A POLICING operation involving four police forces in the West Midlands is targeting suspected paedophiles operating online.
Operation Safenet was launched in 2015 by Staffordshire Police who, as part of the Regional Organised Crime Unit (ROCU) along with Warwickshire Police, West Mercia Police and West Midlands Police, work together to fight serious and organised crime across the region.
The operation which has been running in Warwickshire and West Mercia Policing areas since January 2016, has been established across the regions to target people accessing indecent images of children online and while the forces are not revealing the methods they use to track down suspects, more than two hundred children have been safeguarded regionally.
Detective Superintendent Damian Barratt from Warwickshire Police and West Mercia Police said: “An indecent image of a child is an image of a victim of child abuse. Those who download and exchange illegal images leave a digital footprint and police will trace them. There will be more investigations, more arrests and we will bring more offenders to justice.
“If anyone has information relating to child sexual exploitation or suspicions that someone is using the internet to access indecent images I would urge them to contact police on 101.”
If you have concerns about a child or young person, or if you are a child or young person and someone has asked you to do something that makes you feel uncomfortable either on or offline, you can report through the CEOP safety centre at www.ceop.police.uk.
The Lucy Faithfull Foundation is a registered child protection charity dedicated to reducing the risk of children being sexually abused. It works with entire families affected by sexual abuse, including adult male and female sexual abusers, young people with inappropriate sexual behaviours, victims of abuse and other family members. More information for adults concerned about their own behaviour, or that of someone they know, is available from http://www.stopitnow.org.uk/
A SUSPECTED money launderer hid almost £40,000 in a toilet cistern − but she’s feeling less flush after West Midlands Police seized the cash under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
Officers found the bathroom bounty during a drugs warrant executed at Helen Ross’s home in Dartford Road, Walsall, on 26 September last year.
Ross − whose social housing property boasted a new high-spec kitchen and conservatory − claimed the bulk of the money was courtesy of casino and online bingo winnings.
However, officers from the Payback Team at West Midlands Police’s Economic Crime Unit probed her bank transactions and betting accounts and could find no evidence of her landing any bumper winnings.
In fact, they discovered she’d squandered thousands of pounds through online sites and had paid for extensive home improvements and a Range Rover Evoque despite having no clear income stream.
The 41-year-old initially contested the POCA application to seize the cash but at Birmingham Magistrates Court on Wednesday (May 11) dropped her defence in the face of compelling evidence put to the judge by Payback detectives.
A total of £38,610 was seized from her and will be put back into the public purse to be used on community schemes and crime prevention initiatives.
Detective Constable Yvonne Barwani from the Economic Crime Unit, said: “There was insufficient evidence to charge Ross with drug dealing following the warrant − but that doesn’t mean we can’t pursue POCA proceedings to seize money or assets we believe derive from criminality.
“Ross previously worked part-time for a local company but had been off on maternity leave for quite some time while claiming housing benefit, child support and other benefits.
“Despite this she was driving around in a £40,000 car and had renovated her social housing property to a standard way in excess of her means. She could not explain how she had been able to afford any of this expenditure.
“Ross has flaunted her ‘wealth’ in the community for many years, driving expensive cars and going on lavish holidays, despite having very little legitimate income.
“I’m sure news that we’ve seized the money will be welcomed by members of the community who get rightly frustrated at people living a high-earner lifestyle without actually working for the money.”
A STREET racer has narrowly avoided jail for trying to outrun former Tamworth Police officer on the M6 Toll before crashing into exit barriers.
Thomas Alsopp reached speeds approaching 150mph on the motorway before sliding into payment booths as he tried pulling off at junction T3 − and later told police he only stopped because his Audi had run out of petrol.
The Police vehicle was driven by a Staffordshire Police officer who previously served at Tamworth for a number of years and is now a motorway cop.
PC Nick James and PC Jim Barry on street racing patrols on the A38 spotted Alsopp parked across an emergency vehicle access slip road to the motorway on 27 December last year.
But when they approached his Audi A8 the 24-year-old, from Roston Drive in Hinckley, sped off and, after slaloming through traffic on the A38, hurtled through the villages of Minworth and Curdworth at more than double the speed limit.
Removal man Alsopp was clocked driving at 149mph on the M6 Toll shortly before crashing.
Officers found he was driving on a provisional licence and had no insurance.
And when shown police dash-cam footage of the pursuit during interview cocky Alsopp boasted about the nature of his driving and the speeds he’d reached.
He admitted dangerous driving, plus other motoring offences, and at Birmingham Crown Court on Monday he was given an eight-month jail sentence, suspended for 12 months, ordered to carry out 80 hours unpaid work, and banned from driving for 18 months.
West Midlands Police PC Jim Barry working with the Central Motorway Police Group ( CMPG ) said:
“At one stage he overtook a recovery truck on a blind bridge entering Minworth village…his driving was extremely reckless and dangerous.
“Alsopp showed no remorse and said he had no intention of stopping for officers − only stopping because he ran out of fuel − and agreed he didn’t give his three passengers any opportunity to exit his vehicle.
“In addition to his sentence, he will also be required to take an extended driving test in order to obtain a licence and has been handed a Section 59 street racing order. If he is caught breaching the terms we will seize his vehicle.”
Alsopp was caught as part of Operation Hercules − an on-going initiative involving CMPG patrols, West Midlands Police traffic units, and local police teams to tackle street racing and anti-social driving.
WEST MIDLANDS POLICE has finalised plans ahead of a protest by right-wing group Pegida UK tomorrow (Sat Feb 6) – and warned it will come down hard on anyone intent on causing trouble.
The force has been negotiating with organisers for several weeks and agreed a protest site in Birmingham International Business Park a short walk from Birmingham International railway station.
Protestors will muster at the station car-park between 1-2pm before walking to the demo point in nearby Starley Way; it’s anticipated the event will end by around 3pm.
Solihull Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Alex Murray said: “The protest is away from residential and retail centres…organisers have told us they are planning a peaceful, silent march from the train station to the protest site.
“So far around 370 Pegida supporters have indicated they intend to participate – and we are also planning for a small group of counter protestors near the railway station but away from the Pegida protest site.
“Ensuring there is no protestor crossover, and minimising the risk of potential flashpoints, is a key element of our event planning.
“There is nothing to suggest there is a significant risk of disorder but the public can rest assured we will take swift action against anyone committing criminal offences.
“We will have a highly visible police presence on the ground, including protest liaison officers, and sufficient police resources on standby to manage any eventuality.”
Starley Way will be closed during the day while Bickenhill Lane will be shut temporarily for a short period to allow for protestors to walk from Birmingham International to the demo point where speeches will be held.
Solihull Police has visited businesses near the protest site to make them aware of the plans and explain how officers can support staff on the day.
Chief Supt Murray, added: “We do not anticipate any serious traffic disruption but we would advise anyone intending to use Bickenhill Lane early in the afternoon, including people heading to the airport, to allow extra time for their journey.
“We have visited affected businesses to inform them of the plans and to offer any assistance they need to ensure staff and deliveries can come and go unhindered.”
West Midlands Police is vastly experienced in accommodating and preparing for such events having run operations around similar protests in Birmingham, Dudley, Solihull and Walsall – the most recent of which have passed off without incident.
Officers will also be working tomorrow with Community Observers – influencers from the local community who will on hand speaking to members of the public near the protest site and diverting them from trouble.
Chief Supt Murray confirmed that police forces are not able to ban lawful protests. He added: “People often pose the question: ‘Why don’t you ban the protest?’ However, the right to protest is something that is enshrined in law and the police have a positive duty to protect and not apply restrictions that are disproportionate.
“We cannot ban protests because they are a static assembly of people and, as such, are legal as long as they are peaceful and within the law.
“Equally, police do not have the power to ban any marches; any decision to prevent a march from taking place would be agreed by the secretary of state – and only in the most extreme circumstances – on the request of the police and local authority.”
WEST Midlands Police again play host to a nationwide crackdown on overseas crooks when Operation Trivium launches in Birmingham this week.
#OpTrivium (23-27 Nov) sees officers working alongside partner agencies like the National Crime Agency, Gangmasters Licensing and immigration to target Foreign National Offenders (FNOs) operating in the UK.
Staffordshire Police will be supporting the operation throughout the county.
Working from a command centre in Edgbaston they will link in with intelligence experts at Europol’s HQ in The Hague to provide police patrols on UK roads with a complete picture on any suspects they encounter – and ensure no criminals slip through the net.
It’s the fifth running of Operation Trivium which launched in summer 2013 with just a handful of UK police forces taking part.
Back then the week-long arrest tally stood at just over 100 but the latest running of Trivium in June saw almost 900 FNOs arrested – including 94 in the West Midlands – and more than 600 vehicles seized.
West Midlands Police Superintendent Paul Keasey is the European Operations Commander for Op Trivium in the UK.
He said: “Trivium is now an established national operation with proven results of netting foreign criminals operating in the UK and showing that borders are no barrier to justice
“It’s fantastic Trivium has evolved so rapidly in the space of just over two years: this latest running will see every single UK police force taking part, while a total of 11 countries across Europe are involved and feeding into that intelligence cell in The Hague.
“We’ll again work with the NCA to focus on people wanted on European Arrest Warrants and have a strong presence on major road networks to catch and disrupt overseas criminals.”
Two Romanian men arrested in the West Midlands during #OpTrivium last June remain on remand in prison awaiting trial on drug dealing charges.
Nicolae Pasc, 25, and Mircea Rusu, 24, are accused of having £70,000 worth of cannabis in their possession when Central Motorway Police Group (CMPG) cops stopped a car they were driving on the M5 between junctions 1-2. They are set to appear at Exeter Crown Court in December.
Their vehicle was among almost 8,500 stopped nationally during June’s offensive as police officers the length and breadth of the country focused on Foreign National Offenders.
Supt Keasey added: “Officers across the West Midlands will be involved in ANPR operations on the look-out for suspect vehicles, run roadside checkpoints, and support immigration officials on visits to businesses suspected of employing foreign over-stayers.”
National Police Chiefs Council Lead for Roads Policing and former Staffordshire Police Officer, Chief Constable Suzette Davenport, added: “Operation Trivium has been an invaluable tool in helping us catch foreign national offenders using our road network as part of their criminal activity. I am delighted to support this work as it is a successful example of solid, collegial international collaboration with colleagues from a variety of countries working together since the operation’s inception.
WEST Midlands Police has tonight confirmed two people have died after a double decker bus collided with a Coventry supermarket this evening (Saturday 3 October).
An eight-year-old boy from Leamington, who was travelling on the top of the bus, died at the scene as a result of his injuries.
A woman from Nuneaton, believed to be in her 70s who was a pedestrian in Trinity Street, also died at the scene. Specialist officers are supporting the families at this time.
The collision occurred at 6pm this evening after the bus travelled along Hale Street colliding with a number of stationary cars and a lamppost before crashing into Sainsbury’s supermarket.
A nine-year-old girl, also on the top of the bus, was also seriously injured and is receiving treatment at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.
Five other people suffered minor injuries and are receiving hospital treatment, one further person was treated and discharged at the scene.
A cordon remains in place while an investigation continues to establish the circumstances around the collision. There are a number of road closures in place and buses are currently unable to drive into the city centre.
Superintendent Paul Keasey, head of the Central Motorway Police Group, said:
“Our thoughts are with those affected by this evening’s tragic event; we have specially trained officers with the families at this difficult time.
“We hope to carry out a swift investigation and I would like to thank people who have already come forward who witnessed the collision.
“This is a busy area of Coventry city centre and we hope to keep disruption to a minimum as our investigation continues; no-one has been arrested at this stage.”
Anyone with information, or anyone who may be concerned about relatives, should contact police on 101.
The thoughts and prayers of Tamworth Informed are with all involved.
TAMWORTH is set to become part of ‘Greater Birmingham’ thanks to approval by the Borough Council to join the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).
Tamworth will maintain a vital role in the future growth and development of the prosperity of the West Midlands region, after the council voted unanimously to join the proposed West Midlands Combined Authority.
The proposed WMCA would be made up of the seven metropolitan areas of Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton and could also include the district and borough councils within three Local Enterprise Partnership areas. Those areas are Greater Birmingham & Solihull – of which Tamworth is a member – Black Country and Coventry & Warwickshire.
The creation of the WMCA would allow for integration and collaboration across member authorities, which would work together on growth in key areas including employment and skills, health, housing and transport.
Ambitious proposals which could see powers devolved from Westminster to the new WMCA were submitted to Government earlier this month. If they are approved by the Treasury, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government would then need to agree to the creation of the WMCA. Both of those decisions are expected in October.
Tamworth Borough Council has been involved in the development and creation of both the WMCA and its ambitious devolution deal from the beginning of the process, with Cabinet member for Economic Growth & Regeneration, Cllr Steve Claymore, and Chief Executive Tony Goodwin attending all briefings, workshops and meetings.
Now the process has taken a step further forward, after members voted unanimously on Tuesday to accept the invitation to take up membership of the proposed WMCA. The plans received cross-party support.
The council also reaffirmed its commitment to continuing to work with Staffordshire County Council, the district and borough councils across Staffordshire and other stakeholders for the benefit of Tamworth and the wider community.
The WMCA is not a ’super-council’ and would not take over any of the powers currently held by Tamworth Borough Council. The borough authority would retain its identity and would not have to surrender any of its decision-making to the WMCA.
Cllr Steve Claymore, Cabinet member for Economy & Education, said: “This is a vitally important opportunity for Tamworth to play a major role in the future economic growth of the borough and the wider region. Membership of the WMCA will have great benefits for Tamworth and for the people who live and work here, as well as those businesses already operating in Tamworth and those who will be attracted to set up here.
“I am delighted that this has been given cross-party support and that we are all committed to working together to make sure we play a full part in the new Combined Authority, while at the same time retaining our distinct Tamworth identity.”
Tamworth Borough Council Leader, Cllr Daniel Cook, said: “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for Tamworth to become a driver in the regional economy. This will bring major benefits for Tamworth and the people who live and work here. Let’s grab this opportunity and get going.”
WEST Midlands Police is giving you the unique opportunity to go ‘behind the scenes’ with their traffic unit for one night only.
On Tuesday 16 June at 6pm, the force will launch a ‘live blog’ which will follow the traffic unit over 4 hours, from 6pm to 10pm.
The team have to deal with a whole range of issues during their time ‘on shift’ including fatal accidents, dangerous vehicles and general patrols of the thousands of miles of roads across the West Midlands. The initiative aims to give viewers an insight in to those different areas.
As well as the live coverage, the site will also feature a number of ‘quick fire’ videos giving advice on everything from the ‘fatal four’ causes of crashes to how to react when you see an emergency vehicle in your rear view mirror. There is also an emotional interview with the mother of a young girl who was killed by a speeding driver.
The updates, information and advice will all be featured on the ‘Behind the Collision’ website. The force twitter account will also be part of the initiative, giving updates and linking followers through to the site. The Twitter feed will also provide the opportunity for anyone to ask the team questions throughout the evening and to comment on what is going on at any time by using the hastag #btwlive.
Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson said:“Behind the Wheel will give the public an insight into the crucial work that West Midlands Police do to keep our roads safe.
“Road safety and reducing the number of people who are killed and injured on our roads are key priorities of mine. It is also crucially important that we keep the arteries of our economy, the motorways, moving freely and deny criminals the use of our roads.”
Acting Superintendent Kerry Blakeman, the officer who will be ‘fronting’ the coverage commented:“We are always keen to find new ways to really open up what we do to the public we serve so they can see the fascinating, challenging and sometimes downright bizarre situations we deal with on a daily basis.
“We never know what we’re going to find when we head out on the roads and this shift will be no different but we promise that whatever we come across, the viewers and followers will experience it right alongside us.
“We know from the amount of interest we get in our general traffic Twitter account just how much interest there is in the traffic teams and the work we carry out across the West Midlands.
“We are one of the most visible aspects of the force and people are often keen to understand more of what we do. Our overall aim is to deny criminals the use of our roads across the West Midlands and this is an amazing opportunity for the general public to see exactly how we go about that on a daily basis.”
Log on to the Behind the Wheel website http://behindthecrime.west-midlands.police.uk/ from 6pm on Tuesday 16 June. The live coverage will run from 6pm to 9.30pm and there will be a live question and answer session with Supt Blakeman and his team following that.
‘Behind the Wheel’ is part of the ‘Behind the Crime’ series which takes the public behind the scenes of different teams and departments within WMP, giving them detailed insight in to the work they do. A previous blog ‘Behind the Murder’ looked at the running of a murder investigation and attracted thousands of viewers. There are more Behind the Crime blogs planned over the next few months.
A BIRMINGHAM woman who breached a court order that barred her from making “loud sex noises” has been jailed.
Gemma Wale, of Small Heath, Birmingham, was given a two-week prison sentence.
A civil court judge concluded she had breached an anti-social behaviour order by “screaming and shouting whilst having sex” at a “level of noise” that annoyed a neighbour.
The details emerged in a written ruling by Judge Emma Kelly following a hearing in Birmingham County Court.
The court heard Birmingham City Council took legal action after neighbour Ghazala Bibi, 40, complained about loud sex noises coming from her home.
Mrs Bibi said in evidence: ‘Gemma started screaming and shouting whilst having sex, which woke us up. This lasted ten minutes.’
On another occasion Mrs Bibi said she was called a ‘f***ing bitch’ and heard Wale shouting ‘f***ing prick’ repeatedly on another.
The judge did not give Miss Wale’s age in her ruling but said she had a boyfriend called Wayne.
Judge Kelly said she had also breached the order by arguing with her boyfriend, swearing at a neighbour, “banging around the house” and “running around in the property”.
Judge Kelly said:“I am satisfied that during the course of the early hours of January 29, 2015, at around 5am, the defendant was guilty of screaming and shouting whilst having sex at a level of noise which caused nuisance or annoyance to (a neighbour).
“In light of the amount of breaches found, the lack of remorse and the defendant’s attendance at court literally days before half of these breaches took place, I take the view that an immediate term of imprisonment is justified on the facts of this case.
“I take the view that a period fourteen days immediate imprisonment is appropriate to run concurrently on each breach.”
A number of people were arrested during the policing operation for last night’s FA Cup quarter final between Aston Villa and West Bromwich Albion.
West Midlands Police have now launched an investigation into a pre-match disturbance at a pub near to Villa Park and the FA have launched an investigation into the actions of both clubs.
With a lot of locals supporting one of the two clubs we want to know; Were you there? We would love to hear from you.
Chief Superintendent Chris Johnson, from West Midlands Police, said:“We carried out a large policing operation for the FA Cup yesterday evening (March 7) to ensure supporters could enjoy the game in a safe environment.
“During the course of the operation 17 men were arrested for various public order offences. An investigation has been launched to identify people involved in a disturbance before the match at the Witton Arms pub.
“Anyone who saw what happened should contact police on 101 or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
“We will also be supporting the Football Association to identify people involved in pitch invasions that happened at the end of the match.”
Arrest details:
8 x arrests on suspicion of public order offences
4 x arrests on suspicion of drunk and disorderly
2 x arrests on suspicion of breach of the peace
1 x arrest on suspicion of drunk entry to the ground
1 x arrest on suspicion of breach of a banning order
