TEACHERS, NHS workers and police officers could be held accountable for failing to spot violent crime among young people under government plans announced on Monday reports the BBC.

Home Secretary Sajid Javid has launched a consultation to assess whether there is a “public health duty” to report concerns over children at risk.

He said he will use “all the tools” at his disposal to end violent crime.

A summit on serious youth violence is being held at Downing Street this week.

The government says its plan is intended to “help spot the warning signs that a young person could be in danger, such as presenting in A&E with suspicious injury, to worrying behaviour at school or issues at home”.

Mr Javid called violent crime “a disease rotting our society” and said he was “committed to ending this scourge”.

“The public health, multi-agency approach has a proven track record and I’m confident that making it a legal duty will help stop this senseless violence and create long-term change,” he added.

The announcement comes a day after Mr Javid handed the police greater stop and search powers to tackle rising knife crime in England.

With 285 deaths from stabbings in 2017-18, the most ever recorded in the UK, ministers have come under increasing pressure to tackle knife crime.

As well as hosting the summit on youth violence, which starts on Monday, Prime Minister Theresa May will meet privately with families affected by knife crime.

Mrs May said that while strong law enforcement “plays an important role”, she added that communities need to look at what they can do to safeguard young people.

“That is why our plans to introduce a whole community – or ‘public health’ – approach are designed to identify more young people at risk,” she said.

More than 100 experts will meet at Downing Street during the week to discuss the issue.

The consultation, which is open to the public and professionals across the UK, will run until May 28.

1530 hrs

A LARGE police van and a squad car are in attendance outside the shops at Manor Hatch on Tumbler Road in Harlow.

It is as yet unknown if any arrests have been made.

YH has contacted Essex Police for more details.

More follows.

IF you drug drive we WILL catch you – that’s the message from Essex Police after a record number of people were arrested for it last month.

During March, 164 people were arrested for it surpassing the previous highest figure of 163 from January.

There were also 117 people arrested on suspicion of drink driving and 39 people arrested for failing to provide a sample.

It’s the third month in a row that drug driving arrests have outstripped drink driving arrests and the fourth month out of the last five.

Acting Chief Inspector Sharn Taylor, Head of Roads Policing, said: “These figures are shocking. They’re a real concern to me and should be a real concern to the public too.

“Drug driving puts lives at risk. It’s reckless, it’s irresponsible and it’s totally unacceptable.

“I think there are also a lot of people who aren’t really aware of how drugs affect your ability to drive or how long they can stay in your system.

“If you drive with drugs in your system it impacts on your ability to react behind the wheel and that can be fatal. And we have had collisions were someone has died and drugs have been a factor.

“What these figures also show that if you’re drug driving, we WILL catch you and we WILL arrest you. If you’re convicted, you WILL lose your licence and that could mean you lose your job, your home, and even your family.

“We have more officers trained to use the drug wipes meaning we’ve got more opportunity to detect drug drivers and get them off the road.

“My officers are also carrying out targeted and proactive operations to catch people doing things like drug driving.

“Information from the public is also really important and we need anyone who has any information about someone they suspect is drug driving to call us.

“The easiest way to not get caught drug driving is to not do it at all. Our message is drive safe, drive sober.”

The number of arrests is also more than double that from the same time last year when 83 people were arrested for drug driving.

Acting Chief Inspector Taylor added: “We’ve also found there’s a link between drug driving and other forms of crime.

“A study we carried out last year found half of drug drivers had been arrested before and a half of those arrested had been so in connection with serious climes including those linked to violence.

“This makes our work to tackle drug drivers even more important. It’s not just making our roads safer, but it’s helping to tackle and disrupt other forms of crime.”

If you have any information about a drink or drug drier please call us on 101 or 999 in an emergency.

Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Media note: The study sampled 231 people arrested on suspicion of drug driving. 56% of those arrested had been arrested before and 48% of those arrested before had been so in connection with serious crimes including those linked to violence.

MEMBERS of Harlow Town Cricket Club have reacted with anger after the club suffered a series of thefts at their ground on Ash Tree Field on Elizabeth Way.

A spokesperson said: “At some point Monday afternoon (March 26th) some “kind people” decided to break into the ground, take half a gate with them and steal our fencing surrounding our practice nets…all 70 metres of it!

“We have become used to people helping themselves or damaging our community asset but this is just unbelievable and a significant loss for a non profit club like ours”.

YH understands that they have contacted Essex Police and filed a report.

There may be plans to launch a Justgiving page in order to raise funds to replace what has been stolen.

A MAN is due to appear in court next week where he will be charged in connection with a fatal collision in Harlow.

A motorbike and a pedestrian, 82 year-old Dennis Piper, were in collision in Cambridge Road on October 3, 2017.

Mr Piper was taken to hospital but, sadly, later died.

Daynolin Reddy, 30, of Mayfield Road London, E17 has been summoned to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on April 10 where he will be charged with causing death by dangerous driving.

A DISPERSAL order will be in place in Harlow this weekend in response to planned car cruise events.

It will run from 6pm today, Saturday 6 April, until 2am on Sunday, 7 April, and covers the area around Edinburgh Way.

The dispersal order gives officers the power order people causing anti-social behaviour to leave the area.

It is a criminal offence to breach a direction given under the order.

Inspector Tony Walker, of Harlow’s Community Policing Team, said: “We acknowledge that car enthusiasts and members of the public enjoy these events but, unfortunately, previous events have shown us that there are some people who behave in an anti-social manner and drive dangerously, putting the safety of others at risk.

“I hope there will be no need to enforce the order and our priority is to ensure that the area remains safe for all to use.”

The dispersal order covers the area shown in the map attached.

Can you help the police identify this man?

A spokesperson said: ‘We want to speak to him in connection with a fraud in Harlow.

Two men told the victim, a man in his 90s, that he had damaged their hire car at the Sainsbury’s car park at around 12.05pm on March 15 and that he must pay them a four-figure sum to cover their deposit.

One of the men then accompanied the victim to the Nationwide in Post Office Walk where he withdrew a four-figure sum in cash.

If you recognise the man pictured please call us on 101 quoting the crime reference number 42/41174/19 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A GROUP of fraudsters who conned vulnerable victims out of nearly £1 million whilst purporting to be fine-wine brokers have been jailed for a total of 17 years’ and nine months.

The men were sentenced at Southwark Crown Court on Friday, 5 April after being found guilty of conspiracy to defraud and money laundering, as follows:

Adam Edwards, 37 (03.09.81) of Clavering, Hertfordshire was sentenced to six years’ imprisonment, and a five-year Directors Disqualification Order.

Barry Warner, 38 (31.08.80) of Theydon Bois, Essex, was sentenced to five-and-a-half years’ imprisonment.

Tarik Drissi, 35 (29.01.84) of Harlow was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment.

Two co-conspirators also pleaded guilty to the same offences in June and December 2018 and were sentenced alongside their counterparts who stood trial.

Christopher Brummit, 36 (13.06.82) of Ugley, Bishop Stortford was sentenced in his absence to three years and three months’ imprisonment, plus a five-year Directors Disqualification Order.

Officers are appealing for assistance from the public to trace Brummit who was last seen in October 2018 in London. A warrant has been issued for his arrest in relation to this matter and he is further wanted by Essex Police for an unrelated robbery offence.

James Brooks, 34 (07.09.84) of Takeley, Bishop Stortford was sentenced to 20 months’ imprisonment – suspended for two years – and ordered to complete 300 hours of unpaid work

The court heard how between 2013 and 2015, more than 50 people became unwitting victims of the groups wide-scale fraud and money laundering scam.

The groups would cold-call elderly or vulnerable people, introduce themselves under fake names and claim they were brokers with expertise in fine wine.

They operated from an industrial estate on the outskirts of Great Dunmow and claimed to work for three companies – Mayfair Worldwide Trading Ltd, Commodex Global Limited and Winchester Associates Ltd – based in prime locations such as Mayfair. These companies were found to be fake.

Once they would get hold of the victim, they would call them repeatedly and persuade them to sell their holding, or invest in fine wines, whilst stating they could sell them on their behalf for a profit. On some occasions the victims were told their wines would be exchanged for graphene or diamonds that did not exist.

The victims would transfer their wines hoping to receive their agreed payments within 28 days, however none of the victims ever received this promised money.

In August 2015, officers from the Met’s Organised Crime Command launched a joint investigation with Essex Police after numerous victims came forward and reported their suspicions to Action Fraud.

Forensic analysis and financial investigations linked the defendants to the offences.

On 15 November 2015, the police investigation culminated in a series of search warrants and all five defendants were arrested. A substantial amount of contacts containing victims details were found within the properties.

They were all charged with conspiracy to defraud and money laundering in January and February 2018.

During sentencing, the Judge commended the officers in the case, Detective Constable Tony Rundle, Detective Inspector Nicola Bourke and Detective Inspector Michael Pannell, for the quality of their joint police investigation into what was described as a “very complex, highly organised, calculated fraud”.

DC Tony Rundle, who led the investigation, said: “This group of fraudsters targeted vulnerable people across the United Kingdom, scamming them out of huge sums of money for their own financial gain.

“Our officers carried out a meticulous investigation and I am pleased the gang will now face justice for their calculated actions which ruined the lives of many victims.

“I would like to thank my colleagues for their hard work and dedication throughout this long running investigation.

“However, our investigation continues to trace Brummit who fled from police in October 2018. I would urge anyone who may know about his whereabouts to call police on 101. For an immediate sighting, please dial 999.”

Detective Sergeant Michael Pannell, from Essex Police, added: “These defendants were audacious and confident enough to think the use of fake names would prevent them from being caught. However, thanks to the thorough police investigation, they were proved wrong.”

A DISPERSAL order will be in place in Edinburgh Way and surrounding roads in Harlow this weekend, after we’ve received reports of a planned car cruise event.

The order will run from 6pm on Saturday, April 13, to 2am on Sunday, April 14.

The dispersal order gives officers the power order people causing anti-social behaviour to leave the area and breaching any direction given under the order is a criminal offence.

Inspector Tony Walker, of Harlow’s Community Policing Team, said: “Whilst we want to support those who have an enthusiasm for cars and other vehicles, we know that these events can often give way to anti-social behaviour, dangerous driving and other situations that can put attendees and members of the public at risk.

“By using this order we can make sure that the businesses and residents who would otherwise be impacted can continue to go about their evening safely and undisturbed.”

Please see above for the areas covered by the dispersal order.

A WOMAN HAS been fined for shoplifting offences at Next in The Water Gardens, Harlow.

Sylvia Nevin, aged 30, of Cherry Tree Caravan Site, Hemel Hempstead pled guilty to the following at Chelmsford magistrates court.

On 10/06/2018 at Harlow, stole clothing, to the value of £520, belonging to Next, Water Gardens, Harlow.

Nevin was fined £245.00

DO you recognise this man?

Essex Police would like to speak to him in connection with a fraud in Harlow.

It comes after a vulnerable woman reported that she had been defrauded of £55,000 between August 2018 and January 2019.

They believe this man will be able to assist us in our enquiries.

Anyone with knowledge of his identity or whereabouts is asked to call the Serious Economic Crime Unit on 101 quoting the crime reference number 42/29468/19.

You can also call Crimestoppers completely anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Do you recognise any of these items?

THEY were discovered following warrants in Brentwood, Harlow and Stansted Abbots at around 6.30am on Tuesday, March 5.

During the warrant we arrested seven men with numerous offences.

Shane Stanley, 36, Tommy Mitchell, 18, Walter Mitchell, 41, Levi Mitchell, 24, William Mitchell, 30, Walter Mitchell, 20, all of Fern Hill Lane, Harlow, and Scott McManus, 43, of Chapelfields, Stanstead Abbotts, have been charged with two counts of conspiracy to commit burglary and one count of conspiracy to steal vehicles.

They have been remanded to appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on Friday, May 24.

Sid Clark, 31, of Broadfield, Harlow, was arrested on Wednesday, March 6, and was charged with burglary, two counts of conspiracy to commit burglary and one count of conspiracy to steal vehicle

Jack Mitchell, 19, of Kingsmoor Road, Harlow, has been summonsed for three counts of conspiracy to commit burglary and one count of conspiracy to steal vehicles.
Clark and Mitchell are also due in court on Friday, May 24.

Anyone with information is asked to call our Serious and Organised Crime Team North on 101 or you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

AN INVESTIGATION has been launched into the death of a Harlow man in Chelmsford prison.

Thokozani Shiri, aged 21, died in hospital on Sunday morning (April 14th).

He was serving a three year jail term for causing grievous bodily harm (GBH) after stabbing a 16-year-old boy in the Town Park last year.

The exact time and cause of death has not yet been confirmed by the Ministry of Justice.

An investigation has also been launched by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman, which is standard procedure when an inmate dies in custody.

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: “HMP Chelmsford prisoner Thokozani Shiri died in hospital on 14 April 2019. As with all deaths in custody there will be an independent investigation by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman.”

A HARLOW man has been jailed again for a number of offences in the town centre area of Harlow.

Lewis Cooper-Gray, aged 31, of No Fixed Abode, pled guilty at Chelmsford magistrates court to the following.

Between 11/04/2019 and 12/04/2019 at Harlow without reasonable excuse, begged for money from members of the public which you were prohibited from doing by a criminal behaviour order made by Chelmsford magistrates court on 28/02/2019

On 12/04/2019 at Harlow, without reasonable excuse, begged for money from members of the public which you were prohibited from doing

On 12/04/2019 at Harlow, without reasonable excuse, LIT AND SMOKED A CIGARETTE INSIDE THE HARVEY CENTRE HARLOW THUS BEHAVING IN AN ANTI-SOCIAL MANNER which you were prohibited from doing by a criminal behaviour order made by CHELMSFORD MAGISTRATES COURT on 28/02/2019

Cooper-Grays was committed to prison for eight weeks. Reason: Offence so serious because two breaches of order, wilful breaches of court order aggravated by previous convictions and breaches of court orders.

He was also fined £115.00

A HARLOW man is set to stand trial accused of robbing a Co-Op in Bush Fair.

Richard Wright, aged 44, of Commonside Road, Harlow has been charged with the following.

On 26/03/2018 at Harlow robbed The Co-op Bush Fair of cash to the value of £178.27

On 26/03/2018 at Harlow had with you, without good reason or lawful authority, in a public place The CO-OP Bush Fair Harlow an article which had a blade or was sharply pointed, namely Steak Knife.

Wright will face trial on May 13th, 2019 at Chelmsford Crown Court.

Wright has been remanded in custody.

A HARLOW man has been fined and banned for drug-driving and well as drug possession.

Jamel Drummond, aged 24, of Great Brays, Harlow pled guilty at Chelmsford magistrates court to the following.

On 11/09/2018 at Harlow had in your possession a quantity of cannabis, a controlled drug of class B in contravention of section 5(1) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

On 11/09/2018 at Harlow had in your possession 1.49g of cocaine a controlled drug of class A in contravention of section 5(1) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971

On 11/09/2018 at Harlow had in your possession 41 tablets of Clonazepam and associated fragments, a controlled drug of class C in contravention of section 5(1) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971

On 11/09/2018 at Harlow drove a motor vehicle, namely AUDI, on a road, namely Great Brays, when the proportion of a controlled drug, namely Clonazepam, in your blood, namely 65 micrograms of drug per litre of blood, exceeded the specified limit.

Drummond was fined £460.000 and disqualified for fourteen months.

A HARLOW man has been charged with driving under the influence of drugs.

Leigh Purcell, aged 20, of Fesants Croft, Harlow has been charged with the following.

On 11/10/2018 at Harlow drove a motor vehicle, namely Hyundai Classic on a road, namely Howard Way, when the proportion of a controlled drug, namely Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, in your blood, namely 3.2 micrograms of analyte per litre of blood, exceeded the specified limit

A trial date of August 2nd at Basildon magistrates court has been set.

Purcell has pled not guilty.

ESSEX Police are releasing images of distinctive jewellery that was stolen during a burglary in the hope that someone may have information on what has happened to them.

A home in Upper Mealines, Harlow, was burgled between 2.45pm and 3.45pm on Thursday 4 April.

A large amount of cash and a jewellery were stolen.

A spokesperson said: “We are appealing for witnesses who saw what happened, or has been offered for sale any jewellery similar to that pictured.

Anyone with information is asked to call Harlow CID on 101 quoting reference 42/52950/19.

Alternatively, contact the Crimestoppers charity 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111 or use the anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org

MORE than £1.5million of additional funding has been secured from the Home Office to help tackle serious violent crime within Essex.

The extra funding will be used to increase our activities to help tackle street violence and knife crime.

The announcement by Nick Hurd MP, the Minister of State for Policing and the Fire Service, follows a meeting last month between the Home Secretary and senior officers from across the country.

During this meeting, we put forward a case for extra funds to help deal with serious violent crime.

Assistant Chief Constable Paul Wells said: “I’m delighted to say we have been successful in our bid and £1.5million in extra funding will be invested in our fight against violent crime and knife crime.

“We will use the additional money throughout the next year to further support our activity, which will be focused in identified violent crime hotspots, the targeting of habitual knife carriers and acting on community intelligence.

“We will also intensify our efforts to disrupt and dismantle criminal street gangs causing violence in our communities.”

The announcement follows our continued operations around the national knife crackdown, Operation Sceptre.

Since 2015, 47,715 knives and weapons have been put into Only Cowards Carry bins outside our police stations. Over 4,280 were put into our bins between January and March this year.

We continue to urge people to report crime to us on 101 or online by visiting www.essex.police.uk/do-it-online. In an emergency call 999.
You can also report information to Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A DISPERSAL order will be in place in Edinburgh Way and surrounding roads in Harlow this weekend, after reports of a planned car cruise event.

The order will run from 6pm today, Friday, April 26 to 2am on Sunday, April 28.

This gives officers the power to order those causing anti-social behaviour to leave the area. Breaching any direction given under the order is a criminal offence.

Inspector Tony Walker, of Harlow’s Community Policing Team said: “Previous events have caused significant distress to residents and other road users.

“This has included concerns about the manner of driving, noise from car exhausts and engines and loud music played into the early hours.

“Over the past few months, we’ve issued a number of dispersal orders in this area to prevent any anti-social behaviour and dangerous driving associated with this type of event and continue to work with the owner’s of the retail park to put a long-term plan in place.”