the green man was flashing for pedestrians. Poppy was treated by paramedics at the scene but tragically died later in hospital.
Place’s car also collided with Poppy-Arabella’s mother Rachel Clarke, leaving her with serious injuries. She had been walking next to her daughter as she crossed the road.
Place, from Bakers Lane, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving at a hearing on March 3.
A police investigation found that he had been told just weeks before that his vision was no longer good enough for him to drive, even with his glasses on. When he hit Poppy-Arabella and Rachel Clarke he was not wearing glasses and told officers he had not seen the red light or the crossing itself.
Detective Sergeant Paul Hughes, from the regional Collision Investigation Unit, said: "This is an absolutely tragic case and Poppy-Arabella’s parents continue to suffer enormously from their loss. Our thoughts remain with them.
"Place should not have been driving that day as quite simply his vision was severely impaired. The consequences of his decision to get behind the wheel despite this have been catastrophic.
"I hope that this case sends out a message to all drivers that you have a personal responsibility to heed medical advice and to ensure you are fit to get behind the wheel."
Place was also disqualified from driving for five years from the date of his release from prison.
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