Kent Police, in partnership with officers from the Metropolitan Police Service, have today (7 May) arrested two men in East London on suspicion of conspiracy to commit armed robbery.

On 3 May, Kent Police began a search for Michael Wheatley, who had failed to return to HMP Standford Hill after being released on temporary licence.

At 2pm on 7 May two men, aged 55 and 53, were arrested in the Tower Hamlets area and are now in police custody. The 55 year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of being unlawfully at large.

DCI Ann Lisseman from Kent Police said: ‘We are no longer looking for Michael Wheatley. We would like to thank our colleagues at Metropolitan Police Service, Surrey Police, and the public for their assistance with our enquiries.’

A 54-year-old man was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment after being convicted of historic sexual offences against a teenage girl in Oxfordshire.

Nigel Mayglothling, of Church Gate, Colston Bassett, Nottingham, was jailed on Friday (2/5) at Oxford Crown Court.

Mayglothling, who was a teacher at the time of the offences at the now closed Carmel College in Wallingford, had pleaded guilty at a previous court hearing at the same court on 20 March to nine counts of indecent assault.

The offences were committed against the victim between 1987 and 1989.

Mayglothling will remain on the Sex Offenders’ Register for 10 years.

Investigating officer Det Con Patricia Coyne, from the Child Abuse Investigation Unit, said: “This abuse affected the victim’s life in all areas since that time. I would like to thank her for having the courage to support the case.

“The sentence demonstrates that historic sexual abuse cases will be pursued to ensure those responsible for such offences are brought to justice.”

Two men have been found guilty of murder and preventing a lawful burial following the death of a Chatham woman.

Mohammad Islam, 28, of Windmill Street, Gillingham, and Murshed Miah, 38, of Wheeler Street, Maidstone, were found guilty by a jury of murdering Harjit Chaggar at Canterbury Crown Court on Thursday 8 May.

Islam and Miah, along with Abdul Hannan, 44, of Aldon Close, Maidstone, and Rasad Miah, 27, of Otway Street, Chatham, were also found guilty of preventing the lawful burial or cremation of a corpse.

The verdicts have come after months of complex investigations by officers from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate.

The court heard how in the afternoon of Monday 2 September, Harjit Chaggar, 69, visited Magpie Hall Road to run several errands. She visited her doctor’s surgery and then went to Luton Road to buy groceries.

Shortly after 3.30pm local CCTV captured Mrs Chaggar visiting at least one shop where she bought a bag of ginger before heading into the Sani Globe Food store through the front door to have a look around.

She then made her way to Magpie Hall Road where, captured on CCTV, a figure is seen to emerge from the back of the Sani Globe Food store. The man, wearing a white coat and apron, beckons Mrs Chaggar over and they both enter the rear of the Sani Globe Food premises together at 4.02pm.

This is the last known sighting of Mrs Chaggar.

Her relatives contacted Kent Police after becoming concerned for her welfare when she did not return home. A missing person appeal was issued to the media and to the public in the days after urging anyone with information about her whereabouts to come forward. Members of Mrs Chaggar’s family also visited the Luton Road area, including Sani Globe, to appeal for information.

But on Saturday 14 September, Murshed Miah, an employee of Sani Globe Food, called Kent Police to report the discovery of a body under the floor boards of the property’s cellar.

Officers attended and found Mrs Chaggar’s body had been dumped under a trapdoor. Post mortem results found she had sustained fatal injuries to her head, neck and back and estimated she died within 24 hours of her last sighting.

Sani Globe Food manager Hannan, and employees Murshed Miah and Islam were arrested on suspicion of murder in hours after the discovery of Mrs Chaggar.

In interview, Hannan said he knew Mrs Chaggar as a regular customer and called her “auntie” although he’s not related to her. Miah and Islam said they discovered the body on 14 September after noticing a bad smell in the shop but all three claimed they did not know how Mrs Chaggar came to be in the cellar.

Further investigations by detectives found the driver of a rubbish and recycling company visited Sani Globe Food on 3 September – the day after Mrs Chaggar was last seen. Whilst collecting and empting the bins the driver noticed an unknown member of staff from Sani Globe empty a number of crates and boxes into the back of his truck. On further inspection, the driver noticed and retrieved a woman’s handbag – of similar description to one belonging to the victim – which he checked before putting it back in the rubbish.

But on Thursday 8 May, Murshed Miah and Islam were found guilty of murder. They, along with Hannan and Rasad Miah were also found guilty of preventing the lawful burial or cremation of a body.

Following the verdicts, Harjit Chaggar’s son Kuldish Chaggar said: ‘The shock of losing our mother will never leave us. We pray that she is now at peace and can give us the strength to carry on without her no matter what obstacles are placed in our way, for none can be bigger than losing her.

‘We remember the good times, the smiles and laughter of a loved and treasured mother and grandmother who had so many hopes and plans for the future. She was a person that loved life and lived it as best as she could, with a smile on her face.’

Senior investigating officer Detective Superintendent Rob Vinson of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate said: ‘Harjit Chaggar was enjoying what to her was a normal day – seeing friends and heading to the shops to buy some groceries before heading home.

‘But she never made it home. This 69-year-old lady was lured to the back of Sani Globe where she was attacked and killed.

‘We may never know why these men killed Mrs Chaggar but I hope today’s verdict goes some way to providing her family and friends some closure after a period of great uncertainty and distress.

‘I would also like to place on record my thanks to those who were able to help with our witness appeals and the local community in Chatham.’

Sentencing will take place on a date yet to be confirmed.

Head of the CPS South East Complex Casework Unit Nigel Pilkington said: ‘The defendants all knew that Harjit Chaggar entered the store from which she did not leave. They knew how she came to be killed and why. Despite the appeals made by Mrs Chaggar’s family following the days of her disappearance at no point did any of them give any indication to the police that they knew what had happened to her. The denials of her murder and their collective attempts to hide the truth were particularly callous and aggravated further by the fact that they left her to die.

‘I took the unusual step of visiting the scene of the murder in this case whilst the police were still in the process of carrying out their forensic analysis.  As a result I was able to authorise charges on that day rather than bailing the defendants for further consideration of the evidence. It came as no surprise that the jury also considered that they needed to return a second time to the store where the victim died to fully understand the case against the defendants.

‘The conclusion reached from the evidence was so strong that there was little doubt but that Mohammed Islam and Murshed Miah who were present when the victim went into the Sani Globe food store were involved in her murder and all four defendants in preventing her body from being discovered.’

Eight people have appeared before magistrates charged in connection with child exploitation offences.

Kent Police executed a series of warrants across Kent, the Midlands and Yorkshire, on Wednesday 7 May and arrested 22 people.

The raids were part of a multi-agency investigation into child sexual exploitation in Margate, Gravesend, Dover and Folkestone.

Eight people have now been charged in connection with 36 offences and appeared at Medway Magistrates’ Court on Friday 9 May.

Roman Bodnar, 32, of Swallow Mount in Leeds, was charged with two counts of rape, arranging/facilitating the commission of a child sex offence, administering a substance with intent to stupefy/overpower to allow sexual activity, facilitating the travel of a person within the UK with view to their sexual exploitation, false imprisonment and causing/inciting a child between 13 and 17 into prostitution or pornography.

Alice Kalejova, 37, of Dover Road in Folkestone, was charged with false imprisonment, arrange/facilitate the commission of a child sex offence, causing/inciting a child between 13 and 17 into prostitution or pornography, facilitating the travel of a person within the UK with view to their sexual exploitation and administering a substance with intent to stupefy/overpower to allow sexual activity.

Jolana Rohalova, 40, of Brockman Road in Folkestone, was charged with two counts of arranging/facilitating the commission of a child sex offence, two counts of facilitating the travel of a person within the UK with view to their sexual exploitation and causing/inciting a child between 13 and 17 into prostitution or pornography.

Radko Karchnak, 20, of Walsall Street in Wednesbury, West Midlands, was charged with causing/inciting a child between 13 and 17 into prostitution or pornography, arranging/facilitating the commission of a child sex offence, engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a girl 13 to 15 and facilitating the travel of a person within the UK with view to their sexual exploitation.

Marion Cisor, 20, of Athelstan Road in Folkestone, was charged with arranging/facilitating the commission of a child sex offence, engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a girl 13 to 15, facilitating the travel of a person within the UK with view to their sexual exploitation, arranging/facilitating the commission of a child sex offence and administering a substance with intent to stupefy/overpower to allow sexual activity.

Rene Bandy, 22, of Cheriton Road in Folkestone, was charged with engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a girl 13 to 15, causing/inciting a child between 13 and 17 into prostitution or pornography and arranging/facilitating the commission of a child sex offence.

Jozef Dirda, 29, of Folkestone Road in Dover, was charged with rape, facilitating the travel of a person within the UK with view to their sexual exploitation, causing/inciting a child between 13 and 17 into prostitution or pornography and arranging/facilitating the commission of a child sex offence.

Rene Ferenc, 24, of Churchill Street in Dover, was charged with engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a girl 13 to 15.

Seven people have been remanded in custody while Ferenc has been bailed at a date yet to be confirmed.

The remaining 14 people arrested on the day have been bailed pending further enquiries.

A 75-year-old man has been sentenced to 13 years’ imprisonment for historic sexual offences including rape.

Ronald Eagles, of Viking, Bracknell, was sentenced at Reading Crown Court  after being convicted of two rapes and two indecent assaults against two girls during the 1970s and 1980s.

Eagles was arrested on 11 June 2013 and charged with the offences on 5 November 2013.

He pleaded guilty to all of the offences at a hearing at the same court on 31 March and was remanded in custody until his sentencing on Friday.

Speaking following the sentencing, investigating officer Det Con Eddie Hurley, of the Child Abuse Investigation Unit, said: “I would like to thank the victims for supporting the prosecution in what must have inevitably been an extremely difficult time for them to recall.

“This sentence demonstrates that all sexual offences, including those which are historic, are taken extremely seriously by Thames Valley Police and are handled with the utmost sensitivity to ensure every effort is made to provide a resolution for the victims.

“I would also like to thank the officers who worked on this complex case in which the offences dated back more than 20 years.”

Detectives from East Surrey CID are appealing for information following a report of a knife-point robbery in Epsom.

The incident occurred at around 4.30pm on Saturday, 10 May when the victim, a man in his 30s was driving along Ruxley Lane near to Ruxley Church.

A dark coloured Ford Focus is said to have followed the victim for a short period of time before flashing their lights to indicate for him to pull over. When he did the male passenger of the Focus threatened the victim with a knife and demand his watch, money and car keys before leaving in the vehicle in the direction of Gatley Avenue.

Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Leigh Wall, said: “We are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding this incident and anyone who can assist with our enquiries is urged to come forward and speak with police.

“This was no doubt a terrifying ordeal for the victim and it is completely unacceptable for someone to be threatened in such a manner.

“Following the incident a thorough search of the area and other enquiries were carried out and the investigation will continue today. We will also be liaising with other local police forces and do all we can to find those responsible.”

The passenger of the Ford Focus is described as an Asian male, with very short shaved hair, a gold tooth, tattooed arms and of thin build. He was wearing a white t-shirt and grey jogging bottoms and spoke with a London accent using slang.

The driver of the car is described as a black female aged in her late teens or early 20s, of slim build, with black hair. She was wearing dark trousers and a thigh length grey and black checked shirt.

Officers would like to speak with anyone who believes they know the people responsible, who witnessed the incident or who thinks they may have been approached in similar circumstances to contact them with information.

If you can assist with the investigation please contact Surrey Police on 101 quoting reference 45140037835. The independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Kent and Essex Police have appointed a new lead for the joint Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate (SCD).

Matthew Horne, currently Chief Superintendent for the Metropolitan Police Service will be the directorate’s new Assistant Chief Constable.

The Serious Crime Directorate is dedicated to tackling serious and organised crime, incorporating major crime, forensics, intelligence and covert support.

The appointment follows a selection process culminating in an interview panel chaired by Essex Chief Constable Stephen Kavanagh, and including Kent’s Chief Constable Alan Pughsley, Kent Police’s Director of Human Resources, Ian Drysdale, and Chief Executive Officer at Southend-on-Sea Borough Council, Rob Tinlin.

Chief Constable of Kent, Alan Pughsley said: ‘I am delighted to announce this new appointment. Commander Horne will be a great asset to a directorate that has been built between the two forces. Having founded the directorate, I am proud of how the two forces have worked hard together with great results. Matthew brings great experience to the role and made a huge impression on the interview panel with his knowledge and commitment to policing.

‘SCD will continue, under Mr Horne’s leadership, a relentless focus to take criminals off the streets.’

Chief Constable of Essex, Stephen Kavanagh said: ‘I am delighted to welcome Matthew to the team. He brings a wealth of both local and specialist policing experience and impressed the interview panel with his knowledge, commitment and passion for keeping our communities safe.

‘His history of delivering is quite exceptional and I know we will all look forward to working with him.’

Commander Horne joined the Metropolitan Police Service in 1989. In 2005 he was posted to the Homicide and Serious Crime Command and in June 2008 transferred to the Specialist Crime Directorate, as Detective Superintendent. He was an active hostage and crisis negotiator and the MPS lead for the national change programme, regionalising the European arrest warrant activity. In December 2010, Matthew was given the lead crime response to the Royal Wedding and the student demonstrations/TUC demonstration. In August 2011, Matthew was the senior police team lead to the Leveson public Inquiry. He joined Hackney Borough as Commander in April 2012.

Detective Chief Superintendent Liam Osborne, who has been acting in the role of Assistant Chief Constable for SCD will revert to his former role as SCD’s deputy.

Nick Alston, Police and Crime Commissioner for Essex, said: ‘During the recruitment process, I spent time with the candidates, and I was delighted – but not surprised – that both were of a high calibre.  I welcome Matthew Horne‘s appointment, and look forward to working with him in his new role leading the Essex and Kent Serious Crime Directorate.’

Ann Barnes, Kent Police and Crime Commissioner said: ‘I am very pleased with the appointment of Matthew Horne to head the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate.  Detective Chief Superintendent Horne has considerable experience and I am sure he will be a great asset to policing in our two counties.’

A Hastings man has been sentenced to 13 year imprisonment for the attempted murder of a pub doorman in the town.
 
Michael Barrow, unemployed, 45, of Milward Road, Hastings, was sentenced at Lewes Crown Court on Friday 9 May, having been convicted at the same court on Tuesday 25 March.
 
Barrow tried to stab a member of door staff at Wetherspoons in Havelock Road shortly before midnight on Saturday 6 July last year. He had been ejected from the pub a short while earlier for being drunk, went home, and returned with a 10″ kitchen knife which he used repeatedly to try to stab the man, only being restrained by staff, patrons in the pub, and by police when they arrived minutes later.
 
He was detained and no one was injured apart from a staff member who was attacked, sustaining bruising to his hand.
 
Detective Constable Rob Mitchell-Davis said; “This was a very serious incident, which could have become even worse but for the prompt reactions of those who went to the doorman’s aid.
 
“However there has been another positive outcome, alongside the sentence. The incident was one of the factors that brought police and door staff in the town closer together to promote public safety. That initiative has included the trial use of police body worn video by some door staff as well as officers.”

Surrey Police is appealing for the public’s help in tracing a man who they would like to speak to in connection with a violent assault.

Officers would like to speak with 23-year-old David Smith regarding offences in the Long Ditton area.

He is described as a white man, around 6ft tall with brown hair and brown eyes.

Members of the public are advised not to approach Mr Smith directly but are urged if they know of his whereabouts to call Surrey Police on 101 quoting reference 45140035257.

Alternatively the independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A father and son crime team from Battersea have today been found guilty following a cash-in-transit robbery on Tattenham Corner last year.

Terrance James Clark, 50 and Lewis James Clark, 27, both of Thessaly Road in Battersea travelled to Tattenham Corner, close to Epsom Racecourse on the morning of Wednesday, 30 January, 2013 with the sole intention of committing armed robbery.

Events unfolded at around 10.20am when a cream coloured stolen Chevrolet Captiva was seen circling the shops on Tattenham Corner three times, waiting for the cash delivery to be made. At 10.31am the offenders struck attacking the victim with what is believed to be an imitation firearm before leaving the scene with a cash box containing around £45,000 in £20 notes. Around an hour later the Chevrolet was found by officers parked on North View Crescent.

Terrance was arrested within hours of the offence being committed followed by his son, Lewis six days later. They both remained on police bail for nine months while an extensive and thorough investigation was carried out by a dedicated team of officers and staff from East Surrey CID.

The team carried out a number of enquiries including CCTV, financial investigations, ANPR and mobile telephone analysis. A number of warrants were also executed in areas including Box Hill, Surrey, South London and Essex under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act.

Exactly one month after the offence was committed Surrey Police took part in what is believed to be the world’s first reconstruction of a crime on Twitter. This relived the events of the morning in real-time in a bid to trace further witnesses. This reached over 53,000 Twitter accounts, 2,000 views on Twitter and 350 views on Storify.

On Wednesday, 30 October following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service both offenders were charged with conspiracy to commit robbery and conspiracy to possess a firearm or imitation firearm and were remanded in custody.

The Trial

During the eight day trial at Guilford Crown Court which began on Thursday, 1 May the court heard from various witnesses.

Lewis was seen spending quantities of cash, predominately £20 notes in designers shops in the weeks following the offence. In his defence Lewis claimed money he had made from dealing cannabis and amateur boxing had allowed him to fund this shopping trip and he had not stolen the money from the cash delivery driver.

It was also revealed that Lewis had used the popular social media site YouTube to search for videos on how to commit a cash in transit robbery and expert evidence on cell phone analysis was also presented to the jury. Lewis claimed he had been helping a friend thinking of joining a cash-delivery company and was warning him of the dangers.

The court heard how Terrance planned to have a new kitchen and other home improvements carried out at his home in Battersea which amounted to a value of £5,000.

Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Paul Rymarz, said: “The Clarks’ are clearly extremely dangerous individuals and thankfully due to the verdict today are likely to remain off the streets of Surrey for some time.

“Neither Terrance or Lewis have shown a shred of remorse for this horrific crime, which was committed for no other reason other than pure greed.

“Although we cannot turn back the clock for the victim, I hope the verdict today will go some way to allow him and his family to move on for this horrendous ordeal. I would like to thank them for the courage they have shown throughout the legal process and I wish them all the best for the future.

“The cash delivery industry offers a valuable service and innocent men and woman who are just going about their every day job should not have to live in fear of being targeted by such criminals as the Clarks’.”

Victim Impact

The court heard how the violent attack had left the victim, James Smith, with significant injuries to his face and hands. He lost his front teeth as a result of the incident and required bone grafts and implants. He is still receiving dental treatment.

WhenMr Smith was taken to hospital following the incident, his wedding ring had to be removed due to swelling and he has not been able to wear this since.

Mr Smith, who had served 24-years in the army, also had to relive the events of that morning in great detail including the moment the offender is believed to have pulled the trigger on the gun described as a pistol and when it didn’t fire used the weapon to ‘pistol whip’ him. His security helmet filled up with blood and fragments of his teeth were seen on his clothing.

Mr Smith, said: “As a cash-delivery driver I had received extensive training from the company around what to do in the event of a robbery but the events of that day happened so quickly I was unable to act. It was surreal and no amount of training could ever prepare you for that experience.

“It is unbelievable how quickly your life can change, the little things you once took for granted are taken away from you at no fault of your own.

“You never think anything like this will happen to you, but it can happen to anyone, and I would strongly encourage anyone who has either been a victim or witness of a crime to seek the necessary help and advice which is available to allow you to come to terms with your ordeal.”

Both Terrance and Lewis are due to be sentenced at Guildford Crown Court on Friday, 13 June.

A man who travelled from Manchester to abuse an eight year-old girl in Kent is starting a six year prison sentence.

Phillip Matthews, 38 years-old and previously of Whitefield in Manchester, travelled from his home to Baker Street in London on 14 March 2014 to meet with a woman he had been conversing with over the internet regarding carrying out acts of sexual abuse against a child. Matthews sent various communications to the woman via email, chat rooms and telephone, explaining in great detail the acts that he would like to commit upon the girl. He also made suggestions around giving the girl some alcohol beforehand.

When Matthews arrived in London on 14 March the meeting was interrupted by detectives from the Kent Police child exploitation investigation team, who were aware of his intentions and arrested Matthews on suspicion of arranging the commission of a child sex offence.

Matthews pleaded guilty to the offence and on 14 May was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court to six years in custody. An indefinite sexual offences prevention order was imposed, and Matthews will appear on the sex offender register for life.

Detective Inspector David Shipley from Kent Police said: ‘Matthews knew exactly what he was doing when he travelled from Manchester to meet someone in order to abuse an eight year-old child. His protestations after arrest that he merely wanted to tell this individual to stop ruining the child’s life shows that he knows full well the impact that such abuse can have. There are a number of ways he could help children, and it starts by not engaging in such vile behaviour in the first place. I am glad that once again the child exploitation investigation team has been able to make Kent a safer place for children by bringing to justice another individual who had every intention of abusing a child in this county.’

Kent Police is appealing to members of the public to help them find a stolen statue which was created in memory of babies who have died.

The statue was stolen between 1 and 4 May from a memorial garden at the Kent and Sussex Crematorium in Tunbridge Wells. It had been donated by the Stillbirth and Neo-Natal Death Society (Sands), a charity which provides support to bereaved parents and families. Sands paid almost £10,000 for the bronze statue which depicts two young children dancing.

District Commander for Tunbridge Wells, Chief Inspector Dave Pate said: ‘The theft of this statue is simply despicable and it clearly only adds to the distress of grieving parents. I would like to assure everyone that we are working very hard to find the culprits and we are pursuing a number of enquiries to establish why this was taken and for what purpose.’

‘It is possible that the statue has been stolen because of its artistic value and we are circulating images of the property around relevant markets. Sadly, we have to also consider that the offenders may be looking to profit from selling this because of its metallic value. As part of our on-going enforcement activity to prevent metal theft we already make regular spot checks to scrap metal dealers operating in Kent and if anyone has taken possession of this statue I would advise them to contact us immediately before we find you.

‘I would urge anyone with information about this statue to think about what this means to parents who have lost their children. Do the right thing and get in touch.’

Anyone with information should call 01892 502020, quoting YY/008849/14. Alternatively, contact Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Crimestoppers in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight have just concluded a very successful year and hope to share this success with other agencies that could also reap a benefit. To this end they are organising a conference on the subject of Child Exploitation on 24th June at Sparsholt College near Winchester aimed at agencies working with young people.

Figures for the year to the end of March show that two out of every three reports passed by the charity to Hampshire Constabulary provided valuable information that will solve a crime. Over the year an average of more than six reports were received every day, which means that valuable information on four crimes is received daily which also leads to more than one arrest every day. For the year 2013/14 a total of 2511 reports were received of which 1,584 had positive outcomes which included 411 arrests.

‘Crimestoppers has come of age,’ says Simon Theobalds Deputy Chairman. ‘The police respect the Crimestoppers process, the information it provides and members of the public who want to protect their anonymity. The result is – as Simon Hayes, the Police and Crime Commissioner has observed – that Crimestoppers provides one of the best intelligence sources for the police.’

The conference on 24th June will seek to inform other agencies in the force area about current local issues on child exploitation, how Crimestoppers works and the value of promoting it as part of campaigns aimed at protecting young people. A lot of Crimestoppers’ success has come from the use of new media and the increased value of appeals online through the Most Wanted website and through Twitter.

The afternoon event will cost £35 per delegate and registration is through the link hantsconference@youthoptions.co.uk

For further information contact:

Simon Theobalds on 01962 712801 or 07899 911579

Surrey Police officers searching for missing teenager Lucy Browne are appealing for her to get in touch and confirm she is safe and well.

Officers are still concerned for the welfare of 15-year-old Lucy, who has now been missing for two weeks.

Lucy was reported missing around 9-15pm on Tuesday 6 May and was last seen around 10am earlier the same day.

She is described as white, 5ft 3 tall, slim build, with long black hair which she usually wears in a bun or on the top of her head. She was wearing black leggings and a grey sweatshirt and had used fake tan around the time she was last seen.

A number of enquiries have already been carried out and it is believed that Lucy may have been in a number of different areas since she went missing, including the Romford or Ilford area. Information has also been received that she has been in the Portsmouth and Southampton areas of Hampshire and she is also believed to have visited Waterlooville, Havant, Leigh Park and Paulsgrove in Hampshire since she has been missing.

Lucy is believed to have been using the train as she has visited a number of areas over a wide geographical area since she went missing.

Detective Inspector Stewart Leahy said: “We believe Lucy has been in the London and Hampshire areas mentioned above but we would really like to speak to her directly to confirm that she is safe and well.

“I am also appealing to anyone who knows where she is, or who has seen or heard from her, to come forward with that information as a matter of urgency. We are extremely keen to ensure that she is safe and well.

DI Leahy added: “In the meantime, we will be following up a number of enquiries and our investigation will remain on-going until she is found.”

Any sightings should be reported to Surrey Police on 101 quoting reference number P14131571. Alternatively call independent charity Missing People on 116 000.

More than thirty arrests have been made as part of a crackdown on local criminals involved in the supply of Class A drugs and associated criminal activity to raise cash to buy drugs.

Operation Leek activity was spread across two sets of early morning raids – the first phase on Wednesday, 30 April saw addresses simultaneously targeted locally in the Farnham, Guildford and Aldershot areas and in London. More than 150 officers were involved in the community intelligence led initiative which aimed to disrupt the activities of drug dealers and interrupt the supply of illegal drugs in the Waverley and Guildford areas.

The second wave of intense activity on Wednesday, 14 May focused on properties in the Guildford, Waverley and Hampshire areas in a bid to target those involved in serious acquisitive crime including burglary, robbery and the handling of stolen goods. The operation began with more than 250 operational officers, including detectives, search teams, rapid entry units and Surrey Police’s anti-social behaviour team travelling in 22 vans to locations.

To see a video of Chief Inspector Dave Mason explain the operation please click on the following link:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMH4Ri4Dxgo or watch above.

As a result of the successful action to curb the offending which can affect anyone within the community to a greater or lesser extent, more than 30 addresses were searched and 31 arrests were made in relation to the supply of heroin and crack cocaine, burglary, robbery and handling stolen goods. A quantity of drugs and a variety of goods including more than 40 bikes – some of which are of high value, two cars, laptops, air weapons and tools were seized.

Following on from the first operational activity 13 people have already been dealt with and put before the courts. They are all due back to appear at Guildford Crown Court on Friday this week (23 May). A further youth is due to report back to a Youth Intervention Clinic in June.

Ten more people appeared on 15 May before magistrates in Guildford on a variety of charges relating to the second raids and nine are due to next appear at Guildford Crown Court on 29 May. One man, 26-year-old Francis Ragless of Pond Meadow, Guildford has already been sentenced to 12 months imprisonment for two offences of handling stolen goods.

West Surrey Chief Inspector (Operations) Dave Mason explained: “Operation Leek has seen officers act on the information provided by local people and evidence has been gathered over the past few months. The first phase of Operation Leek last month aimed to disrupt the activities of drug dealers and interrupt the supply of illegal drugs in the Waverley and Guildford areas. The second arm of the operation has targeted those involved in burglary and handling stolen goods, with the all too obvious link being that many drug users commit crime to fund their habit.

“By targeting those involved in such associated crime we aim to have a direct impact on the number of burglaries being committed in the local community. This community led activity is as a result of careful, painstaking work to draw out street level criminals causing damage in our neighbourhoods. Operation Leek will ultimately help to keep the streets of Surrey safe for residents and workers alike by bringing offenders to justice. We are seeking to stamp out crimes at either end of the offending spectrum. I want residents to be able to rest easy in their beds at nights and not to suffer as a result of drugs being supplied and used in our communities or becoming a victim of an acquisitive crime themselves.

He said: “The message is clear – Surrey Police will relentlessly pursue those involved in the supply of drugs and associated criminality. Anyone involved in those crimes should know that just because they have not been arrested to date it does not mean that we will not be knocking on their door in the future.”

Local residents can be assured that any community concerns and issues surrounding Operation Leek activities are being addressed. Guildford Borough Commander Lynette Shanks said: “Following the raids officers from the Guildford Safer Neighbourhood Team and colleagues in other boroughs provided a visible presence in the communities affected by the operations to assist and reassure members of the community.”

“Due to the activity as a result of Operation Leek we have put local drug treatment services on alert to expect an increase in demand for requests for assistance and we are ensuring concentrated outreach work to divert those displaced drug users into treatment. Anyone brought into custody has been supported by specialists from the charity CRI, which has staff experienced in helping provide support and treatment for anyone arrested for crimes related to drug and alcohol use.”

For anyone wanting to access drug treatment (either directly or on behalf of a loved one) the DAAT fund a 24-hour, 7-day a week helpline called ‘Surrey Drug Care’. Surrey Drug Care is confidential, available to listen and will explain what options are open to you and can refer directly into treatment services in Surrey.

Commander Shanks is urging residents to continue to play an active part in helping Surrey Police tackle drug issues and said: “Help keep your neighbourhood clean and pass on any details you have of any suspicious activity or people you think may be involved in drugs activity in your locality to Surrey Police on 101. Together we can make our environment a better, cleaner place to live and work.”
Anyone with information should contact 101 quoting Operation Leek. Alternatively the independent charity Crimestoppers can be called on 0800 555 111.

Anyone who recognises or can identify stolen property is asked to contact Surrey Police on 101 quoting P14145159.

Four men have been sentenced to a minimum of 60 years in prison for their roles in the murder of a Chatham woman.

Appearing at Canterbury Crown Court on Tuesday 20 May, Mohammad Islam, 28, of Windmill Street, Gillingham, and Murshed Miah, 38, of Wheeler Street, Maidstone, were both given a life sentence and must serve a minimum of 25 years in prison.

Both were found guilty by a jury of murdering Harjit Chaggar and preventing a lawful burial at Canterbury Crown Court on Thursday 8 May.

Abdul Hannan, 44, of Aldon Close, Maidstone, and Rashad Miah, 27, of Otway Street, Chatham, were also found guilty of preventing a lawful burial. Hannan and Rashad Miah were both sentenced to 5 years in prison.

The sentences have brought an end to months of complex investigations by officers from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate.

During the eight-week trial, the court heard how in the afternoon of Monday 2 September, Harjit Chaggar, 69, visited Magpie Hall Road and Luton Road to run several errands including visiting her doctor’s surgery and buying some groceries.

Just after 3.30pm, local CCTV footage captured Mrs Chaggar visiting several shops including the Sani Globe Food store in Luton Road.

She then made her way to Magpie Hall Road where, captured on CCTV, a figure emerged from the back of Sani Globe Food. The man, wearing a white coat and apron, beckoned Mrs Chaggar over and they both entered the rear of the premises together at 4.02pm.

This was the last known sighting of Mrs Chaggar.

Her relatives contacted Kent Police after becoming concerned for her welfare when she did not return home. A missing person appeal was issued to the media and to the public in the days after urging anyone with information to come forward. Members of Mrs Chaggar’s family visited the Luton Road area, including Sani Globe Food appealing for information about her disappearance.

But on Saturday 14 September, Murshed Miah, an employee of Sani Globe Food, called Kent Police to report the discovery of a body under the floor boards of the property’s cellar.

Officers attended and found Mrs Chaggar’s body had been dumped under a trapdoor. Post mortem results found she had sustained fatal injuries to her head, neck and back and estimated she died within 24 hours of her last sighting.

Sani Globe Food manager Hannan and employees Murshed Miah and Islam were arrested on suspicion of murder in the hours after the discovery of Mrs Chaggar.

In interview, Hannan said he knew her as a regular customer and called her “auntie” although he’s not related to her. Miah and Islam said they discovered Mrs Chaggar after noticing a bad smell in the shop but the trio claimed they did not know how she came to be in the cellar.

Further investigations by detectives found the driver of a rubbish truck and recycling company visited Sani Globe Food on 3 September – the day after Mrs Chaggar disappeared. Whilst emptying the bins the driver noticed an unknown member of staff from Sani Globe Food empty several crates into the back of his truck. On further inspection, the driver noticed and retrieved a woman’s handbag – of similar description to the one belonging to the victim – which he checked before putting it back in the rubbish.

Harjit Chaggar’s son Kuldish Chaggar said: ‘The shock of losing our mother will never leave us. We pray that she is now at peace and can give us strength to carry on without her no matter what obstacles are placed in our way, for none can be bigger than losing her.

‘We remember the good times, the smiles and laughter of a loved and treasured mother and grandmother who had so many hopes and plans for the future. She was a person that loved life and lived it as best she could, with a smile on her face.’

Senior investigating officer Detective Superintendent Rob Vinson of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate said: ‘These sentences will hopefully bring some closure to Mrs Chaggar’s family and friends.

‘Hannan, Islam and the Miah brothers have never told us exactly what happened once Mrs Chaggar entered the rear of Sani Globe Food. Their wall of a silence means we may never know.

‘But they are now where they belong – in prison – where they can contemplate their roles in the murder of a 69-year-old lady.’

Thames Valley Police is continuing to investigate the death of  police officer Louise Gibson.

She was found in woodland near Little Kingshill at around 4pm yesterday (19/5).

A formal identification is yet to take place and a post-mortem has been scheduled for Thursday (22/5).

Her death is currently being treated as unexplained but not suspicious.

Due to the fact Louise was reported missing after leaving work, the matter will be referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission, as is standard procedure when a death occurs following police contact.

Police are appealing for witnesses after a gang of teenagers set a dog on a cat in Crawley.

The three boys began playing with the ginger cat in Arne Close, Bewbush, before picking it up and waving it in front of their dog at about 7.30pm on Monday 12 May.

The dog, which appeared to be a white Staffordshire bull terrier with tanned patches on its body and was off its lead, was repeatedly encouraged to attack the cat, which the boys were holding.

The boys ran off when a neighbour saw what they were doing. As they fled they threw the cat over a fence.

The cat is being treated by a nearby vet for its injuries.

PC Gillian Sadler said: “This was a very nasty attack on the cat and has left both the animal and its owner traumatised.

“It is difficult to understand why anyone could behave with such cruelty to a pet.

“I want to speak to anyone who saw or heard the attack on the cat.

“There may be other people who saw the boys messing around with the cat before they set the dog on it or someone who recognises their descriptions.

“If you know anything at all please contact us.”

The first boy was white and 14 or 15. He had light blonde hair that was shaved at both sides and did not have a top on.

The second boy was also white and 14 or 15. He had dark brown hair and was wearing a dark coloured tracksuit with his hood up.

Anyone with information should call 101 quoting serial 1334 of 12/5, email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Surrey Police successfully hit criminals where it hurt by recovering more than £1 million in assets in the last financial year under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA).

POCA was used to recover assets totalling £1,221,386 through 55 confiscation orders. Of these 42 of them averaged more than £23,000 each and nearly £500,000 was paid back to victims.

The Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) was designed to prevent criminals from profiting from their crimes and enable authorities to confiscate and recover the proceeds of any criminal activity.

POCA targets anyone who seeks to profit from crime. One of the main areas Surrey Police is keen to clamp down on are offences relating to drug dealing and drug use in the county.

In accordance with the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, police will use all available powers to target convicted drug dealers and prevent them from operating in Surrey.  If found guilty offenders can be hit with further penalties (forfeiture of property) such as having to lose ownership of cash, drugs, smart phones, weapons or vehicles found in their possession.

The proceeds from the sale of these items, together with any cash seized can be retained by Surrey Police and a prime example occurred in 2010, when a successful forfeiture of an Aston Martin used by a convicted drug dealer was seized and subsequently sold.

Last year alone there were 26 cash forfeiture orders, averaging £9,661.30.  The amount is split equally between the Home Office and Surrey Police who use the funds for crime fighting initiatives.

DI Andy Haslam, Head of the Economic Crime Unit (ECU) said: “We often have around 40 live complex investigations on the go at any one time.

“Recent successes of the department include £100,000 being confiscated and a 42 month prison sentence handed out to a suspect found guilty of a drugs and money laundering scam which involved a money lending company.

“And in another instance over £88,000 was confiscated from a woman who was given a 30-month prison sentence for defrauding companies she worked for by duplicating her salaries.”

Other examples include nearly three years work with the Cypriot Police, the Serious and Organised Crime Agency, Thames Valley Police and the Crown Prosecution Service resulting in a confiscation order from a man of more than £60,000.

DI Haslam added: “The ECU also investigates serious and complex fraud cases, corruption in public life and overseas and other corruption allegations, including: fraud and investments scams, electoral fraud, cheque and credit card fraud.

“We are also dealing with an increasing amount of so-called romance scams which are anything but romantic.  They are in fact a calculated, persistent campaign of fraud, targeting vulnerable people via phone, email and brazen face-to-face contact.”

The assets confiscated from criminals through POCA are shared between a central Home Office fund (50%), the Crown Prosecution Service (18.75%), the court (12.5%) and the investigating agency, such as Surrey Police, who get the remaining 18.75%.

A 23-year-old man has today (Thursday, 22 May) been sentenced at Guildford Crown Court to life and will serve 14 years in prison following the murder of his mother’s partner in the Bellfields area of Guildford last year.

Joshua Ellis was found guilty of the murder of 54-year-old Neil Tulley at the family’s home address where his body was discovered with multiple stab wounds on 13 August 2013. During the trial the court heard that a forensic post mortem examination showed Mr Tulley died after sustaining more than sixty stab wounds, including significant defence wounds to both of his forearms and around 40 stab wounds to his back.

At a previous hearing Joshua’s younger brother, 14-year-old Jerome Ellis, was found guilty of the manslaughter of Mr Tulley and was sentenced to six years imprisonment. 

Police launched a manhunt and public appeal regarding the whereabouts of the two brothers after they went missing following the fatal attack. They eventually handed themselves in at Woking Police Station the next evening (Wednesday, 14 August) and were both subsequently arrested.

Commenting on the sentencing today Detective Chief Inspector Mark Preston said: “The sentence today reflects the severity of the crime and it is never an easy decision for the judge or jury to make with such emotive events to be considered. This was a tragic case in which a man was fatally injured and two families have been completely devastated as a result. Everybody involved in this case is a victim of circumstance.

“It has been an extremely distressing investigation and I want to thank the members of the jury and the officers who have had to deal with particularly traumatic evidence, which was harrowing and at times disturbing for them. They are to be praised for their professionalism in dealing with harrowing accounts and bringing the matter to today’s conclusion.”

Joshua Ellis

Neil Tulley