PICTURES COURTESY OF WEST MERCIA POLICE
Drugs Warrant At Warndon
Police in Worcester have arrested a man in his 20s after conducting a warrant at an address in the Warndon area.
Officers entered and searched the Randwick Drive flat this morning (Thursday) and arrested the man on suspicion of possession of a controlled drug.
Local Policing Sergeant for the area, Paul Green, led the warrant, on which a number of officers, including a dog handler and drugs dog, attended. A number of items were seized.
Sgt Green said: “The Warndon Local Policing Team takes drug offences very seriously, listening to and acting on information and concerns we receive from members of the public as well as police intelligence.
“We would like to reassure residents that officers are dedicated to dealing with those people involved in illegal drugs and work with the community to help ensure it is a safe and enjoyable place to live.”
Community Support Officers for the area Mark Dodkin and Jenny Humphries visited neighbours of the property and nearby residents after the warrant. They reassured them as to what police activity had gone on a left them with letters explaining a drugs warrant had taken place.
Any Warndon residents wanting to raise any issues or ask any questions are invited to go along to the next Partners And Communities Together (PACT) surgery.
Local Policing Officer for Warndon, PC Wayne Hurley, and CSOs Mark Dodkin and Jenny Humphries, attend the surgery at Cranham Drive Police Post every Wednesday between 10:00 and 12:00.
* A man in his 20s remains in custody at Worcester Police Station while enquires continue.
Insecure Malvern Link Cars And Homes Targeted
Police are urging Malvern Link residents in general - and drivers in particular - to ensure that their homes and vehicles are always left secure.
The call follows cars being broken into in Somers Road - where a substantial number of rail-users park daily - Richmond Road, Cromwell Road and Redland Road and properties in these areas also being targeted.
Detectives are studying CCTV footage from a number of sources as part of a concerted effort to catch the criminal - or criminals - who are thought to be responsible for both the burglaries and thefts.
A Malvern police spokesman said: "Targeted properties and vehicles were, in the main insecure, making the criminal's task so much simpler. In some instances, exterior doors were either left unlocked or entry gained using the cat-flap to reach keys. We, therefore, urge everyone to ensure that they do everything possible to stop the opportunist thief from making them a successful target too.
"We also urge motorists not to leave any valuables in vehicles when they are left un-attended, no matter how short the period, and to always check that all windows are fully wound up and all doors locked. Drivers should also always try and park in an area that is overlooked and, where possible, covered by CCTV and - at night - well lit."
Anyone who sees anything suspicious in the area, regarding property or vehicles, is asked to call police on 0300 333 3000. Information can also be given, anonymously, to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Men Face Sentencing For Lorry Driver Kidnap
Five men are due to face sentence this month after being found guilty of the robbery and kidnap of a lorry driver in Worcester.
All five were found guilty of kidnap and robbery at Birmingham Crown Court on February 10 following a trial lasting nearly three weeks.
Lenny Nelson Hodgkins, 33, Mark Adam Southall, 29, John Southall, 21, Simon Smith, 30, and Timothy Michael Joyce, 24, will be sentenced at the same court on Monday, March 22 at 10am.
The incident took place at around 00:10 on October 10, 2008, as the lorry was parked in Ebrington Drive, just off Wainwright Road, Worcester.
The lorry driver was left in Throckmorton, near Pershore, and his lorry was later recovered from Hanley Castle.
Det Sgt Paul Hardman, of South Worcestershire police CID, said: "We are very pleased with the guilty verdicts in this case.
"This was a complex and lengthy investigation by Worcester CID, into a gang of organised criminals that targeted a lone lorry driver in Worcester, asleep in his cab at the time.
"He was kidnapped at knifepoint and driven away, then left in the open air near Throckmorton. His lorry and load was then stolen.
"Due to some excellent police work on that night, three of the offenders were arrested, and the lorry and load recovered. During the 14 month investigation that followed a total of five offenders were charged.
"The victim was a Polish National who spoke no English. He was understandably extremely frightened by what happened to him but we would like to thank Mr Tsuneski for his support and for returning to England to give his evidence during this trial. He is also extremely pleased with its outcome.
"I would like to emphasise and reassure people that this type of crime is very rare in West Mercia, and every effort is made to bring such offenders to justice, as in this case."
Did You See Link Assault?
Malvern police are appealing for witnesses after a man was assaulted in Malvern Link on Friday (February 26).
The incident took place at around 18:40 when a man in his 20s was assaulted by a man thought to be in his 30s.
The victim was taken to the Accident and Emergency Department of Worcestershire Royal Hospital where he received treatment for non-life-threatening injuries before being discharged.
A police spokeswoman said: "Police would like to hear from anyone who has any information on this assault, no matter how insignificant it may seem.
"The exact location of the assault is not known at this time but it was on the street, somewhere in Malvern Link at around 18:40 on Friday."
Anyone with information should call Malvern Police on 0300 333 3000, quoting 600/S/260210, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Brook Murder Suspect Arrested
A man was arrested today on suspicion of murder after the body of another man was recovered from a brook near Oldbury Road, Worcester at approximately 0930 hours.
The body was reported to South Worcestershire Police by a woman walking her dog.
The arrested man remains in custody at Worcester's Castle Street Police Station.
Officers are appealing for witnesses and information from anyone who may have seen - and/or-heard - anything suspicious in the Oldbury Road area between 1700 hours on 11th February and 0900 hours today (12th).
Drug Suspects Arrested And Car Seized
Two men from the Stoke-on-Trent area of Staffordshire were arrested in Worcester early today (10th February) on suspicion of possessing cocaine, a controlled drug.
Their vehicle, a green Subaru Impreza, was also seized by South Worcestershire police officers in connection with the vehicle being uninsured and for forensic investigations to be carried out.
The men, who were arrested between the Whittington traffic island and the M5 slip road at around 0230 hours, were bailed to return to Worcester Police Station while enquiries continue.
"The detection and prosecution of users and suppliers of controlled drugs remains a high priority for South Worcestershire police officers and these further arrests demonstrate a pro-active approach to this challenge 24 hours per day," said a spokesman.
"While these arrests were made due to the diligence, quick-thinking and speedy reactions of patrolling police officers, we also rely on members of the public providing information on drugs use and supply upon which we can act."
Anyone with information they want to give to the police should ring 0300 333 3000 - or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, when they can provide information anonymously.
Suspicious Incident In Adventure Playground
Evesham police are appealing for a woman who reported a man acting suspiciously near to an adventure playground to contact them.
The woman - who could have been a local dog walker - approached staff at Evesham Adventure Playground, Woodlands, at around 11:53 today (Wednesday).
She said she had approached the man, who was also carrying a black camera, and was concerned with his behaviour.
Playground staff informed the police who immediately went and searched the area but they did not find a man matching the description given.
He is said to be white and wearing light blue trousers with a hoody.
PC Dave Howells said: "We would urgently like to speak with this lady and also anyone else who may have seen a man acting suspiciously in the area.
"We would ask also for the male in question to contact us so that we can clarify the situation."
Appeal After McDonalds Assault
Worcester police are appealing for witnesses following a serious assault outside a city centre McDonalds.
The incident took place outside the Foregate Street restaurant between 02:00 and 02:30 on Friday (February 5).
A man was walking from Chicks takeaway after a night out when he was assaulted from behind.
He made his own way to Worcester Royal Hospital's Accident and Emergency department where he was treated for none-life threatening injuries to his face and a broken ankle.
PC Danian Lowe said: "This was an unprovoked attack on a young man making his way home after a night out with friends.
"He is a keen footballer so this injury will prevent him from playing sport for some time. I would urge anyone with any information to please contact police."
Information can be given by calling 0300 333 3000, quoting 754/S/060210, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Witness Appeal after Evesham Metal Theft
Police are appealing for witnesses after a trailer-load of metal was stolen from an Evesham business.
The incident took place between 18:30 on Friday, February 5 and 07:00 on Saturday February 6 at R Sinclair Transport Ltd, Davies Road, on the Four Pools Industrial Estate.
The £5,000 trailer, loaded with pre-formed fabricated steel girders (value unknown at this time), was taken from the yard, opposite Jewsons Building Supplies.
The trailer is a grey, flat bed tri-axle marked with R Sinclair Ltd, Evesham.
Anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area between the times given, or saw the truck and load in the area, is asked to call police on 0300 333 3000, quoting 183/S/060210.
Information can also be given anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
West Mercia Police's Operation Livewire specifically targets metal thefts across the force area. To report a metal theft or any information connected to the crime call 0300 333 3000.
Witness Appeal after Claines Assault - Did You See White Coach?
Police are appealing for witnesses who may have seen an incident involving a white coach and some of its passengers in Claines, near Worcester.
The incident took place at around 17:00 on Saturday, February 6, when the coach was parked at the junction between Cornmeadow Lane and Claines Lane, facing towards Cornmeadow Lane. At least 20 men were boarding the coach at the time.
Two women in a silver Ford Focus pulled up at the junction when one of the men opened the driver's door of the car and leaned in. At the same time another man reached in and took the keys out of the ignition. A third man then assaulted the driver while a fourth opened the back door of the car and then shut it again.
Some other members of the group were also banging on the car. The whole group then boarded the coach and it drove off after the man who took the keys gave them back to the driver of the car.
PC Sarah England said: "This incident was extremely frightening and intimidating for the two woman and they were left shocked and shaken.
"We would like to speak to any witnesses to in the incident or to the passengers in the time leading up to it or to the passengers and coach that day."
The men were all white and aged between 18 and 28-years-old. Both women were uninjured during the incident.
Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 0300 333 3000, quoting 362/S/070210 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Man Robbed At Knifepoint - Worcester
Worcester Police are trying to identify two men who robbed their male victim at knifepoint.
The victim was threatened with what is thought to be a silver-and-black lock-knife, with a three-inch blade, in Norton Road, near St Peter's Drive between 2025 and 2030 hours on 4th February.
The victim was uninjured in the incident, but badly shaken by his ordeal during which he handed over £85 in cash, a £30 Nokia mobile phone and £5 worth of tobacco and cigarette papers.
The man who produced the knife is described as white, in his early 20s, 6ft tall and of medium build, wearing a black hooded top and black Adidas tracksuit bottoms.
The second was white, in his early 20s, 6ft tall, of medium build and wearing a black hooded top and black jeans.
Anyone who saw anything of the incident, the two men before or afterwards - or who believes they know their identity from the descriptions - is urged to call police.
They can be contacted on 0300 333 3000, quoting 580S/050210. Information can also be given, anonymously, to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Victim 'Egged' - And Then Punched And Kicked
Droitwich Police are trying to identify a group of young people - including one aged 10 or under and at least one female - some of whom punched and kicked a man in an unprovoked attack after first throwing and hitting him with eggs.
The victim was walking home on a footpath linking Westbury Avenue, Ombersley Way and Celvestune Way when attacked, at approximately 2000 hours on 5th February. He was treated in the Accident & Emergency Department of Worcestershire Royal Hospital for a number of injuries to his head and body, but later released.
"This was a totally unprovoked attack on an innocent victim who did not know any of his assailants or anyone else in the group," said a police spokesman.
"He is not exactly sure of how many people were in the group - as he initially ignored them when he was hit by the eggs - and he currently cannot describe any of his assailants.
"We would like to hear from anyone who either saw the incident or the group before or afterwards, or who believes they know one or more of its members. We are also asking parents to ask their youngsters where they were, who they were with and what they were doing at the time of this vicious incident."
Police can be contacted on 0300 333 3000, quoting 717S/050210. Information can also be given - anonymously - to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
picture courtesy of west mercia police
A man and a woman were arrested at an address in Warndon, Worcester today (4th February) after police officers entered the premises with a search warrant issued on suspicion of the premises being used for supplying drugs.
An unspecified amount of heroin was found and the two remain in custody at Worcester Police Station while enquiries continue.
A South Worcestershire Police spokesman said: "The issuing of the warrant and the subsequent arrests follow concerns raised by local residents at PACT (Partners & Communities Together) meetings of illegal drugs activity at this location."
The arrests came less than 48 hours after three men were apprehended on warrant at an address in Mill Lane, Drakes Broughton - in an unrelated incident - in connection with suspected cannabis cultivation. They were bailed to return to Worcester Police Station while enquiries continue.
The police spokesman added: "The Drakes Broughton arrests once again demonstrate that West Mercia Police are not prepared to allow the production of illegal substances to go unhindered. We know that members of the local community who raised their concerns with us will be particularly pleased with the outcome."
Stolen Phones And Games Alert
Anyone offered a mobile phone or computer game from an unusual source should be wary and report it, South Worcestershire Police said today.
The alert follows a burglary at Worcester Phone Zone in The Shambles, Worcester in which phones and equipment, together valued at nearly £250, were between 1730 hours on 2nd February and 0800 on 3rd February.
"If anyone is at all suspicious about what they are being offered, no matter how genuine the offer seems to be, then they should report it to us," said a police spokesman.
Officers can be contacted on 0300 333 3000, quoting 60S/030210. Information can also be given - anonymously - to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
The stolen items were:
• Nokia 7373 mobile phone, value £40;
• Samsung mobile phone - £32;
• Vegas flat mobile phone - £30;
• LG KP500 mobile phone - £42;
• Samsung mobile phone - £40;
• Nintendo DS game console - £64
DANIEL PAINTIN
PICTURE CORTESY OF WEST MERCIA POLICE
A Warndon man has been granted a three-year criminal Anti-Social Behaviour Order (CRASBO) after abusing police and community support officers.
Daniel Paintin, of Cranham Drive, appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court on Friday, January 29, for sentencing for several public order and criminal damage offences.
Following sentence police applied for the CRASBO as Paintin had been known to South Worcestershire's Anti-Social Behaviour Unit since 2003 and all efforts to divert him from causing upset to the community had been ignored.
Sgt Geoff Murphy, head of the Unit, said: "For several years Daniel Paintin has behaved in a way that has shown he has complete disregard for other people's feelings or concerns.
"The police had received numerous complaints about Paintin's behaviour that had included damaging other people's property, disorderly behaviour, threats and intimidation.
"Even though much of his abuse has been directed at local Community Support Officers and police, officers such as PC Wayne Hurley and PC Tina Cowan are still trying to provide Paintin with opportunities to change.
"Having an ASBO can also help people change as it provides clear boundaries that they may never have considered before. We all hope that Mr Paintin will take on board what was said at court and see this as an opportunity to change his life for his benefit and that of the wider community."
The 20-year-old is now banned from -
1. Behaving in any way that causes or is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress, including (but not only) -
a) Using foul, abusive or offensive language or gestures.
b) Using aggressive, threatening or intimidating behaviour.
c) Throwing any object in circumstances that causes or is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.
d) Playing loud music that can be heard outside his dwelling.
2. Inciting or encouraging others to engage in anti-social behaviour, that is to say behaviour that causes or is likely to cause any person harassment, alarm or distress.
3. From being found drunk in a public place.
4.From consuming alcohol in a public place, or being in possession of an open vessel containing alcohol in a public place, except in premises licensed for the consumption of alcohol.
Paintin could face up to five years' imprisonment if he breeches the order.
Witness Appeal After RTC Leaves Man Critical
Police are appealing for witnesses after a road traffic collision following which one man was left in a critical condition.
The collision took place at around 10:55 in Tolladine Road on Friday, January 29.
A red Rover 400, travelling down Tolladine Road towards the city centre, was in collision with a white Land Rover Defender, travelling in the opposite direction.
The male front seat passenger of the Rover was trapped in the car and suffered serious injuries. He remains at Worcestershire Royal Hospital in a critical but stable condition.
No one else was injured in the collision.
The road was closed until just after 12:30 during which diversions were put in place.
Any witnesses to the collision are asked to contact police on 0300 333 3000, quoting 187/S/290110, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
£40,000 Theft Sparks Steel Security Alert
The £40,000 theft of a trailer-load of steel has sparked a security alert from police.
Following the loss of £20,000 worth of steel on a trailer - also valued at £20,000 - from Hampton Lovett, South Worcestershire Police today (29th January) urged suppliers, distributors and users to ensure they maximise security.
"As steel and other types of metal remain prized targets for criminals, businesses operating in this industry should take every opportunity to up-date security and eliminate situations that make it easier for opportunist crime," said a police spokesman.
"We urge businesses to consider the security of property, vehicles and materials from a potential criminal's perspective and then decide if what they have in place is up to the task or if their safeguards require stepping up."
PC Mike Stephenson, Crime Risk Manager for South Worcestershire Police, is available to businesses provide advice and can be contacted on 0300 333 3000, extension 4978.
The blue-and-red Allen Hindley trailer - and load - owned by Adstone Construction, Wassage Way, Hampton Lovett, were taken from alongside the road between 1800 hours on 27th January and 0600 hours on 28th January.
Anyone who believes that they have information about the theft - or where the steel and trailer are now - is urged to also call 0300 333 3000, but quoting 162S/280110.
Five Arrested After Droitwich Bowling Club Burglary
Five people remain in custody at Worcester Police Station in connection with a burglary at Vines Lane Bowling Club in Droitwich.
Three men and two youths were detained by police officers - four in Vines Lane and one in Kidderminster Road - on 26th January, shortly after a member of the public reported a number of males behaving suspiciously at the club at around 1845 hours.
Police are appealing for anyone who believes that they have information about the incident to call them on 0300 333 3000, quoting 580S/260110. Information can also be given - anonymously - to Crimestroppers on 0800 555 111.
Bookies Robber Caught By Latest Body Mapping Technology
A man who robbed an Evesham bookies is set to face sentence next week after being caught by the latest body mapping technology.
Steven Paul Corby, 31, will be sentenced for armed robbery and handling stolen goods at Liverpool Crown Court on Monday (February 1) following a guilty plea at Worcester Crown Court earlier this month.
He was charged with the offences following the robbery at Coral Racing Ltd, High Street, Evesham, on the evening of Friday, December 19, 2008. The handling charges are connected to a burglary at the town's WH Smith store on January 5, 2009.
Using the latest body recognition technology, detectives in South Worcestershire sent CCTV and ID procedure footage to a Cambridge expert who, using the latest body recognition technology, confirmed it was the same man in both sets of film.
Det Con Pete Sherwood said: "Amongst many other enquiries we decided to use facial and body mapping techniques to identify the offender in the Corals robbery, not a routine process used in investigations.
"The procedures' effectiveness in this case proved crucial as it became a key part of the prosecution.
"This was a serious offence in which Corby used a knife and caused much distress to those working at Corals at the time so we are extremely pleased with the result."
* Corby's sentence will reflect charges he faces for a number of other offences committed outside the West Mercia Police area.
James 'Jimmy' Dawson Wilson
picture courtesy of west mercia police
CrASBO Bans Man from LowesmoorA city menace has been banned from entering the Lowesmoor area of Worcester for five years.
James 'Jimmy' Dawson Wilson was yesterday (January 25) granted the five-year Criminal Anti-Social Behaviour Order (CrASBO) after causing distress and offence to the public with his actions.
He appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court where he pleaded guilty to an offence under the Violent Crime Reduction Act by failing to leave an identified location after being directed to do so by a police officer.
Following his conviction for this offence police applied for a Post Conviction Anti Social Behaviour Order.
The court was informed that Wilson had previously been subject to a five-year ASBO which ended on June 29, 2009. Since then police had recorded 19 incidents of him using abusive language, aggressive, threatening and intimidating behaviour and consuming alcohol in Designated Non Alcohol Zones. He had also caused problems to the staff at Tesco Express and Age Concern.
The 47-year-old, of Teme Road, Worcester, is now prohibited from -
1) Behaving in any way or encouraging others to behave in any way that causes or is likely to cause any person harassment, alarm or distress, including (but not only) -
a) Using foul, abusive or offensive language or gestures.
b) Using aggressive, threatening or intimidating behaviour.
2) From consuming alcohol or being in possession of an open vessel containing alcohol in any place being a Designated Place where the consumption of alcohol is prohibited by the law.
3) From entering/attempting to enter Tesco Express, Foregate Street, Worcester.
4) From entering/attempting to enter Age Concern, Mealcheapen Street, Worcester.
5) From entering the Lowesmoor area of Worcester.
6) From remaining on any premises or property being part of that premises, if asked to leave by staff or any person having authority to do so.
Sgt Geoff Murphy, of South Worcestershire's Anti-Social Behaviour Unit, said: "Mr Wilson is well known to those people who live work in Worcester city centre.
"His behaviour towards others is totally unacceptable and he appears to be unwilling to change. He even abuses and threatens those people who try to help him.
"The sheer number of complaints we received left me with no choice but to apply to the courts for another CrASBO to try and bring some relief to those who have suffered from his appalling behaviour."
The CrASBO runs until January 24, 2015, and Wilson could face up to five years imprisonment if it is breached.
Indecent Exposure Man Sought
Worcester Police are trying to identify a man who indecently exposed himself in front of a woman at the corner of Lansdowne Crescent and Rainbow Hill at approximately 1800hours on 5th January.
The man, who made off into Rainbow Hill, is described as white, aged 25-30, 5ft 8-9ins tall and of average build.
He wore a baggy-fitting, plain cream combat-style jacket with a black, unidentified, motif on the right chest pocket - with the coat zipper darker than the material - a small-peaked black hat with turned-up floppy sides, tight-fitting black jeans and black footwear.
Anyone who believes that they can help police with the enquiry is urged to call them on 0300 333 3000, quoting 241N/050110. Information can also be given - anonymously - to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Assault After Drum And Bass Night - Worcester
Police in Worcester are appealing for witnesses after two people were assaulted following a drum and base night in a city club.
The incidents took place at around 03:10 in Angel Place, between the Ask and Angel Chef restaurants.
A group of five men were involved in assaults on two other males.
One of the men received minor injuries while the other was taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital for treatment to non-life-threatening facial injuries.
PC Andrew Knowles said: "These were particularly nasty assaults and we would ask anyone with any information to contact police immediately.
"We hope a number of witnesses will come forward as the area was very busy with people leaving the drum and base night held at Tramps nightclub that night."
Police are currently reviewing CCTV footage from the evening.
Anyone with information should call police on 0300 333 3000, quoting 53/S/190110, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
* A man was arrested in Worcester in the early hours of this morning on suspicion of assault. He remains in custody at Worcester Police Station, Castle Street, while enquiries continue.
Battery Security Alert After Near-£7,000 Thefts
Vehicle fleet owners and motor vehicle and tyre centres have been put on a security alert by South Worcestershire Police after almost £7,000 of batteries were stolen from Worcester and Malvern.
A total of 22 new batteries, estimated value £6,600, were taken from lorries at the Malvern Hills District Council depot in Pendragon Close, between 1500 hours on 16th January and 0500 hours on 18th January.
A further 70 batteries - all destined for scrapping but valued at a total of £140 - were stolen from Hi Q, Droitwich Road, Worcester between 1820 hours on 15th January and 0815 hours on 16th January.
Officers were already investigating the theft of 10 catalytic converters cut from vehicles at the council depot between 4th and 5th January and 14 batteries taken from a Lower Howsell Road address, between 29th December and 4th January.
"As vehicle fleets and battery suppliers both provide potential targets for battery thieves, e urge these organisations to pay additional attention to their security in order to deter and prevent further thefts," said a police spokesman.
Anyone with information about any of the incidents is urged to contact police on 0300 333 3000, quoting 85S/180110. Information can also be given - anonymously - to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Missing Morphine Alert
Worcester Police today (18th January) alerted the public to the theft of 10 ampules of morphine from Worcester Ambulance Station, Spetchley Road, between 1000 and 1400 hours on 17th January.
"If used by anyone without the necessary medical knowledge, just a small amount of the morphine could well prove fatal," said a police spokesman.
"There is a possibility that the ampules could be discarded with little or no regard for those finding them. We strongly urge anyone who comes across them to immediately hand them in to their near police station.
"Anyone with information about the missing ampules, whether in terms of seeing something suspicious between the given times or seeing, or hearing about, the items later, is also urged to contact us as quickly as possible.
Police can be contacted on 0300 333 3000, quoting 607S/170110. Information can also be given - anonymously - to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust spokeswoman said: "An amount of controlled drugs is currently unaccounted for and a full investigation is being undertaken.
"These drugs are used to provide relief for people in severe pain. If someone attempts to use them, who does not know what they are, they could cause themselves or others serious harm. We would urge anyone with any information to contact the police."
Cars Damaged By Man In Evesham
Police are appealing for witnesses after a man damaged a number of cars parked along an Evesham road.
The incidents took place between 01:15 and 01:45 on Sunday, January 17, along Albert Road.
PC Joanne Mayo-Evans said: "A man has been seen walking down Albert Road damaging several vehicles by kicking them, snapping windscreen wipers and breaking wing mirrors.
"This has resulted in a cost to all those whose cars were thoughtlessly damaged and I would like to hear from anyone who saw these incidents take place or has any information on who is responsible."
Anyone with any information should call police on 0300 333 3000, quoting 258/S/170110, or Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.
CCTV Helps Bring Evesham Street Robbers To Justice
Three Evesham street robbers are each serving 30 months in prison having been brought to justice - at Hereford Crown Court - with help from CCTV.
A fourth man, who appeared in court with two of the robbers, is serving a total of 20 months imprisonment for an assault - related to one of the robberies - criminal damage and other earlier offences for which he had been given a suspended sentence at a previous hearing.
"CCTV has again proven to be a very important element in our crime detection armoury," said Act. Det. Insp. Mike Unwin, who was involved in investigating the two unconnected 2009 robberies - in Port Street on 28th February and Waterside on 21st April.
"We firmly believe that, without CCTV evidence, one of these offenders would not have been convicted and one would not have faced such serious charges."
The first incident occurred at approximately 0050 hours on 28th February when a lone man was assaulted by three men in Port Street after being followed for a considerable distance by the trio from Bridge Street.
"While CCTV did not capture the robbery itself, it clearly showed the three men together immediately beforehand and one of them indicating to his two colleagues to speed up and follow him round the corner where the unsuspecting victim was walking. CCTV also linked one of the men to criminal damage to a vehicle in the same area a little while later.
"The victim, who was unemployed, was attacked and robbed of his last £120. All three men were clearly under the influence of alcohol and appeared more intent on violence than robbery as they continued to punch the man as he tried to escape after being knocked to the ground, kicked and his wallet taken.
"While two men were convicted of robbery, CCTV shows this to have been more about drink-fuelled violence - sheer nastiness - for its own sake."
In the second incident, at 0025 hours in Waterside, some two months later, CCTV clearly shows a male victim, who had earlier declined a lift home because he wanted to walk as it was such a pleasant night, being followed by a man on a bicycle.
Shortly afterwards, the CCTV cameras recorded the cyclist threatening the victim with what is believed to be a weapon - and highlighted a prominent scar on the criminal's face which helped identify him and lead to his conviction.
"Local knowledge of individuals combined with the CCTV footage enabled us to achieve a conviction. Without CCTV it is almost certain that this would not have happened," added Act. Det. Insp. Unwin.
"These two CCTV successes, within a comparatively short space of time, demonstrate what a key tool the cameras continue to be in tackling crimes ranging from theft and robbery to anti-social behaviour and criminal damage."
ISSUED ON BEHALF OF:
SOUTH YORKSHIRE POLICE
Dead Man's Relatives May Be In South Worcestershire
Coroners officers in Leeds are hoping that relatives of man found dead in the city may be living in South Worcestershire and will now come forward.
Mr Richard Sprague, aged 54, who is believed to have died from natural causes, was found dead in Beeston, near Leeds city centre, on 5th January.
"There are a considerable number of residents with the surname of Sprague in and around the South Worcestershire area and there is a possibility that they could be related to the deceased man or know something of him," said a police spokesman.
It is believed that Mr Sprague had a step-mother living in the Richmond area of North Yorkshire and an aunt, Kelly Begum, from the Ketley Bank area of Telford.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Leeds Coroners Office on 0113 2443491 and not West Mercia Police.
Witness Appeal After Evesham Park Assault
Police are appealing for information following an assault in an Evesham park last night (Wednesday).
Officers are also asking anyone who may have been injured during the disorder, and has not yet have come forward, to please do so.
The incident took place at around 23:00 at Abbey Park, Evesham, and involved a group of youths - believed to have entered the park after leaving Karma public house.
One youth was seriously assaulted by a second shortly before police arrived on the scene.
A police spokeswoman said: "We would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident but we are also keen for anyone who may have suffered any injuries during the disorder to please contact police immediately."
A 16-year-old youth has been arrested in connection with the incident and is currently in custody at Worcester Police Station.
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0300 333 3000, quoting 876/S/130110, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.