Cheshire News & Appeals

Cheshire Neighbourhood Watch Association
Week ending 7 th July 2019
Cheshire News & Appeals
Latest Cheshire News
National recognition for Cheshire’s Family Liaison Officers
One of Cheshire’s longest-standing roads policing Family Liaison Officers (FLOs) has been recognised for
his hard work and dedication with a national award.
Two Cheshire officers were in the running for the Excellent Longstanding Service Award at the 2019 Brake
FLO Awards and PC Tony Hayhust was announced as the winner at the ceremony, which was held at the
Houses of Parliament on Wednesday, 3 July. Among the 10 other nominees was PC Nick Anderton, who
scooped the ‘highly commended’ award for the category.
Tony has formally served as an FLO for more than 11 years and has provided support to more than 100
families. He was awarded the accolade for his ability to overcome challenging situations. In particular, his
creative and innovative work in a case where the victim was a foreign national, and the bereaved family lived
overseas. A particular highlight for the judges was Tony’s exceptional commitment to family liaison, which
led in once case to him personally transporting donated organs to Cambridgeshire for the NHS. One of his
most noteworthy achievements followed a fatal collision in 2010 where Matthew, a 21 year old man sadly
lost his life. Tony supported the family through a very difficult time and recognised an opportunity to make a
positive outcome from a tragic situation. As he had built up an excellent relationship with the family, he
approached them to discuss the idea of mounting Matthew’s severely damaged vehicle on a trailer to use as
an impactive road safety message in the community. Matthew’s family agreed without hesitation and the
‘think car’ was created. The ‘think car’ has the ability to silence crowds and is without a doubt the single
most effective road safety tool available to the force.
Nick was highly commended by judges for his instrumental role in pioneering and professionalising the
service that Cheshire Constabulary provides to the families of those who have lost a loved one on Cheshire’s
roads. He has spent a huge amount of his own personal time developing and presenting case studies that he
has personally dealt with to student family liaison officers as part of their initial qualification course - as well
as making grieving families feel as though they are the centre of his world and providing the highest quality
of service to them at the saddest of times.
PC Tony Hayhurst said: “I have worked on more than 100 cases as a family liaison officer and have supported
many families through very traumatic, life changing events. Those families have not only suffered terrible
loss but have each found themselves at the centre of a police investigation and some, a court case. I am
immensely respectful of the work that all our family liaison officers undertake in Cheshire Police, they form a
resilient and professional team who really do make a difference to those families when they need us most. I
am very proud to have won this award but I would far rather bring an award to Cheshire for zero road
deaths and serious injuries on our roads - something we really do want to achieve”.
PC Nick Anderton said: “As an FLO I have met some very courageous and amazing people through the most
tragic of circumstance. It has been an honour to help and guide them through both the criminal and / or
coronial process. I thank the families for their understanding of what we have do in the initial stages of an
investigation when realistically they probably want to just curl up into a ball and hide, hoping their
nightmare will go away. While I am extremely proud to receive this award I only wish that the families had
their loved ones with them instead."
Superintendent Jo Marshall Bell, who heads up Cheshire’s Roads and Crime Unit said: “I am immensely
proud of both Tony and Nick for the much deserved national recognition they have received for the
commitment they give to the role of FLO. This category had applications from all over the UK and the fact
that Cheshire had two winners just shows the fantastic work that goes on each day in this county. Tony and
Nick have gone above and beyond for the families they have supported, at what is a truly heartbreaking and
difficult time. They have both shown undeniable dedication and are an absolute credit to the Constabulary.”
Widnes woman charged with class A drugs and shoplifting offences
A woman from Widnes has been charged with drugs and shoplifting offences. Emma Philbin was arrested
shortly after 11.30am yesterday, Thursday 4 July, after officers seized a quantity of class A drugs from an
address in Lower House Lane. The 35-year-old has since been charged with two counts of possessing a
controlled drug of class A (heroin and crack cocaine). She has also been charged with two counts of
shoplifting from a shop in connection with incidents at the Wilko store in Widnes Shopping Park on Monday
3 June and Monday 24 June. Philbin, of Lower House Lane, has been remanded in custody and is set to
appear at Warrington Magistrates’ Court today, Friday 5 July.
Police crack down on anti-social behaviour in Warrington Town Centre
An operation to tackle anti-social behaviour in Warrington Town Centre has been hailed a success. During
the month of June, officers from Warrington Beat Management Team, supported by response team
colleagues, targeted those causing anti-social behaviour in the town centre during the day or evening.
Inspector Neil Drum, from Warrington LPU said: “The operation is part of ongoing problem solving work
focusing on those regularly engaged in street drinking and use of Non-Psychoactive Substances, which tends
to lead to problems with anti-social behaviour. Our month-long crackdown is just the start and has been
successful in deterring anti-social behaviour. I hope it reassures the community that we have listened and
we are taking this seriously. We want everyone to enjoy our town centre and everything it has to offer, but
we understand anti-social behavior from a small number of people can have a detrimental effect and we are
determined to address this.”
As a result of the policing operation a total of 18 arrests were made for various offences from robbery and
theft to drunk and disorderly offences, and 37 ‘advisory’ letters were issued to people street drinking
contrary to the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO). Five fixed penalty notices were issued for PSPO
breaches and 15 dispersal notices were issued.
Inspecter Drum added: “This isn’t the end of our efforts, we are committed to tacking the issue and will
continue to work with our partners to find solutions to deter repeat offenders.”
Anyone who witnesses anti-social behaviour in Warrington Town Centre should contact police on 101 or via
https://www.cheshire.police.uk/contact/general-enquiries/ .
Man jailed for 12 years for arson attack on block of flats
A Macclesfield man has been jailed for 12 years after an arson attack on a block of flats
in Macclesfield.
Jack Robinson, 25, currently of London Road, Sandbach, but previously from
Macclesfield, pleaded guilty at Chester Crown Court to committing arson being
reckless as to whether life was endangered, criminal damage and one count of
threatening to damage or destroy property. His girlfriend Kayleigh Woods, 26, of
Roslyn Road, Stockport, pleaded guilty to one count of assisting an offender.
On Monday 11 February, at about 10.30pm, Robinson was seen to have an argument with Woods in the Silk
Trader Pub, on Brook Street, Macclesfield. After this both left the pub together, with Woods driving. At
3.45am the following day, February 12, Robinson was seen on CCTV at a Tytherington petrol station buying a
jerry can and fuel. Woods was driving and Robinson used her card to pay for the petrol. Robinson was then
seen on CCTV at 3.52am pouring petrol all over the doorway of the 15-storey Pennine Court Flats, on
Carisbrook Avenue, Macclesfield, and setting fire to it.
Luckily, despite pouring an entire jerry can of petrol on the front door, the fire did not take hold and went
out by itself. Robinson tried to set fire to the flats after threatening an ex-girlfriend of his. After he had ran
away from the scene he sent her a text message saying “you got was was cumming [sic]”. In interview
Woods said that she helped Robinson out of “fear and love for him”. Robinson was jailed for 12 years and
Woods was handed a two year prison term suspended for 18 months and ordered to carry out 200 hours of
unpaid work.
Detective Constable Alison Shields said: “I am very pleased that this case has come to a conclusion and the
sentence Robinson has received shows the gravity of his crimes. Macclesfield’s police teams worked on this
case for days to make sure we apprehended the offender and were able to charge and remand him to
protect the public. Arson is a very serious crime and in this case stemmed from Robinson’s bullying
behaviour and attitude towards women. This was a domestic related incident. Robinson intended to cause
harm to his ex-partner. Robinson and Woods gave no regards to the residents of the flats and their
behaviour put hundreds of residents at risk. Thankfully the fire door on the building did its job and burnt out
before taking hold. Had the fire spread then the consequences to all the residents could have potentially
been catastrophic.”
Man charged with motoring offences following collision in Crewe
A man from Crewe has been charged with four motoring offences following a collision in the town.
Andrew Beard, of Goulding Drive, was arrested at 3.15pm yesterday, Wednesday 3 July, after a car had
collided with a telegraph pole on Stoneley Road. A 27-year-old woman, who was a passenger in the car,
suffered a minor injury as a result of the collision. She was taken to hospital via an ambulance. Beard, 23, has
since been charged with dangerous driving, failing to stop for police, driving without a licence and driving
without insurance. He has been released on unconditional bail and is set to appear at Crewe Magistrates’
Court on Wednesday 18 July.
Get switched on to your child's online world
Cheshire Constabulary is urging parents to get switched on to their children’s online world.
For young people the internet can be a wonderful and exciting place, where they can explore, learn new
things, communicate and be entertained. But with their online world growing, the Constabulary wants to
make sure parents are aware of the day-to-day risks this access can bring.
Working together with Get Safe Online, the Constabulary is issuing vital safety advice on how to be a
switched on parent.
 Have regular conversations with your child about the good and not-so-good things about the internet.
 Set boundaries and rules from a young age.
 Chat with friends, family and other parents about how they help their children to progress and keep safe
online.
 Use parental control software and apps on computers, mobile devices and games consoles, privacy
features on social networking sites, and the safety options on search engines.
 Tell your child that not everybody they meet online is necessarily who they appear to be.
 Explain and encourage safe searching.
 Check lower age limits of social networking, picture sharing, gaming and other sites and apps.
 Keep yourself up to date with new game and social media trends, especially those with negative
publicity because they may be violent, encourage gambling or leave the way open for grooming.
 Use a family email address when signing up for apps so that you can keep a watchful eye.
 Be aware of the rise in children’s live streaming of themselves and the potential dangers.
 Talk to your children about oversharing.
 However well you know your child, ask yourself if they could be carrying out some kind of negative
online activity that harms others, even if they do not realise this.
Detective Sergeant Chris Maddocks, of Cheshire Constabulary’s cybercrime team, said: “Children learn
through exploration and natural curiosity, and it is part of our job as parents and carers to encourage that,
but take the necessary steps to ensure their safety. Until their understanding catches up with their curiosity,
our children need to be protected from everyday dangers like crossing the road, safety around the home and
something that shouldn’t be underestimated, being online. Chances are your child is already an ‘online
veteran’ who knows their way around the internet, apps, games, downloading and social networking with
ease, but they almost certainly don’t have the life-experience and wisdom to handle all of the situations they
encounter, which is why it is so important that parents and carers get switched on to their children’s online
world.”
Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, David Keane, said: “Children are constantly accessing the
internet on mobile devices, which opens them up to a world of exploration, but it can also expose them to
dangers. Parents and carers have an important role to play in ensuring their children are aware of these
dangers. One of the main issues young people encounter online is cyber-bullying. Gone are the days when
they could go home from school to a safe place away from bullies, internet technology now means bullies
can operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week bringing a constant source of distress and worry for victims.
Through an anti-bullying commission, I’m aiming to develop a set of recommendations for the education and
criminal justice sectors to provide more protection of victims of bullying.”
Parents can join Cheshire Constabulary at the RHS Flower Show at Tatton Park between 17 - 21 July to learn
how to be a switched on parent. Designed by University Centre Reaseheath Level 5 Landscape Architecture
Students, the garden aims to raise awareness of the five simple steps that can be taken to help Cheshire
residents stay safe online. Cheshire Constabulary launched its 5Cs campaign to help people stay safe online
earlier this year. To find out more visit: https://cheshire.police.uk/5cs . For more information about online
safety for children visit: https://www.getsafeonline.org/safekidsonline/
Applications open for annual Nantwich youth fishing competition
Applications have now opened for the tenth annual Police Youth
Fishing Competition in Nantwich.
On Wednesday 28 August, 2019, officers from Nantwich Beat
Management team will be staging the event at the Bay Moultons
Border fisheries, on Waybutt Lane, Crewe, CW2 5QA. This will be the
10th edition of an event that has grown and grown over the years
and is now a permanent fixture in both the local Police and
community calendar. Last year there were 40+ entrants and officers
hope that in the competition's tenth year they can beat that figure. The event is open to 10-16 year olds
from across the area and is completely free of charge including refreshments, lunch, bait and prizes in
various categories as well as a free raffle to ensure every entrant goes home with a gift. The highlight of the
day will be the presentation of the ‘Phillip Martin Memorial Trophy’ to the overall match winner. The day
has been sponsored by the local Sainsbury's store.
Entrants must download the application form and return it to either Nantwich Police station
or Crewe.LPU@cheshire.pnn.police.uk by July 31st 2019. Places will be allocated on a first come first served
basis.
County lines arrests and drugs seized during Widnes week of action
A week-long focus to target serious and organised crime in Widnes has resulted in a number of arrests and
class A drugs being seized.
Between Monday 24 June and Friday 28 June officers used information provided by the community to
execute warrants, make five arrests and recover heroin, crack cocaine and cannabis. Two men were stopped
on the Iron Bridge in Grizedale and found to be in possession of approximately 40 wraps of heroin and crack
cocaine. They were arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of drugs and have been released
under investigation. A warrant executed on Mottershead Road resulted in cannabis, scales and graft phones
being recovered. Around 51 bags of heroin and crack cocaine were discovered in a jewellery box in the
garden of an address on Sinclair Avenue.
One vulnerable man was also identified and safeguarded by officers after he was found to have been a
victim of exploitation by organised crime groups (OCG). A county line is operated by an organised crime
group who use a mobile phone, known as a ‘line’ or a ‘graft’ to extend their criminal activity into new
locations – usually from a city into rural areas. Organised crime groups can target, coerce and exploit
children, vulnerable adults and disabled people to deliver and deal drugs on their behalf.
Sergeant Rob Anderson, of Widnes Local Policing Unit, said: “We know county lines exists in Widnes and we
are committed in doing all we can to disrupt it to make your community safer. Although this week of action
is similar to what we do on a daily basis, going that extra mile enables us to further engage with local
residents and reassure them that we do act on information provided to us. Keeping your community safe
and protecting vulnerable adults and children is our priority. I want to encourage the public to keep coming
forward with information and understanding how to spot the signs of county lines.”
Information on county lines can be found here
Anyone who believes county lines activity is happening in their area can call Cheshire Police on 101,
Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or submit information by
email https://cheshire.police.uk/contact/general-enquiries
Crewe couple jailed for dealing class A drugs
A couple have both been jailed for three years after they admitted
dealing class A drugs in Crewe.
Stephen Brian Jones, 36, and Donna Peacock, 31, of Fanshawe Walk,
Crewe, both pleaded guilty at Chester Crown Court to two counts of
possession with intent to supply class A drugs (cocaine and heroin)
and one count of possessing criminal property.
At 10.35am on Wednesday 29 May, 2019, officers stopped a blue Jaguar x-type car on Macron Way, Crewe,
because it had no insurance or valid MOT. After stopping the car an officer noticed some drugs
paraphernalia in the driver’s footwell and then searched the car. The officer found a tobacco tin with 28
wraps – 13 of heroin and 15 of crack cocaine. Officers also found a phone which was used to coordinate drug
sales. Both Jones and Peacock were arrested and a search of their home address was carried out with
officers finding £300 in cash and a further quantity of drugs. In custody a further £133 was recovered from
Peacock. In interview Peacock claimed the drugs were for personal use. Jones made no comment.
Detective Constable Peter Taylor said: “Drugs have a huge impact on our communities so any time we seize
drugs and take dealers off our streets it is a positive. Hopefully, the time in prison will give Jones and
Peacock time to change their ways.”
To understand how to spot the signs of serious and organised crime
visit https://www.cheshire.police.uk/about-us/serious-and-organised-crime/
Latest Cheshire Appeals
Images of paintings stolen from Chester art gallery released
Police have released images of stolen artwork and are urging
anyone with information regarding the paintings to come
forward.
Painted on glass, the four limited addition pieces of artwork
were stolen from the Watergate Street Gallery in Chester
between Sunday 16 June and Tuesday 18 June. Enquiries in
relation the thefts are ongoing and as part of their
investigation officers are appealing for anyone who believes
that they have seen, or been offered the chance to buy, any of
the paintings since they were stolen to get in touch.
Police Constable Jeff Cottrell said: “We are determined to
establish who stole the paintings, which are painted on pieces
of glass between 30cm and 40cm wide, and have them returned to the art gallery in Watergate Street in
Chester. If you think that you have seen any of the paintings since Sunday 16 June please contact the team
here at Chester Local Policing Unit. Perhaps you or someone you know have been offered the chance to buy
them. We also want to speak to anyone who believes that they may have information regarding the thefts or
the person, or persons, who stole the paintings.”
Anyone with information about the thefts or the whereabouts of the stolen paintings should call Cheshire
Constabulary on 101, quoting IML 431678, give the details via https://cheshire.police.uk/contact/general-
enquiries or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Police appeal for witnesses following Sandbach Park assault
Police are appealing for witnesses after a 15-year-old boy was assaulted in Sandbach Park.
At around 11.30pm on 29 June the teenager was walking through Sandbach Park with two friends when a
group of boys approached them and attacked him. When he got home he discovered a puncture wound
which may have been caused with a knife. The three suspects were aged approximately 17-year-old. Two of
the boys were white and one of the boys was black. All were wearing casual clothing.
Inspector Penny Jones said: “Incidents such as this are thankfully very rare in Sandbach and we want to make
sure it stays that way. While we are working to trace the suspects we are stepping up patrols in Sandbach
Park and Elworth Park. We are aware that there have been issues with anti-social behaviour in the parks and
we do not want to see this as an escalation of the issue. We are stepping up patrols in both parks and are
also asking residents to report any anti-social behaviour to us so that we can tackle this head on. We have
been back into local schools this week working with pupils in an attempt to prevent them being attracted in
to carry knives or any weapons, highlighting the serious and potentially fatal consequences of doing so.
Anyone found unlawfully in possession of knives or other weapons in a public place can expect to face the
consequence before a magistrate’s court.”
Anyone with information should contact Sandbach Police on 101 or via
https://www.cheshire.police.uk/contact/general-enquiries/ quoting IML 442266. Alternatively information
can be given anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Appeal after two Audi cars stolen in Neston burglary
Detectives are appealing for information and footage from members
of the public after two Audi cars were stolen following an overnight
burglary in Neston.
The keys to the grey Audi Q2 and the blue Audi RS7 are believed to
have been stolen from a house in The Spinney at around 1.20am
yesterday, Tuesday 2 July. The distinctive cars, which were parked on
the driveway, were then driven away from the scene. One of the
vehicles, the RS7, was involved in a collision on Woodchurch Road in
Birkenhead soon after it had been stolen. The back of the car is
believed to have been damaged as a result of the incident, which
occurred near to The Swan pub at around 3am. The car fled the scene
following the collision.
Enquiries in relation to the burglary, the vehicle thefts and the collision are ongoing and detectives are
urging anyone with any information or footage that may aid the investigation to get in touch. They have
released images of the cars so that members of the public know what they look like.
Detective Constable Tom Davies said: “The offenders got into a house in The Spinney as the occupants were
asleep and then stole the two distinctive Audi cars that were parked outside. We know that at least one of
the cars was driven to the Birkenhead area in Wirral, as it was involved in a collision there. We are
determined to establish who stole the cars, bring them to justice and have the vehicles returned to their
rightful owners. Enquiries are ongoing and as part of our investigation we are appealing for anyone who was
in The Spinney area on the night that the cars were stolen and witnessed anything suspicious to come
forward. Perhaps you saw the offenders, or the cars being driven away. We also want to speak to anyone
who believes that they may have CCTV or dashcam footage of the offenders or of the cars fleeing the scene.
The same goes for anyone who believes that they may know who the offenders are or have information
regarding the whereabouts of the stolen cars. One of the vehicles, the blue Audi RS7, is believed to have
been damaged as a result of the collision in Birkenhead. If you see such a car with damage to the rear please
get in touch. We have released images of the cars that were stolen. If you think that you see either car we
want to hear from you. We also want to hear from anyone who witnessed, or has dashcam footage of, the
collision in Birkenhead.”
Anyone with information or CCTV footage that may help the investigation should call Cheshire Constabulary
on 101, quoting IML 444221, give the details via https://cheshire.police.uk/contact/general-enquiries or
contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Dashcam footage can be submitted online at
www.cheshire.police.uk/advice-and-support/roads-and-vehicle-safety/submit-dashcam-footage .
Appeal following suspected arson attack at
Warrington industrial estate
Detectives investigating a suspected arson attack at an
industrial site in Warrington are appealing for information
and footage from members of the public.
Shortly before 11pm on Saturday 29 June firefighters were
called to a large fire involving wooden pallets at Forward
Works on Bridge Lane in Woolston.
Firefighters worked through the night tackling the blaze, with a total of 10 fire engines attending the scene.
The fire is believed to have been started deliberately, as is another fire that was started at the industrial site
that night. Fortunately the other fire, at WH Capper, went out by itself before any damage was caused to the
building. Enquiries in relation to the incidents are ongoing and detectives are urging anyone with
information, or CCTV or dashcam footage, that may help their investigation to get in touch.
Detective Constable Tom Ashton, of Warrington CID, said: “Thankfully no-one was hurt as a result of the
fires. The consequences of the fires could have been far worse. However, approximately £100,000 worth of
damage has been caused as a result of the pallets fire at Forward Works. Our investigation into the fires is
still in its early stages but it appears that offenders started the fire at Forward Works from a footpath
clearing off Cliftonville Road before they entered the industrial estate and started a further fire within the
WH Capper building. The fires put lives and people’s livelihoods at risk and I would like to reassure business
owners and residents that we are determined to establish who was responsible for the fires and make them
face the consequences of their actions. Enquiries into the fires are ongoing and as part of our investigation
we want to hear from anyone with any information or footage that may be relevant. Perhaps you were in
the area and witnessed something that may aid our investigation, or may be you have information regarding
who started the fires. We also want to hear from anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage of anyone in the
area who may have been involved in the fires being started.”
Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service Deliberate Fire Reduction Manager Andy Gray added: “The fire at Forward
Works involved a large amount of pallets, which were well alight on the arrival of firefighters. The fire took
12 hours to extinguish and put the safety of our firefighters at risk as they fought to bring it under control.
Fires that are believed to have been started deliberately such as this take up valuable resources, costing
taxpayers thousands of pounds, so if anyone knows anything about it then please report what you know.”
Anyone with information or CCTV footage that may help the investigation into the fires should call Cheshire
Constabulary on 101, quoting IML 442331, give the details via https://cheshire.police.uk/contact/general-
enquiries or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Dashcam footage can be submitted
online at www.cheshire.police.uk/advice-and-support/roads-and-vehicle-safety/submit-dashcam-footage .
Appeal following collision in Congleton
Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward following a road traffic collision in Congleton.
At 3pm on Saturday 22 June a collision occurred on the A54 on Buxton Road close to Tall Ash Avenue
involving a van and a cyclist. The cyclist, aged 57, went to hospital with serious facial injuries.
PC Jenny Knapman said: “Enquiries in relation to the collision are ongoing and as part of my investigation I
want to speak to anyone who may have been in the area and witnessed what happened. I am also appealing
for anyone who may have any dashcam footage to get in touch.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Cheshire Police on 101 quoting IML 435301 or send
information through our website on https://www.cheshire.police.uk/contact/general-enquiries/ . Dashcam
footage can be submitted here https://www.cheshire.police.uk/advice-and-support/roads-and-vehicle-
safety/submit-dashcam-footage/ .
To find out further information about the Cheshire Neighbourhood Watch Association, to log into your account or for Cheshire
Neighbourhood Watch Literature please visit our website: http://cheshir