Cheshire Neighbourhood Watch Association Week ending 1 March 2020 News & Appeals

Latest Cheshire News

Four men jailed for ATM attacks in , Wakefied and Telford An organised crime gang from Merseyside who stole more than £50,000 during ATM attacks in Warrington, Wakefield and Telford have been jailed.

Mark Edwards, 47, Sean Devereux, 30, Peter O’Neill, 41, and Liam Doherty, 39, all appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Thursday 27 February where they were sentenced to more than 16 years in prison. Edwards, of Helston Green, Huyton, was jailed for 5 years; Devereux, of Quarry Green, Northwood and O’Neill, of Murcote Road, Liverpool, were both sentenced to 4 years and six months in prison and Doherty, of Hansby Drive, Liverpool was sentenced to 3 years and nine months behind bars. The men had earlier pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit burglary with intent to steal.

The case against them began in the early hours of Thursday 3 October 2019 following a burglary at Nisa Local on Glover Road, Warrington. During the incident thieves broke into the Locking Stumps store via the roof. Once inside hey used an angle grinder to force open the ATM machine and stole almost £50,000. Following the attack an investigation was launched by detectives at Warrington Beat Initiative Team, led by Detective Constable Ian Morris. Over the following weeks the team spoke to various witnesses, examined hundreds of hours of CCTV footage and conducted forensic enquiries.

As a result the team gathered evidence linking Devereux, Doherty, Edwards and O’Neill to the incident. In addition they also found evidence linking the men to two other ATM attacks in Wakefield and Telford. The incident in Wakefield took place at around 9pn on Tuesday 12 November at Premier Store in Havercroft. Once again, the group broke into the store via the roof and used and used an angle grinder to force open the ATM machine – stealing more than £5,000. Just over a week later, on Thursday 21 November, the group targeted the One Stop Shop on Wellington Road in Telford. On this occasion they forced entry via the front door and, after unsuccessfully attempting to open the cash machine, stole more than £14,000 worth of cigarettes.

After gathering all of the evidence against the men, officers from Cheshire Constabulary conducted raids at their Merseyside homes and arrested the men on Wednesday 11 December. During the warrants officers conducted detailed searches of their addresses and recovered a number of items, including angle grinders, mobile phones, high value clothing, watches and more than £14,000 cash.

Following the sentencing Detective Constable Ian Morris, of Warrington Beat Initiative Team said: “This criminal enterprise went to great lengths to plan and coordinate attacks on cash machines with the intent of gaining significant amounts of cash. The men conducted a number of recces prior to conducting their attacks and travelled great distances in a failed attempt to evade justice. The businesses they targeted were recognised as providing important services to our local communities and the devastation of these incidents should not be underestimated. Not only did they cause thousands of pounds worth of damage, but they also had a profound impact on other businesses and residents within the local area.”

Detective Sergeant Ian Bingley added: “I commend the diligence of DC Morris and PC Howard in pursuing all lines of enquiry to identify them as suspects. All four defendants refused to engage with officers during the investigation and denied any involvement. It was down to the tenacity of the investigators on Warrington Beat Initiative Team who secured the evidence to prove beyond doubt their involvement and build the case which led to the guilty pleas. Today’s sentences show no matter how many crimes you commit in different areas you cannot avoid being caught – we will relentlessly pursue you until you are captured. We are determined to disrupt all levels of serious organised crime within our communities and keep people safe.”

Detectives charge 12 following operation targeting organised crime in Detectives have charged 12 people in Ellesmere Port with drug offences following an operation targeting organised crime.

The nine men and three women appeared at Magistrates Court on Friday 28 February. Christopher Beattie, 31, of Sutton Way in has been charged with conspiracy to import cannabis and two counts of possession with intent to supply cannabis.

Zoe Beattie, 28, of Parklands View in Little Sutton has been charged with conspiracy to import cannabis and money laundering. Billy Dodd, 22, of Grappenhall Road in Great Sutton has been charged with conspiracy to supply cannabis. Martin Ellis, 57, of Marlborough Road in Ellesmere Port has been charged with conspiracy to import cannabis, conspiracy to supply cannabis and money laundering. Christy Foster, 21, of Grappenhall Road in Great Sutton has been charged with conspiracy to import cannabis, concerned in the supply of cocaine and concerned in the supply of cannabis. Carla Hancock, 31, of Rostherne Avenue in Great Sutton has been charged with money laundering. Raymond Holding, 40, of Parklands View in Great Sutton has been charged with conspiracy to import cannabis, conspiracy to supply cannabis and money laundering. Robert Parsonage, 30, of Rostherne Avenue in Great Sutton has been charged with concerned in the supply of cocaine, concerned in the supply of cannabis and money laundering. Andrew Paul, 47, of Milton Road in Ellesmere Port has been charged with conspiracy to supply cannabis. Ryan Pimbblet, 23, of Fulwood Gardens in Little Sutton has been charged with conspiracy to supply cannabis. Kevin Smith, 44, of Tarvin Close in Ellesmere Port has been charged with conspiracy to import cannabis and money laundering. Lloyd Spencer, 36, of Hawkeshead Road in has been charged with conspiracy to supply cannabis.

They are next due to appear at Chester Crown Court on Friday 27 March. The charges relate to a complex investigation in-connection with a serious and organised crime operation involving the importation and supply of cannabis and cocaine. Birmingham man charged with courier fraud A 21-year-old man from Birmingham has been charged in connection with an incident of courier fraud.

Marcello Gaspar was arrested on Wednesday 26 February following an incident at a property in . Gaspar, of Crocodile Court, Birmingham, has since been charged with one count of fraud by false representation. He has been remanded into custody and is due to appear at Magistrates’ Court on Friday 28 February.

Man sentenced to 12 years following robbery in Ellesmere Port A Merseyside criminal who left a man with lifelong injuries after robbing him at his home in Ellesmere Port has been jailed for 12 years.

Wesley Sherlock, of St Marys Street in Wallasey, hit the 23-year-old man in the face with a gin glass. On Thursday 1 December the 27-year-old had forced his way into the victim’s house on Victoria Road wile shouting ‘police’. The victim was grabbed by the coat and told to lie on his stomach and put his hands behind his back. While he lay on the floor, his watch was stolen from his wrist and he could hear rooms in his house being searched. As he lay on the floor he was bleeding heavily from his face but unable to move. Sherlock stole a games console, a designer handbag and a watch before escaping in a black BMW car parked nearby. The victim was taken to the Countess of Chester Hospital by ambulance and police were called. On 20 December a warrant was executed at Sherlock’s address in Wallasey and he was arrested.

Detective Constable Chris O’Connor, from Ellesmere Port Policing Unit, said: “Sherlock is a vicious and nasty individual as well as prolific in his offending. This attack saw a young man left with significant facial injuries which will forever remind him of what took place in his own home. I can only hope the sentence handed to Sherlock is a form of closure to the victim and helps him to move forward.”

Sherlock was sentenced at Chester Crown Court on Thursday 20 February

Five men charged with conspiracy to produce class B drugs following warrants across Chester, Merseyside and North Wales Five men have been charged with class B drugs offences after police carried out a series of dawn raids at homes in Chester, Merseyside and North Wales.

Officers executed warrants at eight warrants at addresses in Chester, Saltney, Barnston, Prenton and Mold yesterday morning, Wednesday 26 February. As a result, eight men aged between 22 and 43, were arrested on suspicion of drugs offences. Five of the men have since been charged with conspiracy to produce class B drugs (Cannabis). The men have all been remanded in custody to appear at Chester Magistrates’ Court today, Thursday 27 February.

Below are the details of the defendants:  Bleart Kobilja, aged 22, of Moss Lane, Prenton  Imerli Metaj, aged 41, of Lache Park Avenue, Chester  Ervis Rexhaj, aged 31, of Park Avenue, Saltney  Edmund Rexhaj, aged 36, of New Street, Mold  Erblind Rexhaj, aged 33, of Downham Place, Chester The three remaining suspects have all been released under investigation pending further enquiries. They include two men from Chester, aged 33 and 29, and a 43-year-old man from Barnston.

Winsford woman jailed for stealing thousands of pounds from two vulnerable men A 44-year-old woman from has been jailed after admitting stealing thousands of pounds from two vulnerable men in the town.

Chester Crown Court heard that Jayne Hanson, of Pentland Close, pressured the elderly and frail victims into lending her money and never paid a single penny back. She also stole more than £5,500 from one of the victim’s accounts after convincing him that she could be trusted to take his bank card to do some shopping for him. He met Hanson for the first time when she knocked on his door as a complete stranger asking for money. The victim lent her money that day and on every subsequent occasion she went to his flat. The amount of money he handed over increased over time, with Hanson telling him that she needed it to pay for everything from food, electricity and clothes to visiting her children in hospital. Hanson did some shopping for him in return, taking his bank card to do so. The victim discovered that his account had been practically emptied when he asked the bank why a bill payment had been rejected. Hanson was the only person who had access to his account. She transferred money from his account into her own over a 27-day period between Tuesday 28 August and Monday 24 September 2018.

Her offending regarding the other victim occurred between Thursday 1 March and Monday 12 November 2018. She pestered him for money at his home, over the phone and when he was out shopping or collecting his pension. Having known her for a long time and believing that she was struggling financially as a mother of young children, the victim was initially happy to lend her small amounts of money. But, again, the amounts Hanson wanted increased over time. The court heard that he felt pressured into continuing to give her money and the situation led to him crying himself to sleep and changing where he shopped and withdrew his pension in a bid to avoid Hanson’s begging. The court was also told that the amount of money Hanson borrowed from the victim is unknown. Again, she did not pay any of it back.

After the offences were reported, Hanson voluntarily attended a police station on Tuesday 20 November 2018 and was interviewed about them under caution. She was subsequently charged with a fraud offence and two counts of theft. Hanson pleaded guilty to the offences, saying that she needed the money she took as she was in debt to loan sharks, and was sentenced at Chester Crown Court on Monday 17 February 2020. She was jailed for two years and eight months.

Following sentencing, Police Constable Paul Gilchrest, who led the investigation into Hanson’s offending on behalf of Cheshire Constabulary, said: “The two victims in this case are both frail, elderly and vulnerable men who were targeted and persistently exploited due to their friendly, generous and caring nature. They were made to feel sorry for Jayne Hanson and gave her money on the understanding that it would be paid back. But they were misled by Hanson from the start as she had no means to pay back the money. She told the court that she needed money as she was in debt to loan sharks. The money she asked the victims for increased over time and she was relentless in her pursuit of the victims’ savings. One of the victims felt forced to make changes to his lifestyle in a bid to avoid Hanson’s persistent begging. The other had more than £5,500 stolen from Hanson after he had trusted her to take his bank card to do shopping for him. But her offending has affected far more than the victims’ bank balances and their shopping routines. It has also had significant detrimental impacts on them psychologically and emotionally. I am delighted that Hanson is now behind bars facing the consequences of her actions and I hope that the victims can now begin to move forward with their lives. I also hope that this case hammers home the message that exploiting vulnerable people will not be tolerated. We treat such cases extremely seriously here at Cheshire Constabulary and urge anyone with any information regarding the exploitation of vulnerable members of our communities to call us on 101, give us the details via https://www.cheshire.police.uk/ro/report or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

On top of her custodial sentence, Hanson was ordered to pay a £170 victim surcharge and handed a five- year Criminal Behaviour Order. The CBO, which will be activated upon her release from prison, prohibits her from contacting the victims, either directly or indirectly. It also bans Hanson from:  Begging for money in a public place within the Cheshire West and Chester area  Entering any sheltered housing complex, supported living accommodation or care or nursing home within the Cheshire West and Chester area unless visiting a family member and having written permission of the manager of that accommodation  Offering to provide or engage in shopping, household chores, help with financial matters or any other activity which amounts to the provision of a service for gain (either financial or otherwise) to anyone not living with her, unless she does so as part of a legitimate employment or business  Entering any private property within the Cheshire West and Chester area for the purpose of the provision of services outlined above  Being in possession of a bank card, credit card, passport, driving licence, cheques, giro slips or financial documents of another person, except family members  Going to Brecon Way or Hambleton Way in Winsford.

Anyone who sees Hanson breaching the conditions of her CBO upon her release from prison should call Cheshire Constabulary on 101 to report it.

Northwich man charged with murder A 55-year-old man from has been charged with murder in connection with the death of a pensioner in the town.

Gary Soloman, of Castle Court, was originally arrested in October following the death of John Hammerton. He was released on conditional bail pending further enquires. John, who was 72, was found dead at his home in Peckforton Way, Castle, on Tuesday 8 October. Soloman was rearrested on Tuesday 25 February. He has subsequently been charged with murder. Soloman has also been charged with three counts of fraud and two counts of theft. He has been remanded in custody and is set to appear at Crewe Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 26 February.

Latest Cheshire Appeals

Appeal for witnesses following Northwich robbery Detectives are appealing for witnesses to come forward following a robbery in Northwich.

At around 3.20am on Sunday 23 February a 19-year-old woman was walking up Castle Hill, near to Kingsley Carpets, when an unknown man approached her from behind and stole her handbag. The man, who is described as white and around 5’ 5” tall, then ran off in the direction of Castle Court. He was wearing a khaki zip up jacket. Enquiries in relation to the incident are ongoing and officers are keen to hear from anyone with any information which may aid the investigation.

Detective Constable Neil Wharmby from Northwich CID said: “The victim in this case was left shaken as a result of the incident and we are doing all that we can to trace the person responsible. Enquiries in relation to the incident are ongoing and as part of the investigation I’m keen to hear from anyone who was in the area and believes they may have seen anything suspicious. The same goes for anyone who was driving on Chester Road and believes they have witnessed the incident or have any dashcam footage which may be relevant to the investigation.”

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or may have caught dashcam footage is urged to call 101 quoting IML 644104 or report it via https://www.cheshire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/. Alternatively, information can be reported to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit https://crimestoppers- uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously.

CCTV appeal following theft from Chester phone shop Officers investigating a theft from a shop in Chester have released a CCTV image of two men who may be able to help with their enquiries.

At around 3.15pm on Thursday 20 February a set of wireless earphones, worth almost £180, were stolen from O2 store on Eastgate Street in Chester city centre.

Police Constable Martin Redhead, from Chester Local Policing unit, said: “This investigation is ongoing and as part of our enquiries we’re keen to speak to the two men in the CCTV image as we believe they will have crucial information which will help us in our investigation. If you think you recognise the men, or have any information in relation to the incident, please call the team here at Chester on 101 I would also like to appeal directly to the men in the CCTV image to get in touch to help us progress with our investigation.”

Anyone who recognises the man, or anyone with any information which may aid the investigation, is asked to call Cheshire Police on 101, quoting IML 642501 or give us the details via https://www.cheshire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about. Appeal for witnesses following ATM attack in Woolston Detectives are appealing for witnesses to come forward after offenders targeted a cash machine in Woolston.

Sometime between 12.20am and 12.30am on Wednesday 26 February unknown offenders gained access to a shop on Holes Lane and stole money from a cash machine inside. They then fled the area, leaving a white Ford Transit van at the scene. Detectives are now appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or may have information to come forward.

Detective Sergeant Tom Hall said: “The investigation is currently in the early stages and we are following several lines of enquiry. We are doing all that we can to trace those responsible and are keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the incident, may have seen the van before the burglary or saw any other vehicles leaving the area at around 12.30am. I also want to speak to anyone who has CCTV or may have caught dashcam footage of the offenders arriving or fleeing the scene. The same goes to anyone who may have any information which can lead us to bring those responsible to justice.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Cheshire Police on 101 quoting IML 646518 or report it via https://www.cheshire.police.uk/ro/report/. Alternatively, information can be passed on to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give- information-anonymously

Appeal after First World War medal stolen in burglary Detectives investigating a burglary in Widnes are appealing for information from members of the public.

At some point between 1.30pm and 10.15pm on Friday 21 February a house in Fieldway was broken into. A quantity of jewellery and a First World War medal of great sentimental value to the owner were stolen during the burglary. No-one was at home when the incident occurred. Enquiries in relation to the burglary are ongoing and detectives are appealing for anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area to get in touch. They also want to speak to anyone who believes they have CCTV or dashcam footage that may be relevant to the investigation, or information regarding the stolen medal.

Detective Sergeant Roberts, of Widnes Local Policing Unit, said: “Burglary is a serious offence which is always a deeply upsetting experience for the victims. On this occasion the upset has been heightened by the fact that a First World War medal with great sentimental value was stolen during the incident. I urge anyone who believes they may have seen the medal since the burglary took place, or been offered the chance to buy it, to get in touch. I also appeal to anyone with information regarding the burglary itself to come forward. Perhaps you saw something suspicious in Fieldway on Friday 21 February, or maybe you have CCTV or dashcam footage that may help our investigation into the incident.”

Anyone with information or footage that may aid the ongoing investigation should call Cheshire Constabulary on 101, quoting IML 643056, or give the details via https://www.cheshire.police.uk/tua/tell-us- about. Alternatively, information can be reported to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously.

CCTV images released following robbery incidents in Widnes Detectives have released CCTV images of two males they want to speak to in connection with robbery incidents in Widnes.

At around 9.10pm on Saturday 8 February two males entered the M&S Late Shop on Derby Road. They demanded cigarettes and showed a member of staff an axe before stealing a quantity of sweets and fleeing in the direction of Peel House Lane. A few minutes later the same males ordered food from a member of staff at Peel House Fish Bar. They claimed to have no money and demanded that she hand over the till. When another member of staff appeared and ordered them to leave the takeaway in Peel House Lane, they produced a knife and threatened him before fleeing on foot empty handed. Enquiries in relation to the incidents are ongoing and detectives are urging anyone who believes they may know the identities of the males in the CCTV images to get in touch.

Detective Inspector Ian Whiley, of Widnes Local Policing Unit, said: “We are determined to establish who were responsible for the two robbery incidents and make them face the consequences of their actions. As part of our ongoing enquiries we are looking to trace the two males in the CCTV images. If you think you recognise them or think you may know who they are please call us at Widnes Police Station on 101, quoting IML 632336, give us the details via https://www.cheshire.police.uk/ro/report or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. I would also like to appeal directly to the males in the CCTV images to get in touch.”

Dashcam appeal following serious collision on A550 Officers are appealing for witnesses to come forward following a serious collision on A550 near to Two Mills.

Around 7.50pm on Monday 24 February officers received a report of a collision involving a black Nissan Pixo and a white Vauxhall Combo van on A550 Welsh Road. The drivers of both vehicles, a man and a woman, were taken to hospital for treatment for serious injuries. Officers are now appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the collision or caught dashcam footage to come forward.

Sergeant Helen Cooper of the Roads Policing Unit said: “Enquiries into the collision are ongoing and we are keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has any information which may help our investigation. We are also eager to hear from anyone who may have caught dashcam footage of the vehicles on the lead up to the collision to come forward.”

Anyone with information or dashcam footage is asked to call Cheshire Police on 101 quoting IML 645558 or visit https://www.cheshire.police.uk/ro/report/ Alternatively, report any information to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give- information-anonymously

Appeal for information following attempted robbery in Warrington Detectives in Warrington are appealing for witnesses to come forward following an attempted robbery in Sankey Valley Park.

At around 5.50pm on Monday 24 February a 52-year-old man was walking along a footpath next to the St Helens Canal when he was verbally abused by two unknown teenage boys. Upon challenging the boys, one of them produced a meat cleaver from down the front of his trousers and demanded that the victim handed over money and his mobile phone. The victim refused and backed away, before taking his phone out to call 999. At that point the offenders chased after the victim and threatened to attack him if he called the police.

The man then put the phone back into his pocket and the teenagers fled the scene in the direction of the footbridge over Sankey Way, near to the Peace Centre. The boys were both white and looked to be aged between 14 and 16. The teenager who was carrying the meat cleaver is described as approximately 5’ 9” to 5’ 10” tall with a proportionate build and straight, medium length, mousey hair. He spoke with a Warrington accent and was wearing a green zipped-up jacket, black tracksuit bottoms or jeans and black trainers. The other boy was around 5’ 10” to 5’ 11” tall with a slim build and blonde, medium length, straight hair. He was wearing a silver/grey matching tracksuit and trainers and was riding a black mountain bike.

Detective Constable Rob Thorpe, of Warrington CID, said: “Thankfully, the victim in this case was not injured. However, the ordeal has understandably left him shaken up. We are doing all that we can to trace the teenagers responsible so that they face the consequences of their actions. Enquiries in relation to the incident are ongoing and as part of the investigation we are appealing for anyone who was in the area and believes they may have seen something suspicious to get in touch. The same goes for anyone who recognises the description of the offenders and believes they may know who the offenders are. I’d ask anyone with any information which may assist the investigation, no matter how small, to contact the team here at Warrington.”

Anyone with any information which may assist the investigation, no matter how small, is urged to call Cheshire Constabulary on 101, quoting IML 645483, or give the details via https://www.cheshire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about. Alternatively, information can be reported to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give- information/forms/give-information-anonymously.

CCTV images released following criminal damage at Chester Magistrates Court Police investigating criminal damage outside a court in Chester have released CCTV images of a man they would like to speak to.

Between 6pm on Friday 14 February and 8.45am on Saturday 15 February damage was caused to the entrance door of Chester Magistrates Court. The door was punched and the window was smashed. Enquiries in relation to the damage are ongoing and officers are urging anyone who believes they may know the identity of the man in the CCTV images to get in touch.

PC Jo Potts, from Chester Local Policing Unit, said: “We have been following a number of enquiries to establish how the damage was caused. I am urging anyone who may recognise the man in the CCTV images or have any information to get in touch with us. I would also appeal directly to the person in the image to contact police.”

If you think you recognise him please call Cheshire Police on 101 quoting IML 637723 or through the website https://www.cheshire.police.uk/ Information can also be provided anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting their website crimestoppers-uk.org / Chester man wanted after failing to appear at court Cheshire Constabulary is asking the public to help the force trace a 46-year- old man from Chester who is wanted for failing to appear at court.

A warrant was issued for the arrest of Simon Hughes after he failed to attend Chester Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 19 February. He is believed to be in the Chester area. Hughes is 5’ 9” tall with a slim build. He is white and his hair and eyes are both brown. Anyone who sees Hughes, or has information regarding his whereabouts, is asked to call Cheshire Constabulary immediately on 101, quoting IML 620568. Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Burglary at a house in Detectives are appealing for information from the public following a burglary at a house in Ashton Hayes.

The burglary occurred on Peel Hall Lane between 10.30am and 7.55pm on Monday 17 February. A man knocked on the front door of the home and spoke to the occupant about fencing. She then went into the back garden with the offender. Meanwhile an unknown number of people went into the home and searched the bedroom. They then leave the property. At this stage it is unclear whether anything has been stolen. The man who spoke to the occupant is described as white, around 5ft 7 in height, aged in their mid-twenties or thirties, with a fair complexion and cropped light brown or sandy hair. He was wearing blue canvas shoes with a large white rim around the bottom of the sole.

Detective Constable Peta Ticer, from Chester Local Policing Unit, said: “Being a victim of this crime can be deeply upsetting and traumatic. Those involved in the burglary took advantage of this lady in order to gain access to her home in an attempt to steal from her. Our enquiries are ongoing and I am urging anyone who was in the area at the time, who may have seen these men or spoken to them, to get in touch with us. Any information you have – no matter how small – could greatly assist our investigation.”

If you have information please contact Cheshire Police on 101 quoting IML 639838. Information can also be submitted through the police website https://www.cheshire.police.uk/ or anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visiting their website crimestoppers-uk.org/

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