Image thanks to West Midlands Police
Almost 300 motorists were caught by motorway cops during a week-long campaign tackling distracted driving and mobile phone use behind the wheel.
A driver eating porridge on the M6, a woman applying make-up at the wheel, and a biker steering one-handed while he took a call were among the most shocking incidents encountered by the Central Motorway Police Group (CMPG).
In total, 289 people were found using a hand-held device or driving carelessly during the May 23-26 campaign.
First time offenders were offered the chance to attend a driver improvement course, while others were fined and had licences endorsed with three points or face a day in court on suspicion of careless driving.
CMPG Inspector Sion Hathaway said: “Some of the things our officers saw were absolutely staggering. In the space of just a few minutes we caught a man eating porridge and a lady applying lipstick both while driving on the M6 at 50mph.
“We also stopped a motorcyclist riding his bike with his helmet resting on the top of his head in order to take a phone call.
“A number of motorists who were stopped for using their mobile phones were also found to have no insurance…so their vehicles were seized.”
The campaign saw officers in both marked and unmarked vehicles on the lookout for motorists using mobiles to make calls, text or browse the internet.
Between 2013 and 2015, a total of 7,713 drivers in the West Midlands were prosecuted for driving while using a mobile phone.
Insp Hathaway added: “Yet again it’s very disappointing to see that many people just don’t seem to be getting the message that using your phone, or any mobile device, while driving is extremely dangerous.
“If you use your phone when driving your reaction times are similar to those of someone over the drink drive limit…no call can be so urgent that it’s worth putting lives at risk.”
A GROUP of Staffordshire Police Cadets graduated with pride at a special ceremony last week, Thursday 26 May.
Nineteen members of the Tamworth unit were presented with certificates at the prestigious event at Bolehall Manor Club.
The Cadet scheme was a priority for Staffordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis. It aims to strengthen links between the police and young people and promote good citizenship.
Mr Ellis joined Assistant Chief Constable Nick Adderley to present certificates to the 14 to 17-year-olds from the Tamworth unit, which was launched in March 2015. Volunteers who help run the unit were also recognised at the ceremony and presented with certificates by the Police and Crime Commissioner.
Mr Ellis said: “It was a tremendous evening in Tamworth at the swearing in of another 19 young Police Cadets. For these 14 to 17 year-olds it’s been a life changing experience.
“Congratulations to Staffordshire Police, but above all, congratulations to the 19 young people who have seen their lives change today.”
Grace Spencer, a Police Cadet said: “Tonight we invited all our parents to come and see us at our Attestation evening and it’s been great. I have enjoyed it so much and I’ve just loved my parents being here. As a person I’ve gained so much more confidence and tonight letting my mum and dad see me has just showed me how proud they are of me. It’s a great opportunity and I’m grateful that I have been a part of it.”
Meanwhile, businesses are being invited to become Patrons or Sponsors to help fund uniforms and equipment for the Cadets. In return for becoming a Patron, businesses’ contributions are recognised through publicity, a framed certificate and other opportunities.
For more details on Cadets and the patronage scheme visit www.staffordshire-pcc.gov.uk/police-cadets
You can watch a video of the event here: https://youtu.be/HZUeS-NQ97I
POLICE have said that they will be taking every step to ensure those subject to football banning orders do not attempt to travel to any of the UEFA championship matches that will be hosted in France.
In Staffordshire there are currently 38 people who have received a football banning order by the courts that carry a minimum duration of three years. In the West Midlands force area, 160 people have been issues with the order.
They are not only given to people convicted of violence or disorder but those who commit a football-related offence such as fighting or damaging property in a pub whilst watching a match.
Each of those persons with an order will be required to surrender their passport, barring exceptional circumstances, for the duration of the tournament.
Police have warned those who ignore the conditions of their order will be arrested and taken to court where they face a jail term of up to six months or fine rising to £5,000.
Superintendent Mick Boyle, head of operational services at Staffordshire Police, said: “We are determined that those who have been issued with banning orders for football related offences adhere to the terms of those orders.
“Great strides have been made in keeping football matches safe for genuine fans and in preventing the hooligan element from following British teams abroad and giving them and our country a bad name.
“Letters have been sent to everyone who has a football banning order informing them of their responsibilities in terms of passport surrender. Any that don’t comply will be arrested and put before the courts where they could face up to six months in jail.”
Staffordshire Police say that months of planning have been carried out to ensure that communities experience a safe and enjoyable UEFA championship.
High visibility police teams will be out and about in town and city centres to offer reassurance to those who will be enjoying watching the tournament in pubs and clubs and to deal with any issues that arise.
Staffordshire Police have given the following advice to fans:
People planning to enjoy watching the championship matches at local venues, or gatherings at friends’ homes, are encouraged to also plan ahead.
Arrange how you are going to get home before you go out, organise a lift or book a taxi in advance.
Never drink or drug drive, leave the car at home. The potential consequences of killing yourself or someone else is not worth the risk. Remember you could still be over the limit the following morning. People mistakenly think if they have eaten or had some sleep they will be fit to drive.
When you’re out, keep your valuables safe, don’t leave your mobile on a table and keep your wallet/purse/money on you.
And, importantly don’t get involved in arguments, particularly if you’ve had a drink. No one wins an argument, just walk away.
A DRINK and drug driving campaign to target irresponsible and dangerous drivers begins on 1 June in a bid to bring down the number of fatal and serious road traffic collisions and protect road users.
The national campaign, co-ordinated through the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), will run across the county throughout June.
Inspector Mat Derrick, from Staffordshire Police’s tactical support department, said: “Every day in Staffordshire we continue our aim to reduce fatal and serious road traffic collisions and protect road users.
“Driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs is both anti-social and dangerous, with potentially devastating short and long term consequences.
“We always carry out tests throughout the year on anyone involved in a road traffic collision that we attend, any motorist committing a traffic offence, or anyone who is suspected of drink or drug driving.
“During this campaign we will also be generally stopping motorists and carrying out tests. Mistakenly people think after a night of drinking or using drugs that if they have slept or have eaten they are fit to drive. Our operations will not just be at night, they will also be run in the mornings and throughout the day.”
Motorists are urged to think before they drink, and consider how long it will be before getting behind the wheel. The more someone consumes, the longer it takes to clear the body. Everyone should make sure they are fit to drive and not risk their own and the lives of others.
People are urged to plan how they will get home before a night out; whether to not drink, decide on a designated driver, or pre-book a taxi.
Insp Derrick continued: “A drink or taking drugs and then driving is not worth badly injuring or killing someone. It wrecks lives and families. That family could be yours.
“You also risk penalty points and automatic loss of licence for a minimum of 12 months, a hefty fine and for more serious offences, being sent to prison and having a criminal record. There will also be financial consequences with future insurance premiums. If you rely on being able to drive for your work, you could also end up without a job.”
Some local venues who sell alcohol will be taking part in the ‘I’ll Be Des’ Staffordshire Safer Roads Partnership scheme where they will be offering free or reduced price soft drinks to designated drivers. For details of premises taking part in the scheme near you visit their website.
If you have concerns about anyone you believe drives whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs, please contact police on 101.
You can also make a report by contacting the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through their Anonymous Online Form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information cannot be traced or recorded and you will not go to court.
TAMWORTH residents are being invited to join a new panel to shape the work of local policing in their community.
The Tamworth Safer Neighbourhood Panel launched earlier this year under plans by Staffordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Ellis, to shine the spotlight on local policing and make Staffordshire’s Police Service the most open, transparent and ethical in the UK.
Although there has been a good response to the panel, there are still several places for new volunteers who can find out more by visiting http://www.tamworth.gov.uk/safer-neighbourhood-panel
The panel will examine, challenge and shape the work of police at the most local level. It will hold the Local Policing Team Commander to account as well as looking at wider criminal justice and community safety issues in their area.
Local residents and councillors sit on the panels with magistrates bringing additional expertise. Panels influence local policing and community safety, scrutinise the work done by police in their area, give feedback to communities and examine the impact of community resolutions and restorative justice.
Mr Ellis said: “This is a real opportunity for Tamworth people to play a part in holding all responsible for policing in their area to account and I’d urge residents to get involved.
“I make no apology for believing that truly local policing, and the public playing a part in influencing that policing is vital.
“You can shape policing at the most local level in your community by joining the Safer Neighbourhood Panel.
“The new spotlight on local policing performance that these panels will bring is invaluable in adding to the rigour I have introduced to overseeing policing.”
The panels follow the success of the county-wide Ethics, Transparency and Audit Panel (ETAP) which was established by the PCC in 2013. The ETAP is made up of trained members of the public and monitors different aspects of performance and standards in policing across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.
ETAP has received national recognition for its work on the police use of Taser, stop and search and crime recording in Staffordshire.
Councillor Stephen Doyle, Tamworth Borough Council Cabinet member for Communities and Wellbeing, said: “The new Safer Neighbourhood Panel gives Tamworth residents a perfect opportunity to get involved and have their say on how their neighbourhoods are policed, as well as raising issues of concern.
“It will help to make Tamworth an even safer place to live, work and visit – and I would encourage residents to join in and make their voices heard.”
Volunteers for Safer Neighbourhood Panel roles must be aged over 18, but otherwise the PCC is interested in attracting people from all walks of life irrespective of age, disability and ethnic background. Expenses will be paid.
For more information visit http://www.staffordshire-pcc.gov.uk/safer-neighbourhood-panels/
SUE Arnold is looking forward to continuing her work as Staffordshire’s Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner following her re-appointment today, Monday 23 May.
Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis proposed the re-appointment which was confirmed following a meeting of the Police and Crime Panel this afternoon.
Mrs Arnold was appointed Deputy PCC in November 2012 and has spearheaded work on behalf of the PCC to provide a revolutionary new approach to giving victims more effective, tailored support.
She’s also been instrumental in the successful introduction of the Police Cadets service across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent and led campaigns to tackle female genital mutilation, modern slavery, domestic abuse and business crime.
Mr Ellis said: “Sue has brought real drive to her role over the past three and a half years and a new approach to all of the areas I have asked her to lead on.
“She has led the development of the Police Cadets on my behalf which has enhanced the lives of many young people across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.”
Mrs Arnold said: “I’m really looking forward to continuing the important work we have started with the challenge now to take the PCC ‘working model’ on to its next stage of development.
“Personally, I feel very positive about its future direction, in particular as I see how PCCs can make that crucial difference to local communities.
“Much work is ahead of us. I will relish the challenge to serve the people of Staffordshire and help produce results that deliver a safer place to live and work.”
Police and Crime Panel Chairman Frank Chapman said: “The Panel recognise the valuable contribution that Mrs Arnold has made to the work of the Police and Crime Commissioner, especially in the area of domestic abuse, and are pleased to confirm her re-appointment.”
For more information on the new approach to victims through the Staffordshire Victim Gateway visit http://www.staffordshire-pcc.gov.uk/staffordshire-victim-gateway/
THE Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Staffordshire, Sue Arnold is highlighting the support available to victims of business crime after a recent survey showed less than a third of cyber attacks were reported to police.
The survey released by the Institute of Directors (IoD) shows a gap between awareness of the risks to cyber security and how prepared businesses are for a cyber attack.
Out of 980 IoD members questioned in the survey, one in eight said they had experienced damage due to a cyber attack that interrupted business. Out of that number, 11% said they had suffered an actual financial loss as a result. Only 28% of cyber attacks had been reported to the police.
Sue Arnold, who is spearheading the Business Crime Matters campaign on behalf of the Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “Local businesses are the life blood of our economy but companies can often feel that crime against them is seen as victimless and that it is hard to get help if needed.
“The Business Crime Matters strategy and the recently launched Staffordshire Smart Alerts are there to help support businesses. Whether you are a large or small company there is information and support available to you.
“The survey released this month from the IoD found under a third of cyber attacks on those questioned were reported to police and 72% of those questioned said they had received bogus invoices, showing the real threats that are out there for businesses.
“Staffordshire Smart Alert offers up-to-date relevant information on business crime. Businesses can also choose to receive business crime messages specific to their industry, such as retail, motor trades and education. The Staffordshire Smart Alert system is set to improve engagement between Staffordshire Police and local businesses as well the residents of Staffordshire. You can find out more at www.staffordshire-pcc.gov.uk/staffssmartalert
“Programmes like these turn the tables on criminals by joining up and sharing information about crime, working closely with the police.”
Nearly seven in ten IoD members also said they had never heard of Action Fraud Aware, the UK’s national reporting centre where businesses can report fraud if they have been scammed, defrauded or experienced cyber crime.
Find out more about the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Business Crime Matters strategy and support for businesses at www.businesscrimematters.com
POLICE Officers from Tamworth Local Policing Team are warning residents to be aware of bogus phone calls.
Police received a call just before 5:30pm yesterday afternoon, Thursday 19 May, from an elderly lady reporting suspicious phone calls received at a house in Kettlebrook.
The lady received three phone calls over the space of a week, where the unknown caller asked for her bank details.
Thankfully, the lady followed police advice and did not give out any information.
If you are contacted out of the blue by a company or charity then be on you guard. Do not get drawn into accepting a service you never sought.
Police ask the public, particularly those who are elderly or vulnerable, to be on their guard and ensure they do not part with any money, or personal details, over the phone. No legitimate organisation will ask you to pay a fee to receive money. Your bank will not ask you for your passwords and account numbers.
Call the police on 101 if you are suspicious and please remind elderly neighbours and family so they can avoid becoming a victim.
You can also report crime by contacting the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through their Anonymous Online Form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information cannot be traced or recorded and you will not go to court.
A man has been arrested and bailed following a cannabis find after a warrant was executed in Tamworth.
Officers from Tamworth Local Policing Team executed a warrant at an address in Overwoods Road, Wilnecote, last night, Thursday 19 May.
A 25-year-old man at the address was arrested on suspicion of cultivation of cannabis and has been bailed, pending further inquiries.
As part of the search officers recovered 16 cannabis plants and associated paraphernalia.
The warrant was executed as part of Operation Nemesis, Staffordshire Police’s ongoing campaign to tackle drug crime.
If you suspect such crime in your community please call the police on 101 so we can act on information received.
You can also report crime by contacting the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through their Anonymous Online Form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information cannot be traced or recorded and you will not go to court.
POLICE officers in Tamworth will receive further training to spot signs of modern slavery to help combat the crime, the Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner says.
All frontline officers across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent will receive training focussed on modern slavery provided by the College of Policing.
Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Arnold said the training will cover the signs to look for, the law surrounding modern slavery and how and where victims should be referred for further help and protection.
The training follows wider work by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Staffordshire to highlight modern slavery in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.
A conference on modern slavery was staged by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner in Staffordshire in December 2015. It was attended by over 500 local businesses and professionals. Feedback from the modern slavery conference has revealed professionals who attended have more awareness about the crime and have even made referrals to police in Staffordshire.
Since the start of 2015 and up to start of March this year, 17 victims of modern slavery in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent have been taken to safety under the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) run by the National Crime Agency. The figure includes 13 victims rescued by Staffordshire Police since the start of 2016.
Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Arnold has also joined a national network, on behalf of Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis, to help highlight and tackle modern slavery and its impact across the County and Stoke-on-Trent. The network will allow PCCs across the UK to tackle the issue of modern slavery by sharing best practice to identify and convict offenders.
Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Arnold said: “Spotting the signs of modern slavery is not always easy or obvious and sometimes can be hidden in plain sight. We know modern slavery is taking place in Staffordshire and that it is everyone’s responsibility, not just the police’s, to tackle this terrible crime.
“We know that those who carry out this crime are manipulative and coerce and control victims to avoid detection.
“After the conference in December, Chief Constable Jane Sawyers agreed to make the College of Policing training compulsory for all officers in Staffordshire. This is part of our wider work to highlight modern slavery and to support the police in their fight against criminals.
“The conference in December highlighted the risks of slavery, people trafficking and forced labour to local businesses and professionals as well as explaining the signs to look out for. We have received good feedback from those who attended the conference about the difference it has made to the way they work.
“It is estimated that 29.8 million people around the world are currently affected by modern slavery and it is an issue which we all need to face and be aware of.”
Modern slavery can take many forms including the trafficking of people, forced labour, servitude and slavery. Victims can be men, women and children but it is most common amongst the vulnerable, and within minority or socially excluded groups.
Detective Chief Inspector Amanda Davies said: “It is everyone’s responsibility to be able to spot the signs of act. This training will enable officers to do this with confidence, to support those most vulnerable to these crimes.”
Senior Investigating Officers and a number of other frontline officers this week also received bespoke training funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Staffordshire and provided through the charity Hope for Justice.
Supporting victims and witnesses is one of four key priorities in Staffordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis’ Safer, Fairer United Communities strategy for more local and effective policing in the county.
Presentations from the Staffordshire conference from speakers including Paul Broadbent, Chief Executive of the Gangmasters Licensing Authority and Helen Gordos from the UK Human Trafficking Centre can be found at www.staffordshire-pcc.gov.uk/modern-slavery/
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