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MAN CHARGED OVER COLLISION A motorist has been charged with the attempted murder of a man who was in collision with a car and carried on its bonnet for a mile in Staffordshire. The driver, a 47-year-old man, has been bailed to appear before magistrates in Stafford on Friday. The charge relates to an incident in which a 54-year-old man clung to a car as it drove along the A51 near Rugeley. CHARITY WALK THROUGH BRITAIN West Midlands Ambulance Service staff from Coventry have set off on a charity walk from Scotland to Land's End. The 10-strong walking group, backed up by five support staff, aims to raise much-needed funds for the national Baby Lifeline charity. It supports parents across the UK through pregnancy. The walkers hope to complete the 860-mile trek by June 20. DELAYS DUE AS ROADWORKS START Motorists have been warned to expect delays on the A5 near Nesscliffe, Shropshire, as work to construct a new traffic island begins. The Highways Agency said temporary traffic signals will be fitted at the junction with the B4396. The signals will be in operation 24 hours a day until Friday July 19, when the work is due to be completed. SHOOTING - POLICE RELEASE MAN Detectives probing a shooting at a retail park in Stoke-on-Trent have released a 19-year-old local man. Staffordshire police said the teenager was freed on bail pending further inquiries into the incident in Festival Park, Hanley. The 45-year-old victim from Warrington, Cheshire, underwent surgery to his abdomen and is described as "stable". RED CROSS LEAVING CARE HOMES The British Red Cross is to pass over control of its residential care homes, including Malvern and Redditch in Worcestershire. A spokeswoman denied reports the move is designed to divert more money into the welfare of asylum seekers. "We don't feel our expertise is best suited to residential care homes," she added. PARK AND RIDE TO HELP PATIENTS More than 100 staff at Coventry's Walsgrave Hospital are to park and ride to relieve congestion for patients. The hospital said the weekday service was set up when officials agreed a deal to use 800 spaces at a nearby cinema. The University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust said preparatory work for a new hospital led to a cut in the number of car parking spaces. 'SATIRICAL' ARTWORK UNVEILED An art exhibition poking fun at politicians, including former Transport Minister Stephen Byers, is to be staged at Staffordshire University. The satirical artwork, created by Simon Johnston, a final year fine art student, includes a caricature of Mr Byers using a canvas made of flannels. The images will be unveiled on Saturday at the art and design graduate show. AUTOGRAPHED GLOVE FOR SALE A boxing glove autographed by nine world heavyweight champions is to be auctioned in Shropshire this month. The signatures include those of both Lennox Lewis and Mike Tyson. Lewis has demolished Tyson to retain his world title in Memphis, USA. The glove is going on sale at a two-day auction by Wall-under-Heywood in Telford on June 20 and 21. SPITFIRE MARKS ANNIVERSARY A flying display by a 1945 Spitfire will help to mark the 60th anniversary of the opening of a key Second World War airfield in Warwickshire. The flight, at an open day on June 30, celebrates the 1942 start of RAF Gaydon, near Stratford, where pilots flying night bombers were trained. Gaydon is now home to the Land Rover Heritage Motor Centre. NEW APPEAL OVER MISSING WOMAN Police have marked the third anniversary of a Dudley woman's disappearance by appealing for fresh information about her whereabouts. Patricia Lashley, 37, went missing from her home in Hall Street in June 1999. The mother of seven, who has family connections with Newcastle-upon-Tyne, London, Wales, Cyprus and Ireland, had been suffering from depression. ROBBERIES CONTINUES TO FALL ACROSS WEST MIDLANDS Latest figures for Operation Safer Streets, the forcewide operation to crack down on street robbery, continue to show a welcome drop. Since the initiative was launched offences have gone down week on week, from 263 during week one to 191 this week, a fall of more than 27 per cent. At the same time, the number of arrests have continued to rise. From 1 April 912 people have been arrested for robbery throughout the West Midlands. Those arrested during the last seven days include a man who is alleged to have robbed a woman as she walked to the bank with the takings of a local pub in Erdington. As she approached the bank she was confronted by the man and threatened with a knife, before he snatched the takings from her. Officers immediately responded and the man was arrested nearby. A search revealed he was still in possession of both the cash and the weapon. The man has since been charged with robbery and two house burglaries. Two men have been charged with a robbery at Hussains Foodstore in Sparkhill where offenders produced a handgun and struck the shop assistant over the head with it before escaping in a car which had been used in another robbery earlier the same day. Officers from Solihull have arrested one man believed to be part of a team of offenders responsible for committing up to 32 offences by targeting lone women driving in slow moving traffic, opening their car doors, frightening the victims and stealing their handbags. A search of one of the alleged offender's homes revealed ammunition and #1,100 in cash hidden under his mattress. A further weapon was also recovered. In Coventry a joint operation was carried out with officers from the OCU and Firearms which led to the arrest of a number of people believed to be part of a gang responsible for a number of raids at jewellers in Lutterworth, Nuneaton and Coventry, where stolen cars were used to carry out the raids. One hundred and sixty officers are currently working on Operation Safer Streets II. West Midlands Police is one of 10 forces around the country involved in the national Robbery Reduction Initiative and ACC Sims has been chosen to head the national ACPO Street Action Group. The new initiative adopts a 'twin track' approach - with policing activity working alongside a range of other criminal justice agencies including the courts, the CPS and the local authorities. A steering group made up of representatives from the other agencies meet regularly and report back to the Home Office. BEHAVIOUR ORDER FOR 14-YEAR-OLD A 14-year-old girl has been ordered by magistrates not to harass or threaten anyone in Birmingham for four years. Hailey Connolly, of Ingoldsby Estate in Northfields, was issued with an Anti-Social Behaviour Order by magistrates in the city to last until she is 18. She is also banned from three blocks of flats and any property used by Army cadets. A breach may lead to custody. GROUP WARNS OF BLEAK FUTURE The Black Country and The Potteries are in danger of missing out on future economic growth in the region, Friends Of The Earth has warned. The local branch of the environmental pressure group said that road-based developments could dominate the area's economy for the next two decades. A spokesman called for people to reject these and pursue sustainable growth. NEW BISHOP DUE TO BE NAMED Downing Street is expected to make an announcement revealing the identity of the eighth Bishop of Birmingham. The former bishop, the Rt Rev Mark Santer, retired at the end of May following 15 years in the post. One of his last acts as bishop was to call for voters to reject the politics of the BNP and National Front in the local elections held in May. DEDICATED RSPCA MAN WINS AWARD A Staffordshire-based RSPCA officer who has worked to improve the welfare of thousands of animals for more than 30 years has won an award. Field Chief Inspector Nick Brundrit, 56, will be presented with a medal and certificate to mark his service. He joined the RSPCA in 1970 after five years at the RAF and covered Stafford from 1982. He now covers Wolverhampton. MURDER CHARGE MAN REMANDED A 22-year-old man has appeared at Birmingham Magistrates' Court charged with the murder of a college lecturer whose body was found buried. Robert McMahon, of Shawbury Grove, Highgate, was remanded in custody. He is accused of killing Mark Green, whose body was found dismembered in a garden. McMahon's brother James, 19, is charged with assisting in the body's disposal. FORCES GET £2.7m BOOST West Midlands police force is to get an extra £2.7m to make communities safer, it has been announced. The allocation is part of the extra funding to tackle terrorism and street crime announced during the Budget. West Midlands Police will receive £1.8m to tackle street crime and will share £900,000 with three other forces for extra counter-terrorism measures. SCHOOLBOY SCOOPS POETRY PRIZE A Shropshire schoolboy has scooped a gold medal in the national Queen's Golden Jubilee poetry competition. Tony Managh, 11, a pupil at Park Junior School, Wellington, took the first prize in the 7-11 age group for his poem, Aberfan 21st October 1966. Almost 4,000 children from across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland entered the competition. TRAVEL SAFETY SCHEME REVEALED The West Midlands Passenger Transport Executive is set to install help points at rail and Metro park-and-ride sites. Public address systems will also allow operators at the region's Network Safety and Security Centre to issue warnings to potential criminals. The scheme will run alongside a project to provide bus shelters fitted with impact sensors to detect vandalism. MENTAL HEALTH TRUST ASSESSED South Birmingham Mental Health NHS Trust is undergoing a routine assessment of its services. The Commission for Health Improvement is carrying out the review at the trust in order to find areas for improvement. Sue Turner, chief executive of the trust, said that they welcomed the review and the opinions the commission would offer. POLICE SUPPORT FOR WALSALL YOUTH SHELTER PROJECT West Midlands Police Authority is to donate #2,000, through its Community Initiative Fund, to the development of a youth shelter for the Coalpool and Ryecroft areas of Walsall The funding is used to support initiatives in which police officers are involved in improving aspects of their local community. Sergeant Martin Russell, from the Ryecroft crime fighting team, said: "Our team are working in partnership with the local authority to develop a shelter for young people in the area. We are also hoping to organise for them to redesign a local subway. "The shelter will be a place that young people can go to stay safe in their free time and could also act as an incentive for young people to avoid getting involved in crime and anti-social behaviour." Councillor Mohammed Nazir, member of the West Midlands Police Authority, will present the cheque at the Ryecroft Resource Centre this Thursday. NEW DEDICATED VAN FOR ROAD POLICING IN BROWNHILLS A bright yellow van will take to the streets of Brownhills this week, dedicated to policing the local roads and keeping them as safe as possible for the local community. Police Constable Bob Kerr, from Brownhills police station, said: "The distinctive van has been donated by Autorite, a local company who are supporting our work to improve the area's roads. "We will use the van to take part in vehicle examination operations, to attend road traffic collisions and to do stop checks." Officers will also look to use the van to hold equipment to analyse collision scenes through a series of measurements, and to reconstruct road traffic collisions. "There is no doubt this van will be a great asset to our department. We hope to keep any delays to law-abiding drivers as minimal as possible during these operations and would appeal to drivers to be patient and understand that our main goal is to ensure safer streets for everyone," added PC Kerr. FIFTY ENQUIRIES AFTER CAMPAIGN TO RECRUIT SPECIAL CONSTABLES IN HANDSWORTH The Special Constabulary based at Thornhill Road Operational Command Unit which covers Great Barr, Perry Barr, Handsworth, Handsworth Wood, Birchfield and Newtown has received fifty enquiries from members of the public after a leafleting campaign to recruit more specials in the area. Local Councillor Ron Whitehouse assisted officers in the distribution of flyers to promote the work of the special constables. The team is currently 15 strong but they are hoping to double in size by the end of the year. Special Constable Mark Colclough said: "We have launched a long-term campaign to recruit local people to join the Special Constabulary. "We are a trained police reserve designed to support and supplement West Midlands Police and have the same powers as regular police officers. "Most specials offer four hours or more per week and tasks can include responding to 999 calls, patrolling the streets and investigative work. "We are waiting to find out how many of the fifty enquiries become full applications and are continuing with a series of open days." Anyone interested in finding out more about the Special Constabulary should call 0845 113 5000 and ask for Sergeant Peter Bain at Holyhead Road police station or email p.bain@west-midlands.police.uk. NEW FIGURES SHOW JUVENILES RESPONSIBLE FOR 38 PER CENT OF STREET CRIME Latest end-of-year figures for robbery show that 38 per cent of detected street crime is linked to juveniles aged between 10-17 years. Out of 2,766 total detections for robbery and assault with intent to rob for the year ending April 2002, more than1,052 were carried out by youngsters. Operation Safer Streets II, the long-term initiative to tackle street robbery, has highlighted a growing number of incidents involving young people. In Erdington, a gang of 14-17 year old girls were arrested near the scene of a robbery. At the police station, a strip search revealed they had concealed stolen jewellery and a mobile phone in their underwear. The gang have since been charged with three offences and investigations are continuing into a further five offences. A few days earlier, at Sutton Park Town Gate, a prompt response from the local robbery team led to the arrest of two juveniles still in possession of stolen property. During the same week a juvenile in the same area was responsible for robbing an 81 year old woman of her handbag. Officers from Stechford operational command unit have arrested a 10 year old and 12 year old for robbery where the victim himself was only 10. Three businessmen who were out jogging helped in the arrested of a 15 year old youth, who was already on bail for robbery, when he robbed a Russian woman who was walking alone on a canal towpath. The youngster has been charged with the latest offence and remanded in custody. Last month in North Sandwell six youths were arrested for an armed robbery in High Street, West Bromwich, when two people were robbed of cash and jewellery at gunpoint during the incident on 2 May. A CCTV operator spotted the youngsters acting suspiciously in Jesson Street, West Bromwich, and drop a gun behind a wall. Police went to the scene and recovered a weapon along with ammunition. All six have been arrested on suspicion of robbery and firearm offences and are on bail awaiting the results of forensic tests on the gun. Assistant Chief Constable (Crime Reduction) Chris Sims said: "Many of the youngsters arrested have been involved in theft of small quantities of cash or mobile phones - property only worth a few pounds but which is likely to have a severe impact on the lives of these offenders. "Increasingly, courts are getting tough with young offenders and many could find themselves being locked up until the case is heard at court - then locked up for a considerable period when they are sentenced. "Our research has shown that often these offenders don't realise the significance of what they have done and treat is as some sort of joke. The fact is robbery is a serious offence and this is being reflected in the sort of sentencing we are now seeing. "As well as having a criminal record, youngsters convicted of robbery may face all sorts of problems when they are older. For example, there are many jobs where they have to disclose whether they have been in trouble before and if they want to travel abroad on holiday they may find themselves unable to do so." Special teams of officers have been set up across the entire force area to tackle robbery. One hundred and sixty officers are currently working on Operation Safer Streets II. West Midlands Police is one of 10 forces around the country involved in the national Robbery Reduction Initiative and ACC Sims has been chosen to head the national ACPO Street Action Group. The new initiative adopts a 'twin track' approach - with policing activity working alongside a range of other criminal justice agencies including the courts, the CPS and the local authorities. A steering group made up of representatives from the other agencies meet regularly and report back to the Home Office. POLICE IN WEDNESFIELD WARN HOMEOWNERS TO BE ON THEIR GUARD Police officers based at Wednesfield operational command unit are warning homeowners to be on their guard after a spate of burglaries in the area. Houses have been targeted in the Bolton Road, Hart Road and Waddensbrook Lane areas over the last few weeks, where offenders remove beading from double-glazing units to gain access to properties. Detective Constable Andrew Fennell, based at Wednesfield, said: "Ideally, beading should be on the inside of windows to prevent this form of entry. "All residents should check their property and be aware of any suspicious people or goings-on in their neighbourhoods." If members of the public would like more advice, they can contact DC Fennell at Wednesfield on 01902 649 129. WEST MIDLANDS POLICE PICKS UP 'PUBLICATION OF THE YEAR' AWARD West Midlands Police beat hundreds of other entries from organisations all over the country to win the national coveted award for 'Publication of the Year', sponsored by Northcliffe Newspapers, one of the country's major newspaper groups. The winners were announced last week at the Northcliffe Press Awards event, which were held at De Montfort Hall, Leicester. The judges, who are editors from a wide range of publications, praised the newspaper for its editorial style, combined with the professional use of images. News Beat is a monthly West Midlands Police newspaper and has a circulation of over 10,000. The newspaper is produced by the force Press and PR Department and is distributed to police officers and support staff internally, the local media, local authorities, the Home Office, other police forces and agencies and individuals who are interested in reading about West Midlands Police. An edited 'on line' copy of the newspaper can be found on the force's internet site: www.west-midlands.police.uk. Sir Edward Crew, Chief Constable of West Midlands Police, said: "We are absolutely delighted with this national recognition. News Beat is an excellent channel for us to get information about the force across to interested parties. Congratulations go to everyone who has contributed towards the newspaper." PEER CRITICISES ASYLUM CENTRES Conservative peer Lord Taylor of Warwick has attacked planned asylum centres as "monstrosities" and compared them to concentration camps. A detention centre for asylum seekers is earmarked at a former airbase in Throckmorton, Worcestershire. MPs have a last chance to attempt to tone down the plans today before the issue goes to the House of Lords. NEW ASYLUM CENTRE PROPOSED The Government has received plans to develop an asylum centre near Shrewsbury, it has been disclosed. Immigration Minister Beverley Hughes said plans for an accommodation centre at High Ercall have been put forward. She told Labour MP for The Wrekin Peter Bradley: "This does not necessarily mean that the site has become a serious prospect." ONLINE TOOL TO FIGHT CRIME Police are launching a new online weapon in their fight against street crime in the West Midlands. The computer based "Street Robbery Policing Knowledge Map" will provide visual guides for officers on the most efficient crime-busting tactics. They will be able to log on to see the latest and best methods for gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses. FAILING COUNCIL TAKEOVER ORDER The Audit Commission has recommended a private sector management team should run the services of a Walsall local authority slammed in an earlier report. Walsall Council was referred to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister after suffering "severe service failures" and management problems. The commission wants a private sector group to run it for up to two years. COUNCIL WORRY ON PRIVATE PLAN Walsall Council has warned the Government that plans to replace its management executive with a private sector team could cost taxpayers £4m. The Audit Commission has recommended the new team takes over for up to the next two years. Authority leader Councillor Tom Ansell said the proposals were a "high cost, high risk plan". CONCERN GROWS FOR MISSING MAN Police are concerned for the welfare of a 42-year-old Smethwick man who has been missing since May 17. Andrew Keggans was last seen at his home address in Edgbaston Road. He is white, 5ft 8in, thin, with black hair, a sparse beard and a moustache. He was wearing a bright yellow jumper with a zig-zag pattern on the front, a dark blue jacket and jeans. TRAFFIC DELAYS ON A5 WARNING Motorists are warned to expect delays on the A5 near Nesscliffe, Shropshire, as work begins to construct a new traffic island. The Highways Agency said signals on the A5 trunk road at its junction with the B4396 would be put in place while the Wolfshead roundabout is constructed. The signals will be in operation 24 hours a day until July 19. AWARD FOR SOCIAL WORK SERVICE Warwickshire's education social work service is being presented with the Investors in People award. The ceremony is being held at Binley Business Park, Coventry. The service works with schools and families on issues including child welfare. The nationally-recognised IIP award is given by business experts at the Training and Enterprise Council. FANS BANNED FROM MILLWALL GAME Stoke and Wolves fans will be banned from their away match with Millwall next season, it has been announced. The decision follows rioting six weeks ago when around 900 fans of the London club went on the rampage after a home play-off defeat by Birmingham City. Away fans have been banned for six fixtures at the New Den, and four more games will be all-ticket. MAN APPEALS ON COURT MARTIAL A Stafford serviceman's appeal in the House of Lords could lead to the abolition of the courts martial system. Mark Ashby is one of 12 servicemen launching a joint appeal after being convicted by courts martial. The 12 say their trials for civilian criminal offences were not impartial or fair and contravened the European Convention on Human Rights. PEOPLE URGED TO LOCK THEIR CARS Police officers from Kings Heath operational command unit are urging residents to keep their cars locked and valuables out of view at all times. The warning follows several incidents when items such as CDs, stereos, and mobile phones have been stolen from cars that have been left insecure. Community partnerships officer Louise Medlicott said: "As the days get warmer people tend to leave their sunroofs open and sometimes cars are even left unlocked. "This gives robbers a perfect opportunity to break in and steal any valuables in full view. We want people to be more careful when out and about and ensure their cars are properly secured. It only takes a few seconds for someone to break in." Anyone with information about crime should contact their local police station or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. POLICE IN WILLENHALL LAUNCH OPERATION FORMULA TO FOCUS ON VEHICLE CRIME Police have today launched Operation Formula, which will see a dedicated team of around 15 officers focus on vehicle crime across the Willenhall, Bloxwich, Brownhills and Darlaston areas. Intelligence gathered during the planning of the operation has highlighted ten targets who are thought to be prolific offenders involved in theft of and from vehicles. Comprising police constables, intelligence officers and detectives, the team will target these known vehicle crime offenders and take part in high visibility patrols. The operation will also make use of latest technology which allows officers to check vehicles on the road against a crime database containing descriptions of vehicles that have been involved in crimes. Officers will also make random vehicle and bus checks and take part in undercover observations in particular areas identified to have a problem. Detective Chief inspector Bob Spencer, crime manager for Willenhall operational command unit, said: "We are determined to make it hard for criminals to commit vehicle crime in Willenhall, but we need help from the local community. "Our last operation of this kind resulted in over 120 arrest in just one month and we are hoping for the same success. "We would appeal for people to reduce opportunities for criminals to strike by removing valuables such as tools, coats, bags and radios from vehicles. If you do need to carry electrical or hand tools in a vehicle, speak to your local police who can advise about security marking measures." Anyone with information about vehicle crime in Willenhall should call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 - calls will be treated in strict confidence. STARS OUT TO HELP RAISE FUNDS FOR CHARITY Ten star-struck performers from across the UK will take to the stage in September to raise funds for Marie Curie Cancer Care, the UK's most comprehensive cancer charity. Charity Entertainment Extravaganza VII follows the success of six previous sell-out shows, which helped raise more than £8,000 for various local causes. Award-winning breakfast presenter, Les Ross MBE from Birmingham's BRMB radio station will host the show with Darren Yates, from West Midlands Police Press and PR Department. Midlanders Carrie-Anne McNally from Birmingham, Jade Verity Swain of Wednesbury, Natalie Cooper of Wolverhampton and Jamie Reeves from Gloucester are just four of the performers that will form part of the entertainment extravaganza. Top agent Tony Barry of Global Entertainments and Malcolm Bell from Revolver Music will join other representatives from the showbiz industry to judge the ten vocalists and finally select the best performing artist. The winner will get the chance to be part of a forthcoming new charity single by 'The Copstars' - a West Midlands Police pop group, who last year recorded a version of Bobby's Girl with pop idol finalist Hayley Evetts and comedian Joe Pasquale. Charity Entertainment Extravaganza VII will be staged at West Midlands Police's Tally Ho! Sports and Conference Centre in Edgbaston, Birmingham on Friday 6 September 2002, from 7.30pm onwards. Tickets are only £5 and are available from Marie Curie Cancer Care, please telephone 0121 443 2027. Last year, Marie Curie Cancer Care spent more £2.8 million on cancer research. Marie Curie Cancer Care is the UK's most comprehensive cancer charity. They have been fighting cancer for over 50 years through hospice care, home nursing, research and education. In the West Midlands they have over 400 Marie Curie Nurses. They provide 'hands on' medical and emotional support to cancer patients and their families in their own homes, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, entirely free. Marie Curie nurses look after over half of all people with cancer who die at home. £8.5m FOR CANAL SCHEME An £8.5m scheme to move large loads off the roads and on to water is set to benefit one canal in the West Midlands. Shipping Minister David Jamieson said the funds will go towards the construction of two vessels to carry abnormal loads, such as generators. One of the vessels, able to carry loads up to 300 tonnes, will travel up the Severn Navigation as far as Worcester. CASH AWARD FOR SOCCER CLUB Redditch United FC have been awarded £27,770 from the Football Stadia Improvement Fund. The grant will allow the Western Division League club to improve pitch drainage and provide perimeter fencing at the Valley Stadium. The award forms part of £35m given by the fund since its launch in July 2000 to lower and non-league clubs. PRIEST SENTENCED OVER SEX ABUSE A Roman Catholic priest is due to be sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court for sexually abusing three girls. Father John Gerard Flahive, 52, was convicted of four counts of indecent assault in April and was told by the judge to expect a jail sentence. The allegations dated back to a period when Flahive held clerical posts in Walsall and Birmingham. CHURCH GROUP HAILS BISHOP MOVE The Council of Black Led Churches has welcomed the appointment of the Rt Rev John Sentamu as Bishop of Birmingham. Ugandan-born Bishop Sentamu this week became the first black cleric in the UK to lead a diocese. "He is committed to Christian unity and social justice for all," a spokesman for the CBLC's Birmingham branch said. "We look forward to working with him." FIRE VICTIM 'KILLED IN REVENGE' A Lichfield man killed in a fire was the victim of a revenge arson attack, Wolverhampton Crown Court has heard. Christopher Smith is said to have set Robert Thacker's home alight in revenge for him urinating into a fuse box. Smith, 24, denies murder. Mr Thacker, 26, who had behavioural and health problems, died in hospital after the blaze at the house in Pauls Walk. 'CLEARED' SURGEON FACES HEARING A Coventry hospital trust has ordered a surgeon to appear before a disciplinary hearing despite a recommendation by the GMC that she should return to work. Walsgrave Hospital said the decision had been taken after a review of expert evidence against Briony Ackroyd. Miss Ackroyd was suspended in February 2000 amid accusations of clinical negligence, but was cleared by the GMC. CHILDREN TARGET OF CRIME FIGHT West Midlands Police officers are to begin a series of visits to schools in Birmingham to encourage youngsters not to begin a life of crime. Officers are to explain how a criminal record can affect someone's life. PC Steve Cluney said: "The presentations are part of Operation Turbulence, an initiative to reduce crime across the area." PET CAT CLEO SHOT DEAD An elderly pet cat has been shot dead near her owner's home in Coventry by a thug armed with an airgun. The 17-year-old animal, called Cleo, was found under a tree near Ullswater Road, Binley. RSPCA inspector Chris Heyworth said: "Someone must know who committed this crime. I would urge them to give that information to us as soon as possible." MP WANTS FESTIVAL FEE LOWERED Lichfield MP Michael Fabricant is to ask police to consider reducing fees for patrolling a historic festival. Speaking after this year's Golden Jubilee Bower, the Tory MP stressed the city festival was not a commercial activity like a football match. "People put great effort into running this great tradition and it raises funds for local charities," he said. POLICE IN DUDLEY INVITE THE PUBLIC TO MEET THEIR LOCAL OFFICERS Officers from Dudley North operational command unit have arranged a meeting for the Dudley community at 6.30pm on Thursday 20 June. Sector Inspector Glen Osborne and Sergeant Shin Barquer will meet local residents and businesses at the Meadow Road youth centre in Dudley. Sgt Barquer said: "This is a great opportunity for residents to raise issues which concern them most and for us to build closer relationships with members of the local community." This will be the second meeting so far this year and anyone interested is invited to attend. "This is your chance to influence how your area is policed," added Sgt Barquer. CRIME PREVENTION AT CANNON HILL PARK Officers from Woodbridge Road police station will be bringing their crime prevention caravan to Cannon Hill Park in Edgbaston, Birmingham, this weekend. As the days get warmer and longer people from all over the city make the trip down to the popular park at weekends. Sergeant Kevin Borg said: "Traditionally, crime tends to rise during the summer months and we hope having high visibility will reassure visitors as well as send the message to criminals that their activities will not be tolerated." Members of the public can visit the caravan for crime prevention advice and can also take the opportunity to include their mobile phone details on the database. This registers the serial number with the police enabling the owner to be easily traced if the phone is stolen. "Two off road motorbikes will also be part of the initiative and will be patrolling the park and the canal tow paths where offences have occurred in the past," said Sgt Borg. "The Special Constabulary, Park Rangers and plain clothes officers will also be involved in the initiative. They have previously had a dramatic effect on incidents in the park. The last time they took part in an initiative there was no reported crime in the park." The crime prevention caravan will be out on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 June from 11am to 6pm. HARD-HITTING PRESENTATIONS AT SCHOOLS IN SOUTH-WEST BIRMINGHAM Officers from Rose Road operational command unit which covers the areas of Harborne, Edgbaston, Ladywood, Winson Green and Quinton will begin a series visits to schools this week to deliver a hard-hitting presentation which includes an explanation of how having a criminal record can affect your life. Police Constable Steve Cluney, from Rose Road police station, said: "The presentations are part of 'Operation Turbulence', an initiative to reduce crime across the area. "It is crucial that alongside police operations to target known criminals, we also ensure that young people are aware of how to avoid getting involved in crime so that the initiative can have a long term effect on the community. "The young people will learn how having a criminal record could restrict whether you can travel abroad and the ability to work in certain professions such as sport coaching and nursing. "We will also inform young people about mobile phone theft, how to prevent it and the repercussions of taking part in it." The talks kick off at George Dixon Secondary School, City Road, Edgbaston on Thursday 13 June and continue across the area until mid July. OFFICERS RECEIVE AWARDS FOR OUTSTANDING BRAVERY AND COMMITMENT Forty-six committed members of staff from Dudley South operational command unit received awards for their bravery and dedication in a ceremony held at Oldswinford Hospital School on Friday 7 June, which recognised their work in the local communities of Kingswinford, Stourbridge, Lye and Halesowen. Chief Superintendent Simon Cole presented a selection of commendations and quality achiever awards to officers and support staff who have excelled in their posts over recent months. A special commendation was made to Mr Jeewan Summan, of the local authority CCTV scheme, for his assistance in the arrest of an alleged robber on 3 January 2002. Mr. Summan noticed the offence take place and was able to direct officers to the offender through the use of the CCTV system. Police Constable's Boden and Howlett coordinated the pursuit from the Halesowen operations centre, while PC's King, Dixon and Skidmore chased and captured the offender. Further assistance from Mr Summan enabled Police Constable Benjamin and his dog locate the stolen property that had been discarded by the offender. Chief Superintendent Simon Cole, based at Halesowen police station, said: "This was a great piece of teamwork, which resulted in a successful arrest. All involved rightly deserve the commendation." Other awards went to Police Constable David Viner, for his years of dedication to duty and the people of Halesowen and Police Constable Katharine Wright for her diligence and commitment in persuading a woman from jumping from a bridge over the M5 motorway. Police Sergeant Andrew Pugh and Section Officer Mark Silvester, both from Lye, were commended for their brave actions during an incident when they entered an unstable house to arrest a man who had deliberately rammed his car into the building. The officers arrested the man and ensured that the occupants of the house were safe. "These awards are to recognize all of the hard work that West Midlands Police staff from Dudley South put into their jobs. Thanks to them, there has been a marked improvement in the area in which we work and live," said Chief Superintendent Cole. PROTEST MEET OVER ASYLUM PLANS Protesters fighting plans to house asylum seekers at a former airbase in Worcestershire are to stage a public meeting to discuss their campaign. Campaigners have formed an action group - Protest at the Asylum Centre at Throckmorton - to fight the plans. Mid-Worcestershire MP Peter Luff, who has criticised the plans, will address the meeting at Pershore High School. SCHEME TO ENCOURAGE LEARNING Estelle Morris is due to launch a Government initiative in the West Midlands which aims to encourage more teenagers to continue learning. Young people will be able to use their Connexions Cards to bank points - which can be used to buy goods at discount -in exchange for continuing education. The scheme is due to be launched at Rawlett High School, Tamworth. SCHEME TO REDUCE ROBBERIES West Midlands Police has set up an initiative to prevent and reduce attacks on cash-in-transit vehicles and premises, it has emerged. The force said Operation Cashguard had resulted in a 57% drop in offences over the last six months. As part of the scheme officers, security guards and businesses meet to share and collate intelligence. ROOFER JAILED OVER SOCCER RIOT A roofer has been jailed for two years for his part in the riot which followed last month's football match between Millwall and Birmingham City. Ian Harman, 37, of Folkestone, was one of the first people to start throwing missiles at police after the play-off game, Woolwich Crown Court has heard. More than 100 police officers were injured in the violence. HOUSES ESCAPE LORRY CRASH An articulated lorry has narrowly missed damaging homes in Warwickshire after colliding with another lorry. The accident took place at a junction of the A446, at Coleshill when one of the lorries left the road demolishing a set of traffic lights. The truck continued and crashed through garden walls of nearby houses before damaging three parked vehicles. FORMER ALTAR BOY SEEKS DAMAGES A former altar boy who allegedly suffered sexual abuse by a paedophile priest in Coventry has launched a High Court damages action. Simon Grey claims Father Christopher Clonan abused him while he was at Christ the King Church, Coundon. The Archbishop of Birmingham and the Trustees of the Birmingham Archdiocese of the Catholic Church deny liability. AIRPORT SEES DROP IN PASSENGERS Birmingham International Airport handled 739,882 passengers last month, a 2.3% drop on last year. An airport spokesman said scheduled traffic was down 2.6% although domestic routes saw a slight rise in passengers compared to May 2001. A spokesman said the dip was expected, given that figures for the previous year pre-dated the September 11 attack. ACCUSED 'SHOUTED RACIAL ABUSE' A chef was murdered in Birmingham by two white men who minutes before shouted abuse at Asian pedestrians, Birmingham Crown Court has heard. Father-of-five Khaliur Rahman, 58, died from internal bleeding a month after an attack outside the Taj Tandoori in Bristol Street, where he worked. Christopher Cucchiaro, 26, and David Dennehy, 27, deny murder. SKATE PARK GETS GREEN LIGHT Birmingham City Council has given the green light to plans to create Europe's largest skateboarding park in the city. The £250,000 indoor skateboarding and BMX park will be housed in Grade II-listed former tram depot sheds in Trafalgar Road, Balsall Heath. The local authority's development control committee approved plans for a change of use at the site. AWARD FOR SCHOOL'S ORGAN CHAPEL A school in Rugby has been honoured at the 2002 Building of the Year Awards. The awards, sponsored by the Royal Fine Art Commission Trust and British Sky Broadcasting, were presented by Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell. The builders of the Rugby School Chapel Organ, which won the Jeu d'Esprit category, are Kenneth Jones and Associates. DATES FOR MOBILE POLICE STATION Police in Wolverhampton are encouraging members of the public to meet their local officers on the following dates, when the mobile police caravan will be visiting the area: Monday June 17 - Safeway, Pendeford Tuesday June 18 - Tettenhall Police Station, Tettenhall Thursday June 20 - Blakenhall Gardens, Blakenhall Friday June 21 - Avion Centre, Whitmore Reans Saturday June 22 - Wulfrun shopping centre, Wolverhampton Sandra Hollinshead, Community Partnerships Officer at Wolverhampton, said: "We invite local people to visit these locations to speak to police officers regarding crime prevention advice, or to raise any issues about policing in the area." The mobile police station will be open between 10am and 3.30pm on the dates given. GREAT RESULTS SO FAR FOR OPERATION TURBULENCE An analysis of the amount of crime since the launch of Operation Turbulence at the beginning of June across Harborne, Edgbaston, Ladywood, Winson Green and Quinton has shown a significant decrease in all three priority crime areas of burglary, robbery and vehicle crime. So far this month, there have been 22.5 percent fewer burglaries compared to the same period last year, 29 percent fewer vehicle crimes and 43 percent fewer robberies. This equates to 33 less victims of these crimes across the area in the period between 1 June and 9 June compared to last year. DCI Malcolm Coall, crime manager for Rose Road operational command unit, said: "These results show that the first week of Operation Turbulence has been a great success for us. Our main aim is to make it hard for criminals to strike in our area by increasing high visibility patrolling and overt operations. "The reduction in robbery has also been assisted by our dedicated robbery team who are working a part of forcewide initiative Operation Safer Streets II. "We are committing resources to ensure that this decrease in crime is consistent throughout the month. End of June projected figures based on the last weeks reduction rate show an estimated 89 less victims of burglary, robbery or vehicle crime across the operational command unit." POLICE HOLD MOBILE SURGERIES FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS Officers from Birmingham Road police station in Wolverhampton will be holding mobile police surgeries on Monday 17 and Tuesday 18 June in Great Brickiln Street, Graisley, Wolverhampton. Sergeant Bryan Pye will be at the mobile surgery between 11am and 4pm to speak to local residents and discuss any issues they may have. Member of the City Council Housing Department will also be there to advise on housing matters. Sgt Pye, from Wolverhampton West operational command unit, said: "The aim of the surgeries are to give members of the public the opportunity to speak to an officer about a variety of crime issues, large or small, in a relaxed atmosphere and near to their home. "We hope this initiative will enable closer links with the community we serve and will enhance the flow of information." POLICE IN DARLASTON ASK RESIDENTS FOR CONFIDENTIAL CRIMINAL INTELLIGENCE Residents in the Darlaston and Moxley areas are being given the opportunity to post confidential information about crime or criminals in their area into a secure ballot box to assist officers to make the area as safe as possible. The boxes, which are situated at Darlaston neighbourhood office on Rough Hay Road and Moxley neighbourhood office on Queen Street, Darlaston, can be used by members of the public to highlight any crime issue, large or small, without going through the regular channels. Pc James Jones from Darlaston police station said: "Any comments written down and put in the boxes are completely confidential and the boxes will be emptied regularly by police officers. "Information from the public is crucial in our work fighting crime in the area. We are interested in knowing about people who are committing any type of crime including robbery, burglary, vehicle crime, drug related offences or anti-social behaviour. "It is a chance for people to give us information that could put their mind at ease and could also stop other people becoming a victim of crime. "This initiative isn't about 'snitching' - it is an opportunity for people to look after their friends, neighbours and family."
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