Chief Constables Information Report

Councillor Phil Bateman today said " I have posted for the first time ever the information report that the Chief Constable of the West Midlands gives to his Police Authority. Chief Constable Paul Scott-Lee outlines the serious crime that has taken place here in the West Midlands County.

CHIEF CONSTABLE’S INFORMATION REPORT

TO THE POLICE AUTHORITY

14 SEPTEMBER 2006


ACQUISITIVE CRIME

BURGLARY

On 15 June a suspect was arrested following a distraction burglary at a house and a separate attempted distraction burglary. The suspect admitted three further offences of distraction burglary and was charged with all five offences and has been remanded in custody. (E3 OCU)

Also on the 15 June officers in the Tividale area were called to a report of people stealing lead flashing from the roof of a local house. Along with a dog handler, officers tracked the suspects along the canal towpath and came across a disused building where three people were detained, subsequently arrested and a large quantity of lead flashing was recovered. (K2 OCU)

On 28 June a man was arrested for an attempted car key burglary. He had been released from prison only five days earlier. Enquiries are ongoing in relation to the burglary, and the suspect has been recalled to prison. (E3 OCU)

On 27 July officers attended a report of a burglary where a quad bike had been stolen. When the officers attended the home address of a suspect, they were told he was out, but during a search of the premises, the suspect was located hiding in the loft. He was subsequently arrested for burglary and remanded in custody. The suspect was also charged with driving whilst disqualified and various document offences. (L OCU)

Following a report of a burglary in progress in the Binley area of Coventry, a police dog and his handler detained three people, who were arrested on suspicion of burglary. Forensic tests at a further burglary location on the same night identified footprints belonging to one of the suspects that had been arrested. This person has been charged with two incidents of burglary and also for handling stolen goods and is due in court shortly. (M2 OCU)

D3 OCU has shown a reduction of 24% in burglaries compared to the same period last year; overall burglary is showing a 9.98% year on year reduction. The OCU has implemented a footwear intelligence database where officers are required to submit details of footwear on encounter forms, particularly for burglars and prolific offenders. The initiative was designed to encourage a more targeted and structured approach to stop checks. (D3 OCU)


ROBBERY

A person arrested in March for an armed robbery at a bookmakers in Shard End has been sentenced at Birmingham Magistrates Court to three and a half years in prison, (D3 OCU)

On 26 June a robbery occurred where an offender ripped a chain from a person’s neck and ran off. A suspect was detained by two members of the public and then arrested by police officers. The suspect was charged and has been remanded in custody. (E3 OCU)

Also on 26 June a lorry load of new tyres with a value of approximately fifteen thousand pounds was stolen in Great Western Way, West Bromwich. The driver of the lorry was stopped by a vehicle that flashed its lights to indicate that the rear door of his lorry was open. When the driver left his cab to close the rear door, the lorry was driven off. On 2 August, following intelligence received, a warrant was executed at an address where a stolen vehicle and a hundred and thirty-five new tyres were recovered. A suspect has been arrested. (K1 OCU)

On 26 July officers responding to a call in Olton found a vehicle with three of its alloy wheels removed and lying next to the vehicle. A search of the area was conducted and a suspect was found hiding in a nearby garden. The suspect was subsequently charged with attempted theft and has been remanded to appear at Solihull Magistrates Court shortly. (L OCU)

On 28 July patrolling officers in the Olton/Elmdon neighbourhood were flagged down by a victim whose pedal cycle had been stolen. The victim was returned to his home address, and whilst at the address officers saw the suspect riding past on the alleged stolen bicycle. The officers recovered the bike and arrested the suspect. (L OCU)

Also on 28 July an armed robbery took place at a service station in Yardley, a handgun was produced and four hundred and sixty pounds stolen. Following a pursuit, traffic officers detained one of the suspects. A dog handler and his dog gave chase to a second person, who was detained in Small Heath. It subsequently transpired that it was the second person who had produced the handgun and who was still in possession of the cash at the time of the arrest. (Dog Section)

On 8 August a man and his girlfriend were walking through Meriden Park in Chelmsley Wood, when four people approached them and demanded the man’s cigarettes, money and mobile phone. He refused to comply with their demands and was subsequently assaulted. No property was stolen and the victim escaped. Four people were detained during a search of the area and following investigations one person has been charged with robbery and attempted robbery. He appeared at Solihull Magistrates Court on 10 August and received conditional bail. On 12 August he was further arrested for breach of bail when he failed to be present during a check at his home address. (L OCU)

On 13 August a man was approached by a group of people who asked the time. The man produced his phone to tell them, at which point one person grabbed his phone using considerable force. The four people made off but were subsequently arrested at Solihull train station, following identification by the victim. The stolen phone was recovered and two of the group were charged with robbery. (L OCU)

On 16 August an off duty Inspector was on his way to catch a train at Snow Hill station, when he came across a robbery in progress. He detained the suspect and recovered the stolen property. British Transport Police dealt with the suspect. (F1 OCU)

On 31 August a camera operator saw two people acting suspiciously, whilst carrying a laptop computer. Officers were directed to their location and enquiries revealed they had stolen the computer. The suspects were arrested and charged. (F1 OCU)

There has been a reduction of 32.28% robberies to date this year, which equates to sixty-one fewer victims in the Wolverhampton East area. Contributing to the reduction are the following factors; - Firstly, the introduction of neighbourhood policing, where officers have been conducting high visibility foot and cycle patrols. Secondly, School Liaison Officers delivered a series of presentations to young people across the area about personal safety and responsible citizenship. Finally, officers are working with other agencies and targeting known robbery offenders. (G2 OCU)

After a spate of three armed robberies in four days at shops in Daventry Road, a search was undertaken immediately following the third robbery. Officers spoke to people in the area and traced the route used by the offender who had escaped on foot. Enquiries were then made and a suspect was located in a nearby block of flats. The suspect was charged with three offences of armed robbery and possessing a firearm. (M2 OCU)

Operation Thornbridge
This is an ongoing Economic Crime Unit and Serious Fraud Office investigation into major fraud against financial institutions. Confiscation and forfeiture orders have been issued for a total value of nine hundred and thirty-two thousand four hundred and ninety-nine pounds. (Economic Crime Unit and the Serious Fraud Office)


VEHICLE CRIME

A person was arrested in June for thefts of satellite navigation systems from motor vehicles. He was seen gaining entry to a vehicle and removing the satellite navigation system, charged with several counts of theft from motor vehicles and has been sentenced to detention and training orders totalling eight months. (M3 OCU)

On 27 June officers on mobile patrol in Chelmsley Wood saw a quad bike being driven in the middle of the road by a driver who was not wearing a helmet. The officers attempted to stop the vehicle but the driver mounted the pavement and rode off. The rider was identified by one of the officers and it was established that he was a disqualified driver. Some time later, the man was seen again by officers, and once again mounted the pavement, before crashing into a fence and making off on foot. He was detained by one of the officers and subsequently charged with failure to stop, driving whilst disqualified, driving whilst under the influence of alcohol and driving with no insurance and MOT. He was remanded in custody. (L OCU)

During the early hours of 9 July a ram raid occurred at a wine store in the Hamstead area of Sandwell. Twenty minutes later a second ram raid occurred at a newsagents in Great Barr. The two suspects were disturbed by Motorway Police Officers and made off on foot. One of the suspects was later caught and arrested, he was subsequently charged with burglary and aggravated taking of a vehicle without the owners consent and remanded in custody. (K1 OCU)

On 3 August officers were involved in the pursuit of a vehicle whose driver was wanted as a disqualified driver and also for robbery. Following the pursuit the driver made off on foot, he was detained and subsequently arrested. (D1 OCU)

The Force helicopter whilst airborne responded to a radio broadcast reporting and describing a stolen vehicle. Reports of the vehicle and occupants, who continued to commit offences, were received and an off duty officer was able to inform the helicopter crew that the vehicle was in the Bournville area. A police patrol car following the vehicle was ordered to withdraw as the stolen vehicle was driven off-road across West Heath Park. Commentary was given from the helicopter and the vehicle was followed to Hawkesley where it was eventually abandoned. The two occupants then made off on foot into a canopy of trees. One of the occupants was tracked and officers were directed towards him and made an arrest. After a full search of the area, there was no trace of the second occupant. Further enquiries have established the identity of the second person and stolen property has been recovered. Enquiries are continuing. (Operations)

Operation Resolve
This operation is part of a force wide initiative to reduce crime. The impact of this campaign locally has resulted in a 30% reduction in vehicle crime in the G2 OCU area compared to August last year. The OCU has been working in partnership with the local authority and has improved car park security and introduced a robust offender management policy. If an area is identified as a “hot spot” area, Street Crime Wardens are brought in to conduct high visibility patrols to deter would be thieves. In addition to giving reassurance to the local community, the Street Crime Wardens offer crime reduction advice and a free property marking service to the owners of vulnerable vehicles. (G2 OCU)

Operation Warrior
This is an ongoing operation with the Road Policing Unit working in conjunction with Birmingham City Council, dealing with untaxed and/or abandoned vehicles. The last operation took place on 28 July and resulted in thirty-six untaxed vehicles and one uninsured vehicle being seized. In addition, a stolen vehicle was recovered. The total of untaxed vehicles recovered from the start of the operation in February is three hundred and twenty-two. (F3 OCU)


DRUG CRIME

On 3 June a suspect was arrested on the Stratford Road after having been observed in a group of people. The suspect was found to be in possession of twenty-five wraps of cocaine and ninety-five ecstasy tablets. After the suspect was arrested a search of his home address resulted in the recovery of a further hundred and eight wraps of cocaine and a quantity of powder, believed to be a controlled substance. A suspect was charged with possession of Class A drugs and remanded in custody. (E3 OCU)

On 13 June officers executed a search warrant at an address in the Scotlands area. As a result of the operation, a quantity of Class A drugs was recovered with an estimated street value of ten thousand pounds. This is the largest single drugs seizure made by officers from the Wolverhampton East area this year. (G2 OCU)

On 16 June a search warrant was executed in the Tividale area. A cannabis and hydroponics set up was discovered plus associated paraphernalia and other drugs. One person has since been arrested for the offence of possession with intent to supply (K2 OCU)

On 7 July officers executed a search warrant at an address in the Old Hill area. A quantity of heroin and cocaine was found at the address and one person was arrested. This individual is currently on police bail pending forensic enquiries. Officers are pursuing an eviction from the premises in conjunction with Waterloo Housing Association (K2 OCU)

On 22 July information was received that cannabis was being grown at an address in Willenhall. Officers gained entry to the premises and were confronted with a very professional hydroponics set up, covering much of the floor space in the house. A hundred and ninety-seven cannabis plants plus hydroponics equipment and a number of transformers were seized. The plants were destroyed and investigations are ongoing to identify the occupiers of the property. Officers believe that they have seriously affected the supply of cannabis in the Willenhall and surrounding areas. (H2 OCU)

On 4 August officers on mobile patrol stopped a car for a routine check. They carried out a search and approximately forty wraps of cocaine were recovered. The occupants of the vehicle were arrested and the car was seized under the Proceeds of Crime legislation. (F1 OCU)

On 8 August a warrant was executed at an address on the Stratford Road in Shirley. Four people were arrested and a large quantity of cannabis was seized. This flat had been a great cause of concern to the community and the residents of the flat had been evicted but were still squatting at the premises. (L OCU)

On Friday 11 August, as a result of a fire at an address in Erdington, three drugs locations were discovered. Eighteen hundred cannabis plants were recovered and destroyed and the local Council also destroyed eleven and a half tons of cultivating equipment. Enquiries are continuing to identify the offenders. (D2 OCU)

On 17 August officers from Kingshurst and Fordbridge Neighbourhood Teams executed a drugs warrant at an address in Chelmsley Wood. A search of the premises revealed five wraps of Class A drugs, a small bag of Class C drugs, various items of drugs paraphernalia and two large bags of an unknown substance. Subsequent searches also recovered more Class C drugs and CS spray. The four adult occupants at the house were arrested for possession and intent to supply Class A drugs. Enquiries are continuing. (L OCU)

Whilst officers were engaged in antisocial behaviour/drugs dog patrols, they had cause to stop a vehicle, which was found to smell strongly of cannabis. A search was conducted of the vehicle and a handgun was recovered from the boot. The driver of the vehicle attempted to run away but was apprehended by the officers. He was arrested and is currently on bail pending further enquiries. (E3 OCU)

Police executed a warrant at a house in the Wyken area of Coventry after receiving information about suspicious smells coming from the house. On arriving at the premises, officers found approximately three hundred cannabis plants. The house had been rigged up with dozens of extra plugs to supply electricity for the heat lamps and electricians were brought in to make the house safe. Three people were arrested for possession and supply of cannabis. (M3 OCU)

Officers have executed several warrants under the Misuse of Drugs Act. Four arrests have been made for possession of Class A and Class C drugs with intent to supply. During the searches officers have also seized a stun gun and several knives. (M2 OCU)

A stop check in the Binley area of Coventry found a person in possession of ninety-seven ecstasy tablets; he was arrested for possession with intent to supply. Whilst in Coventry Crown Court for sentencing he tried to escape. He was detained, returned to the dock and sentenced to three years for possession with intent to supply plus an extra three months for contempt of court. (M2 OCU)

A warrant was obtained and executed on 11 August at an address in the Berkleley Road East area. A large-scale cannabis factory and hydroponics set up was discovered and one hundred cannabis plants and a large amount of cannabis with an estimated value of three thousand pounds were recovered. Enquiries are continuing. (D3 OCU)

Following two arrests in connection with a cannabis factory in Station Road where the door had been wired to the mains, both defendants had pleaded guilty of cultivating cannabis and extracting electricity. Both defendants were sentenced to three years in prison for cultivation of cannabis and a further year for extracting electricity (D3 OCU)

Operation Pond 2
This operation on 29 July, was set up to tackle antisocial behaviour, drug dealing, drug taking, robbery and theft in the E3 area, together with ensuring licensee compliance in public houses is maintained. The operation resulted in three people being arrested for possession of Class A drugs and cautioned. Two people were arrested at a public house for violent assaults, one of whom was bailed pending further enquiries. Extensive encounters are being made and intelligence gathered and the public has been reassured as a result of the exercise. (E3 OCU)

Operation Ringland
Three men are due to be sentenced for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs in Coventry. This follows a Force Crime Unit operation where two kilos of cocaine was seized as well as heroin and equipment involved in the making, preparation and distribution of drugs. (Force Crime Unit)

Operation Hector
On 13 July officers executed a search warrant under the Misuse of Drugs Act at a premises in Kingshurst. Two bags of herbal cannabis together with smaller wraps, scales and other drugs paraphernalia and eighty pounds in cash were seized from the address. Two suspects were arrested and a further suspect is already in custody for a drugs offence. All three were released on police bail. (L OCU)

Operation Tripotage
This operation was set up in July to combat drug use in Turves Green, West Heath. Acting on intelligence, officers executed searches on both residential property and a targeted vehicle. This one-day operation resulted in four arrests, three of whom were charged with supplying Class A drugs. (E1 OCU)


SERIOUS VIOLENT CRIME

On 26 February a man died following a collision with a taxi. The taxi driver was subsequently arrested and was convicted of manslaughter on 14 August. (K1 OCU)

In June a man was sentenced to life imprisonment for a robbery and a murder, which occurred in September 2005. He will serve a minimum of fifteen years. (M2 OCU)

On 3 June a man was seriously wounded in the Hamstead area of Sandwell. Eight suspects were arrested. One suspect has been charged with affray and causing serious wounding, and another has been charged with affray and being in possession of an offensive weapon. Enquiries are continuing. (K1 OCU)

On 6 June following a violent domestic incident in Fairfax Street, Coventry, two officers detained a man attempting to flee the scene. Had the officers not been present there is every likelihood that the suspect would have escaped and possibly fled the country. The suspect was subsequently charged with the attempted murder of his wife. (M1 OCU)

On 12 June officers attended a report of a stabbing in New Street, Birmingham. Following a search of the area, two people were arrested and a knife was recovered. (F1 OCU)

Shootings and violence have occurred in Wolverhampton during June and July involving organised gangs. The violence started on June 26 when shots were fired and a man was stabbed as two gangs clashed. This was followed by further incidents including a shooting on July 26 in Whitmore Reans. Officers have ‘removed’ a number of key figures from the streets in an attempt to curb the violence. Intelligence has suggested that the likely causes are drugs and ‘respect’ issues. Extra policing has also been provided and the Community Safety Bureau has reassured the public. (G1 OCU)

On 11 July two youths were robbed at knifepoint in the vicinity of Kings Norton railway station. Officers made an area search, and following a foot chase and scuffle, two people were arrested. A knife and mobile phones were recovered. A search of one suspect’s flat revealed a number of other mobile phones. The suspects have been bailed pending further enquiries. (E2 OCU)

On 18 July there was a report of a shooting in the Sparkbrook area. When officers attended they established that the victim had been assaulted by a number of people and a firearm was produced and discharged. A search of the area was made and two people were arrested for firearms offences. Enquiries are continuing. (E3 OCU)

A suspect from Wolverhampton has been charged with murder in connection with the death of a woman at a house in East Park, Wolverhampton on 20 July. (G2 OCU)

On 28 July a man was attacked by a group of youths in the Express Way underpass, West Bromwich. The man sustained serious head and facial injuries and a quantity of cash was stolen. Enquiries are ongoing. (K1 OCU)

On 1 August officers were called to an address in Chelmsley Wood to a report of a person having been stabbed. A suspect who was known to the victim was charged with wounding and remanded in custody. (L OCU)

On 5 August a man received a number of stab wounds severing an artery. A suspect has been charged with wounding. (D2 OCU)

An incident took place in Caldwell Road on 9 August where a large group of people were fighting with sticks. Officers attended the scene and one person was arrested. Following the incident, a vehicle was mobilised to support police officers in the area and two people were arrested for possessing offensive weapons and Class A drugs. Enquiries are continuing into the disorder. (D3 OCU)

There have been two murders on the M2 OCU in the past two months. In both cases investigations have led to the arrest and charge of a suspect for each incident. (M2 OCU)

A domestic incident occurred at an address in Handsworth. A suspect has been arrested for causing grievous bodily harm with intent and is currently on bail while further inquiries are being made. (F3 OCU)

A road traffic collision occurred in Cuckoo Road when the driver lost control of his vehicle and hit an oncoming car, killing the driver. The driver was arrested and has been charged with death by dangerous driving. (D1 OCU)

Operation Arrius
This operation relates to an attempted murder in Newtown. The victim of the offence was walking with two friends, when a vehicle pulled along side them and shots were fired. The victim was struck three times in the cheek, forearm and shoulder. Enquiries are ongoing. (F3 OCU)

Operation Navigate
This operation relates to the murder of a man in the Sparkhill area on the 6 June. It is believed that the victim was a pizza delivery driver who was attacked and was stabbed several times. Four persons are in custody for the offence and enquiries are ongoing (E3 OCU)

Operation Nocturn
This operation was instigated following the double stabbing of a father and his son during an attempt to steal car keys from inside their house. Forensic evidence linked a suspect to the offence who was already wanted in relation to cash in transit robberies and there was also intelligence to suggest that he was involved in a number of violent robberies with firearms countrywide. The suspect was arrested on 20 July, charged with two woundings and an attempted robbery and has been remanded in custody. (L OCU)

Operation Peridote
In the Kingstanding area of Birmingham, a boy was knocked off his bicycle and tragically killed by a man driving a stolen vehicle. The vehicle was then abandoned at the scene. Following enquiries, a suspect was identified and was later arrested in another stolen motor vehicle. He was charged with causing death by dangerous driving together with other offences, and has been remanded in custody. (D2 OCU)

Operation Strepitzo
A registered sex offender has been sentenced to eighteen months in prison following an operation carried out by the High Tech Crime and Paedophile Unit in conjunction with G2 OCU, after it was reported that he had broken the conditions of his order. (High Tech Crime and Paedophile Unit)


BUSINESS SECTOR CRIME

Operation Temerity
On 13 June a joint operation was conducted between West Bromwich Police and Sandwell Trading Standards Officers. The operation involved the arrest of eight market traders. Approximately five hundred thousand pounds worth of counterfeit DVD’s and computer games were seized, together with equipment used for production. Four people are currently on bail until October pending further enquiries by Trading Standards. (K1 OCU)

On 29 June two people were arrested following an armed robbery at a service station in Wednesfield. In the incident staff were threatened with a gun before the two people made off with a significant amount of cash. Officers on patrol identified the vehicle used in the raid and subsequently two people were arrested on suspicion of armed robbery and possession of weapons. They have since been charged and are currently on remand awaiting sentencing. Ten imitation weapons were recovered as part of the enquiry, including a machine gun. (G2 OCU)

On 11 July officers were called to a theft from a major retailer in Stratford Road, Shirley where person was reported to have stolen a number of items of children’s clothing. A member of the public saw the suspect get into a vehicle and wrote down the registration number. Officers traced the vehicle to an address in Acocks Green. The suspect was subsequently arrested, and following a search of the premises, the stolen clothing was recovered. (L OCU)

On 12 August an armed robbery occurred at a premises in Tipton. An employee at the premises was in the process of closing up for the day and loading motorcycles onto a van, when a person wearing a mask and armed with a handgun entered the shop. A second person tied the employee up; they then proceeded to steal the van loaded with the motorcycles. Enquiries are continuing. (K1 OCU)

A suspect has been arrested for the theft of a hundred thousand pounds obtained by Internet fraud. The money was obtained from victims via the setting up of a bogus Internet company. The bargain furniture advertised in reality failed to exist and to date a hundred and thirty customers have been the subjects of this fraud. There are potentially another hundred victims. Enquiries are ongoing. (K1 OCU)

Business sector crime in the north east of Coventry has dropped by nearly a quarter. Crime figures for April show dramatic reductions in business crime levels, with a drop of 25% compared to the same period last year. Contributing factors to this drop include an increase in the number of patrols around industrial estates and business parks. Total burglaries of buildings are down 17%. Cheque and credit card fraud is down 27%. (M3 OCU)

In preparation for the World Cup, a sponsored operation was set up with ten thousand pounds of funding from the Home Office. Targeting the Selly Oak night time area officers were tasked with notifying local licensees about enforcement procedures during the World Cup period. An initial seminar was held with the aim of ensuring each premises’ supervisor was given clear guidelines on police expectations. A briefing pack was handed to each licensee, which included campaign material and guidelines. Test purchase operations with Birmingham Trading Standards were conducted at off licenses throughout Bournville and Northfield in the run up to the World Cup, at premises which were identified by intelligence and antisocial behaviour related reports. (E1 OCU)


Operation AMEC
The OCU Licensing Officer assisted by neighbourhood policing teams and young volunteers has been carrying out test purchasing visits as part of an Alcohol Misuse Enforcement Campaign. In June shops were visited and one store made a sale. The sales assistant received a Fixed Penalty Ticket and the shop manager was warned. (M2 OCU)


POLICING IN THE COMMUNITY

Following several reports of antisocial behaviour from shop premises on the Greens Estate in June, local officers attended to resolve the issues and identified a lack of facilities for young people. Working together with local residents and parents, officers arranged for the use of a Connexions bus in the area. Parents acted as volunteers and one young person acted as a representative to attend the Dudley Youth Forum to discuss issues on the estate and assist in gaining further funding. This was seen as a positive step, as this person has previously been arrested on several occasions and has now become a positive role model for young people in the area. (J1 OCU)

Coventry City Centre Sector held an impact weekend on the 2 and 3 June as part of the misuse of alcohol campaign. Part of the tactics included the use of a full size walk through metal detector in Hartford Street in Coventry City Centre. The campaign attracted media interest and featured on a national television programme on BBC1 on 5 June. The event also made headline news in the Coventry Evening Telegraph. (M1 OCU)

On 5 June officers in Wolverhampton East adopted a neighbourhood style of policing. To highlight the changes and what this means for local communities, officers from the thirteen neighbourhood policing teams visited over fifty-five thousand homes and businesses to hand deliver specially designed leaflets containing information about neighbourhood policing, recent initiatives and the latest crime figures. This high police visibility operation was well received by members of the public, many of whom stated that they were delighted to meet the “local bobby”. (G2 OCU)

A prime example of how neighbourhood policing is making a difference on G1 is the crackdown on mini-motorbikes. Following information from local communities on where and when these were being used, eight bikes were seized and two people arrested for dangerous driving. Wolverhampton police were praised and thanked in a statement from the House of Commons on 24 July by Ken Purchase MP for “listening to the concerns of the public and acting so promptly to deal with what was rapidly becoming a serious problem”. (G1 OCU)

On 27 July officers from Bilston North Neighbourhood Team conducted a “street brief” in an effort to increase community participation in setting the policing agenda. Police officers, local councillors and representatives from tenants and residents associations, visited areas where improvements have already been made, to highlight how simple measures such as pruning undergrowth and the removal of graffiti have improved people’s feeling of safety. Following the success of the event, other areas are planning to conduct their own “street briefs” in the near future. (G2 OCU)

The School’s Liaison Officer was involved in arranging holiday activities for children in the Bloxwich area. On one of these trips, the Force coach was used to transport some primary school children on a trip to London. The trip was a great success and helped to give the children a positive view of the police. (H2 OCU)

E2 OCU continues to run a crime reduction initiative, installing shed alarms at addresses in identified “hot spot” locations across the area. In addition to reducing burglaries, this has been an opportunity for officers and Police Community Support Officers to link in with the community. Burglary offences have dropped considerably compared to this time last year. (E2 OCU)
A new police office is opening at the Sutton Stop/Hawkesbury Junction of the Coventry and Oxford Canal. The Community Partnerships Officer and Crime Reduction Officer led a multi-agency group through the process of refurbishing a canal site building for the use local officers, Community Support Officers, Wardens and Urban Rangers. This initiative has sparked interest for renewal of the whole canal side area, with a potential extensive cash injection from the Heritage Fund and National Lottery. The police office will be a base for all agencies and be manned at designated times for local residents, including those of eighty canal boats, to attend surgeries. (M3 OCU)

The Domestic Abuse Unit has been giving out special door locks, which create a temporary “safe haven” for victims of domestic abuse in their homes. The locks can be attached to any door and create a temporary barrier between the offender and the victim, giving them time to call the police. In partnership with the Crisis Intervention Group, locks will be distributed to all “high risk” victims across the area. It is hoped that because a large amount of force is required to break the locks, this can be used as evidence in court in order to contradict the “self defence” justification. The locks will also provide reassurance to victims. (H2 OCU)

Officers from across the M2 OCU have policed several major events at Coventry’s War Memorial Park, including the Godiva Festival that was attended by over seventy-five thousand people. The event passed off with only a few arrests for offences, which included possession of drugs and drunk and disorderly behaviour. (M2 OCU)

Funding has been secured to run three Domestic Abuse Camp weekends. The initiative was designed to offer the victims an opportunity to talk to officers and victim support workers away from the home environment and have a positive interaction with fellow victims. The weekend included challenging activities, climbing, abseiling and assault courses designed to build self-confidence and team building skills. A further six thousand pounds of funding has been secured to repeat the weekends in the near future. An additional sixty thousand pounds funding has been secured to target public place violence, through the purchase of webcams, victim and offender information packs, a dedicated Domestic Abuse vehicle and emergency mobile phones for victims. (D3 OCU)

Young Persons officers have set up a holiday programme as part of the Home Office Prevent and Deter Strategy and “Every Child Matters”. Activities include dance, football, BMX bikes, skateboarding, arts and crafts and DJ workshops. The scheme is open to all young people between the ages of 8 and 17 in the extended school catchment area. (D3 OCU)

Operation Zebra
This operation commenced on 10 August and will run for two days a week to address problems in relation to drugs in the Lozells area. The operation aims to work in partnership with various agencies, offering support and guidance to drug users, support to the local community and a positive and proactive policing approach including work with local school children covering issues with drugs. (F3 OCU)

K2 officers are being trained to ride off road motorbikes specifically to crack down on nuisance mini motorcycles. The motorcycles are at the centre of much public concern and are one of the main anti-social behaviour complaints in Sandwell. In response to problems highlighted by the local community an operation was undertaken on the Brickhouse Estate in Rowley Regis and fourteen mini motorcycles were seized. (K2 OCU)

A Section 30 Dispersal Order is in place to covering the Causeway Green Road area of Oldbury. The anti-social behaviour of some individuals prior to the Dispersal Order had caused both staff and users of the facilities at a sheltered complex some considerable distress. Since the onset of the Order and the increase of police activity the anti-social behaviour has diminished. (K2 OCU)



On the 19 June Old Hill sector officers conducted an Automatic Number Plate Recognition operation in the vicinity of Portersfield Industrial Estate, Cradley Heath, particularly scrutinising vehicles visiting a certain scrap metal dealers. Four vehicles were seized for having no insurance; one person was arrested for driving whilst disqualified and two people for immigration matters. Further intelligence was gathered in relation to local criminal activity and following the operation burglary at business premises in the area has dropped significantly. (K2 OCU)

Officers are using their powers of arrest against beggars. This blitz was launched following complaints from shoppers and traders. Officers are hoping that the recent arrests of four beggars will act as a warning that it will not be tolerated. (G1 OCU)


PARTNERSHIPS AND COMMUNITY SAFETY ISSUES

On 7 June a pub watch scheme was launched with police, local licensees and restaurant owners. The launch was timed to coincide with the start of the World Cup. BRMB Radio, local newspapers and the alcohol support group Aquarius attended the launch. (E3 OCU)

On 23 June a ”‘Surestart” safety day was held in conjunction with the local fire station for nursery school children. Crime prevention and safety advice was given to parents. (E3 OCU)

Operation Bulstrode
The Road Policing Unit has been cracking down on illegal and unsafe use of commercial vehicles. This operation was run in conjunction with Customs and Excise, Taxi Licensing, the Department of Works and Pensions and Vehicle Examiners from the Vehicle and Operators Services Agency. On 13 July fifty-one vehicles were examined with identification of license infringements, taxi licensing infringements, fraudulent benefit claimants and an illegal immigrant being identified and a number of vehicles were seized. On 10 August the operation was repeated. On this occasion forty-seven vehicles were examined with the results that thirteen vehicles were subject to Prohibition Notices, three vehicles were seized, two benefit irregularities were identified and VAT evasion was disclosed. In one case a car was running on red diesel and there is now a VAT investigation underway which could culminate in excise duty being paid. Three drivers were unregistered for taxation purposes; this included two taxi drivers. In total there were twenty-nine offenders identified from the forty-seven vehicles examined. (K2 OCU)

On 14 August officers working in conjunction with Trading Standards executed search warrants at a number of locations in Chelmsley Wood, in connection with offences of illegal money lending. Two people were arrested who were suspected to be loaning out money at very high interest rates. Numerous exhibits were recovered from searches of the premises and the two people were subsequently charged with offences under the Proceeds of Crimes Act. (L OCU)

Officers from the Road Policing Unit in conjunction with the Environment Agency are working together to combat fly tipping in the area. The Environment Agency has donated twenty thousand pounds to help fund an extra patrol vehicle, complete with specialist digital surveillance equipment, to catch fly tippers. The vehicle will also check waste carrier registrations ensuring that anyone who is transporting waste complies with the law. (H2 OCU)

Kings Heath neighbourhood team have developed an initiative to combat pickpockets on the High Street, which has become a considerable problem. Purse bells are being distributed to shoppers who are alerted if someone attempts to remove the purse. (E2 OCU)

Lighting has been installed in the St Pauls Square and churchyard area following on from a tragic murder. The lighting scheme has been installed at a cost of forty thousand pounds. The area is now better lit and provides a safer route around the Square in the evening. (F1 OCU)


The South Side Neighbourhood Policing Team have launched an “Entertainments Crime” initiative to combat alcohol related crime and theft. As a result of the initiative, there has been a 29% reduction in overall crime in the area. The Neighbourhood Team and local partners. Arcadian Security, local licensees and the City Partnership have sought to eradicate alcohol related disorder. This is supported by an initiative targeting rogue taxi operators and the deployment of a high visibility ‘mobile’ police station, which enhanced the police profile in the area and provided further assurance to revellers in the Arcadian entertainment district. Officers carried out a recent survey, which showed that 77% of visitors in the area said they felt very safe now when visiting the area during the evening. The local press and Heart FM Radio have covered the success of this initiative. (F1 OCU)

Officers from the Canley Neighbourhood Team have been working with a local secondary school, helping to host a crime prevention panel for the pupils. The panel, which is also supported by youth workers from the area, is looking into ways to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour at the school. So far they have focused on general crime prevention and bullying. Next year they will host an “Enterprise” day in conjunction with Fire, Ambulance and Health services. (M2 OCU)

Following a serious disorder and reports of antisocial behaviour in West Heath, a football league was organised for local youths. The five a side league coincided with the World Cup. The twice weekly matches involved more than seventy young people and many local supporters. The league was organised by Birmingham City Council in partnership with West Midlands Police, youth workers from HIAH (young people’s drug treatment service), OASIS Youth Inclusion Project and Pertemps Coachright. Officers from Bournville funded the kit for all the participants and the tournament had a positive impact on the local community. (E1 OCU)

Operation Sonatina
This operation was set up to combat antisocial behaviour and to bring improvements to an area of Kineton Green in Birmingham, which houses a large number of elderly and vulnerable residents. Many of the houses in the district had fallen into various states of disrepair and residents had often been victims of antisocial behaviour and criminal damage. The neighbourhood policing team identified this location as a priority for regular police patrols. Local youths have now been encouraged to leave the area if they are unable to give a reason for being there. Officers have made residents aware of their presence by knocking on doors and introducing themselves. In addition, meetings have been arranged between police, Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council and Birmingham City Council, with the result that both Councils undertook to clean up graffiti in the area. Birmingham City Council has also undertaken to make repairs to the housing. Youths from the local Cadet Unit and local park Rangers have also joined the initiative by cleaning up debris from the streets. As a result of the contacts made with residents in the area, a volunteer was identified to set up a neighbourhood watch scheme. (L OCU)


OTHER INTERESTING ISSUES

A Stechford police officer was awarded the Chief Constable’s Commendation in June in recognition of his courageous actions during a tragic house fire on New Years Day. Eight members of the family including four young children were asleep in the house at the time when the officer ran through the blazing house in a search for unaccounted members of the family. He dragged a person downstairs and attempted CPR and then drove the ambulance to the nearby Heartlands Hospital to allow the paramedics to continue to try to resuscitate the man but regrettably without success. (D3 OCU)






The Force Crime Unit and the acquisitive crime teams have been amalgamated into a new Proactive Crime Unit, which will primarily be responsible for dealing with serious and organised crime enterprises and criminals, to support the force vision of reducing crime and disorder and making our communities feel safer. Key areas will include criminal use of firearms, drugs, cash in transit robbery, people trafficking and business robbery. The Unit will also be responsible for responding to crimes such as demand led kidnap and extortion as well as providing specialist tactical advice on the management of covert policing operations. The Proactive Crime Unit will also be tasked with addressing threats to the Force in relation to acquisitive crime. (Crime Support)

Ground breaking forensic techniques were pioneered by West Midlands Police to assist in the conviction of a serious sex offender. A woman walking along a city centre subway was grabbed from behind and sexually assaulted. The offender managed to escape after being disturbed, leaving a pair of sunglasses at the scene. CCTV evidence of the crime was not clear enough to identify the offender. However, the sunglasses were submitted to the Forensic Science Service for profiling. Pendulum listing searching (PLS) a relatively new product was used. The profile produced was then searched on the National DNA Database and a match was found. A search of the home address of the suspect found a receipt for new sunglasses purchased two hours after the attack. Automatic Number Plate Recognition captured the suspect’s vehicle entering the city centre shortly before the attack and leaving the area afterwards. The person pleaded guilty to the sexual assault and was sentenced to an indeterminate prison sentence and life on the sex offenders’ register. (Scientific Support)

The Fingerprints Bureau at West Midlands Police is leading the way nationally in terms of a number of identifications that have been made from fingerprints. 31.7% of all crimes are achieving identification, the highest percentage across all police forces. Identification of burglary and motor vehicle crimes have especially improved, with the Fingerprint Bureau performing above average in comparison with similar forces. (Scientific Support)


PROMOTIONS/CAREER MOVES ANNOUNCEMENT
I am pleased to announce the following appointments and career moves:
Deputy Chief Constable, Chris Sims, has been appointed Executive Director of Policing Policy and Practice at the National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA).
Superintendent Mike Treble, G2 Operations Manager to Superintendent at MIU;
Superintendent Dave Mirfield, MIU to Operations Manager at D3 OCU;
Superintendent Sally Bourner, Crime Support to Operations Manager at G2 OCU;
Chief Inspector Chris Johnson, Force Intelligence to Crime Manager at E2 OCU
Detective Chief Inspector David Walker, E2 OCU transfers to Head of Regional Task Force