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HERTSBEAT
ROB LOBACZ,
THE SPECIAL
CRIME-FIGHTER!
Page 9 »
ISSUE 165 • JULY 2013
ON THE BEAT
FOLLOWING
THE FAMILY
FOOTSTEPS
PAGE 4 »
DOCUMENTARY
THE MAGAZINE FOR
HERTFORDSHIRE
CONSTABULARY
OFFICERS MARRIED TO THE JOB
PAGES 6&7 »
Mobile Data
Team gives
Prime Minister
an insight into its
innovative work
BY CATH SHEPHERD
T
HE Constabulary
demonstrated that it
is at the forefront of
developments with
mobile technology during a recent
visit to the county by the Prime
Minister and Home Secretary.
During their visit to Cheshunt
to coincide with the release of
highly encouraging crime statistics,
David Cameron and Theresa
May were introduced to PCs Kris
Seward and Paul Jennings from the
Mobile Data Team, who explained
the Panasonic Toughpads trial that
will begin shortly across the Force.
On August 5, a pilot will begin
which will see the Mobile Data
Team putting one Panasonic
Toughpad in every Community
Safety Partnership in the Force.
PC Paul Jennings with the
Home Secretary
David Cameron chats with PC Kris Seward during his visit
PM GOES MOBILE
The 10 devices have been
specifically loaded with key
operational applications, including
STORM, Compact, Solomon,
Big Red Button, Voters and
PNC, effectively putting crime
fighting tools in the hands of
front-line staff.
A crucial element of the pilot will
be to test the connectivity of the
devices, particularly in areas such
as East Herts and Tring, where
connection problems have been
experienced.
The FCR will be monitoring
problematic areas via geo-tagging,
enabling the Mobile Data Team to
identify recurring problems and
work with providers to address
these issues.
Ahead of the pilot, the Mobile
Data Team has staged road
shows and training sessions to
demonstrate the devices and gauge
feedback from officers and staff
regarding further improvements.
Chief Inspector Damien
Kennedy of the Mobile Data
Team said: “This was a great
opportunity to showcase the
advancements to the Prime
Minister and Home Secretary, who
were both very knowledgeable
about this theme and keen to hear
from Kris and Paul about how
we are making progress through
technology.
“Those members of staff trialling
the device are critical to its success.
I want to urge everyone involved to
make sure they get their feedback
to the team, as we are all dedicated
to ensuring that we get the very
best possible devices to support
operational policing.
“Thanks to the ICT team
working with us, who have been
as enthusiastic and dedicated as we
have been to deliver to our officers
something they can be proud of.”
HOW TO FIND OUT MORE
You can contact the Mobile DataTeam via email ‘R Mobile Data’
or by calling ext 8656. You can also follow progress with the trial
as well as tweet your questions and views as theToughpads
start to roll out at @HertsMobile. Regular updates will also
continue to be posted on the intranet and in Herts Beat.
PAGE 3 » G8 CONFERENCE | PAGE 4 » ENGAGING RURAL COMMUNITIES | PAGE 5 » HISTORICAL SOCIETY
2
HERTS BEAT
NEWS
Nationwide manhunt tracks down suspect in ‘Good Samaritan’ murder
Apprehended!
H
ERTFORDSHIRE
Constabulary found
themselves once again
in the media spotlight
following the murder of ‘Good
Samaritan’ Graham Buck.
Graham, 66, paid the ultimate
price when he went to the aid
of his neighbour Frances CoryWright, who was being robbed
in his home in Little Gaddesden
on July 13.
The murder inquiry –
Operation Acaria – became
the priority for the Force. The
suspect was quickly identified
as Ian John McLoughlin,
who was on day release from
HMP Springhill, where he
was 22 years into a 25-year
sentence for murder.
Senior Investigating Officer
DCI Martin Brunning from the
Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire
and Hertfordshire Major
Crime Unit, said: “From his past
convictions, we knew this man
was extremely dangerous and
the violent nature of the murder
of Mr Buck meant he needed to
be quickly apprehended.
“We suspected he could have
a large sum of money and could
THE HEART
OF POLICING
THE St Albans and
Harpenden Volunteer Police
Cadets introduced their
newest recruit – police
mascot Harry the Heart –
at the Harpenden Carnival
in June. The Cadets also
ran a crime prevention
stall, where they issued
advice and leaflets to
local residents.
Graham Buck, far left, with
his family, and above, Ian
McLoughlin, who was arrested
after a nationwide manhunt
quickly travel anywhere in the
country, so this rapidly developed
into a national manhunt.”
More than 25 staff from the
BCH Major Crime Unit became
involved in one of the biggest
manhunts the Force has ever dealt
with. McLoughlin was eventually
traced to Tottenham, where he
was arrested by a Metropolitan
Police Officer on July 17.
Martin added: “So many staff
and officers from departments
across the force became involved
in Operation Acaria and I would
like to thank every one of you.
“Equally, many colleagues
from police forces across the
UK rose to the challenge too,
and in particular, the Met’s
Tactical Support Group, who
acted selflessly by dropping
their commitments to provide
a brilliant response to the
developing intelligence that led
to McLoughlin’s arrest.
“The energy and dedication
to get this violent man off the
streets has radiated across the
whole Force to excellent effect.
“This investigation is an
excellent example of how
important communications are
between departments. The BCH
Major Crime Unit would not
have been able to achieve such
a swift and effective outcome
without the unwavering support
they received from a number of
departments, who were able to
use their specialist knowledge to
support the investigation.”
On July 18, Ian John
McLoughlin, 55, was charged
with murder and burglary.
David McCollin, 50, Ridley Villas,
Hackney, and Shirley Dean, 54,
Ermine Road,Tottenham, were
charged with assisting
an offender.
NEWS
G8 – a different
style of policing
A
T 3.30am on Thursday June 13,
25 Herts PSU officers said
goodbye to their families and, led
by Inspector Phil Moss, set off for
Northern Ireland to offer mutual aid to the
Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) for
the policing of the 39th annual G8 conference.
All of the officers had received intense
public order training to learn the different
tactics employed by the PSNI, which
included training with armoured trucks,
water cannons and AEP gunners.
“The journey involved transfer from
Stansted airport to Belfast where we were
issued with ballistic vests, radios and caps,”
said Sergeant Mike Hanson. “We then had
to travel via five armoured Land Rovers to
Thiepval Barracks in Lisburn, the HQ of the
army in Northern Ireland and our base. We
were advised not to leave the barracks and
the reality of what we were facing over the
next seven days really hit home.”
The next day was the start of their
deployment and the team travelled to
HERTS BEAT
3
Enniskillen, scene of the Remembrance Day
bombing in 1987 which killed 11 people.
“Our duties involved nights and, after
receiving a briefing from an enigmatic chief
inspector, we were sent to protect important
landmarks,” continued Mike.
“ We had two PSNI officers, Bernie and
Davey, who gave us further guidance about
PSNI patrol tactics. Officers were given the
task of checking every bin, drainpipe and
drain within a 50-metre radius of where they
parked. They were also given advice not to
stand in the open for fear of being shot.”
The second night involved protecting the
Europa Hotel in Belfast – the most bombed
hotel in the world. The team returned to
Enniskillen to guard the Cenotaph. This was
when they really earned their money – one
shift involved staying awake with little sleep
for more than 40 hours.
Mike said: “This was a fantastic experience. I
am sure that if the PSNI asked for mutual aid
in the future, our officers would be the first
to volunteer. My lasting memory is working
with 26 individuals all out of their comfort
zone who became a very strong team.”
Three weeks later, 14 Herts officers returned to Northern
Island to assist with policing the Orange parades. The
officers were subjected to intensive missile throwing and
petrol bomb-related disorder and one unit was within
100 yards of a blast containing nails. Luckily, none of the
officers were hurt. Four officers have since returned to
provide further mutual aid.
VIPs ARE GIVEN INSIGHT INTO
FRONT-LINE ANPR OPERATIONS
AT the end of May, a
number of key individuals
were invited to visit
the county to gain a
better insight into the
Constabulary’s front-line
ANPR operations.
The visitors included
two senior Home Office
officials, responsible for the
national ANPR programme,
a representative of the
CCTV and ANPR
Commissioner and the
Deputy Speaker of the
House of Lords, Lord
Simon, who is also Vice
Chair of the All Party
Parliamentary Group on
Vehicle Security.
The visitors took a tour of
the FCR, looking at the work
of the ANPR Focus desk and
intelligence operations.
This was followed by
a presentation on the
ground-breaking ways that
our analysts use ANPR
technology to tackle serious
and organised crime.
They also joined ANPR
interceptor teams in Watford
to see how ANPR is being
used by officers on the
front line.
The visit was organised by
the ACPO ANPR Countermeasures Group, and will
be helpful to the visitors,
all of whom are involved
Pictured left to right are Chief Inspector Dave Wheatley,
Lord Simon, Det Supt Paul Ealham, Alan Bucknall and Mark
Jones (both Home Office), Kishor Mistry (CCTV & ANPR
Commissioner’s Office), and Rob Gurney (Herts & Secretary
of ACPO ANPR Countermeasures Group)
in formulating national
legislation and policy.
Detective Superintendent
Paul Ealham, Chair of the
Countermeasures Group
and also Hertfordshire
Constabulary’s Director of
Intelligence, said: “It was
a great honour to have
been able to showcase
front-line ANPR operations.
“Our work to consistently
improve the way that the
Police use ANPR technology
internationally was well
received and our guests
are very grateful for the
valuable insight that they
were able to gain during
their visit.”
4
NEWS
HERTS BEAT
A
N officer from
Cheshunt is
following in her
great-grandfather’s
footsteps – quite literally. One
hundred years on, PC Ciaran
Palfreyman is covering the same
area that her great-grandfather
policed back in 1913.
Gerald Loder ‘George’
Crouch was the constable for
Broxbourne from 1913 until
he retired in 1950. He joined the
Force in 1913, initially working in
Berkhamstead. He served in the
Great War between 1915-1918
and then returned to continue
his service in Broxbourne. Sadly,
he passed away just before he was
due to receive his medal for 35
years’ service.
That medal now belongs to
Ciaran and she currently works
on intervention at Cheshunt
Police Station. Ciaran was
recently given the photographs
by her grandmother and she has
passed them on to the Force’s
Historical Society.
“I imagine so much has
changed from when George
began his career in 1913,”
said Ciarin.
“Long before the days of teams
ENGAGING RURAL
COMMUNITIES
BY NICOLA LAWRENCE
MORE than 50 people
from rural communities
and businesses attended
the Rural Community
Engagement Evening at HQ
at the beginning of July.
The evening, which was
aimed at those who live
or work in rural areas and
have an interest in our local
countryside and keeping it
safe, gave those attending
a chance to find out what’s
happening in rural areas and
raise any issues.
Attendees also had the
chance to meet their local
… and his greatgranddaughter on
the same beat a
century later!
PC George Crouch
on patrol…
Following in my greatgrandfather’s footsteps
Ciaran Palfreyman patrols the same
streets as her ancestor 100 years on
on shifts, carrying radios, tasers
and driving Vauxhall Astras,
George used to patrol his beat
single handily on his bicycle,
wearing a cape, armed only
with a whistle and truncheon!
But fundamentally, it’s still the
same job, enforcing the same
laws and ideals. I’m sure he
would be very proud that his
rural police officers and the
force’s Rural Operational
SupportTeam (ROST).
ROST Sergeant Jamie
Bartlett, said: “The evening
was a great success. Crime
occurs far less frequently
in rural areas, but it does
still exist and we are fully
prepared to tackle this
through the ROST and our
rural officers in local Safer
NeighbourhoodTeams.
“The engagement evening
gave us a chance to meet
with more people living and
working in rural areas so we
can be sure we’re providing
the best service possible.”
Police and Crime
Commissioner David Lloyd
said: “The Constabulary
is aware that our rural
communities have very
specific needs and the best
way to make sure we are
meeting those needs is
for our police force to also
regularly engage with rural
people as much as possible
with evenings such as these.
“I want the county to be
a place where people,
beat in Broxbourne is still being
patrolled by one of his ancestors
a century on.
“Broxbourne is a lovely, safe
town and I think that part of
that is due to his legacy being the
constant authoritative presence
he was in the community for
more than 20 years.”
communities and
businesses routinely engage
with the police, get the
chance to have their say,
generate ideas and feedback
about issues that concern
them most and then know
that something will then be
done about it. “
NEWS
BLUE LAMP
RESTORED TO
STEVENAGE
POLICE STATION
A BLUE police lamp that
hung outside one of the early
Stevenage police stations has
now been restored to its former
glory and is back in action.
The lamp had remained in
the Force’s possession since it
was removed from the former
Stevenage police station and
recently the Historical Society
decided to restore it and put it
back into use.
The lamp now takes pride of
place outside the current police
station following a special
unveiling ceremony.
The event was attended
by members of Stevenage
Borough Council, past Chief
Inspectors of Stevenage
and representatives from
the Stevenage Museum and
Hertfordshire Constabulary’s
Historical Society.
“The blue lamp is of
significant historical interest to
the police and to the town of
Stevenage and I am delighted
it has been restored and is back
in use,” said Chief Inspector for
Stevenage, Richard Harbon.
Chair of the Hertfordshire
Constabulary Historical Society,
Superintendent Richard
Liversidge, added: “We are
delighted to see the lamp back
in action.
“Hertfordshire Constabulary
BY NIKKI ROYALL
‘C
Above: PYE Pocket Radio in action. Right: on the beat in the
high street – but which one?
magazines and accounts. Some
of the collection has been given
to the society for safekeeping,
and to share its historical value,
by family members of former
officers and staff.
“Sadly, many documents,
pieces of equipment and items
of clothing have either been
destroyed or lost and we want to
prevent this from happening in
the future,” said Richard.
“As staff relocate around the
county and police stations close
or relocate, more and more old
artefacts are turning up. Please
5
The blue lamp takes pride of place outside Stevenage Police Station
Look back in time
HECK it before
you chuck it’ is
the message from
the Constabulary’s
Historical Society in a bid to save
valuable memorabilia.
Now headed up by
Superintendent Richard
Liversidge, who has taken on
the role of Chair, The Historical
Society is working to preserve
the rich history of the Force.
“There is a huge amount of
material that we are in the
process of archiving and hope
to place on display,” explained
Richard. “However, I also know
that more documents and items
of historical value are stored
in police stations around the
county. I would like to appeal to
anyone who comes across any
such material to send it our way.
“Also, if you have anything in
your possession which you think
may be of interest to the society,
please get in touch.”
The society has a selection
of old uniforms, equipment,
photos, case files, certificates,
HERTS BEAT
let us have them and, if you are in
any doubt about their relevance,
please check with us before you
dispose of anything.
“We recently managed to
rescue some case files, relating
to the Brocket fraud case, which
will undoubtedly be of historical
interest in the future, but were
destined for the bin, so please
check before you chuck.”
If you would like to get involved in the
society or require its assistance in any
way, please email: richard.liversidge@
herts.pnn.police.uk
has a rich and varied history
which we are working hard
to preserve.
“I hope there will be more
events like this in the future.”
DUCK RESCUE!
A MEMBER of police staff
leaving Six Hills Court in
Stevenage on July 4 was
confused by the sound
of loud quacking coming
from one of the subways
near Farnham House.
As she approached, she
noticed a smartly dressed
man grappling with a drain
cover. Huddled behind him
were a mother duck and
four ducklings.The mum
was in obvious distress,
hence the loud quacking.
Our hero groped around
in the drain for a few
seconds before lifting out a
frightened and bedraggled
duckling. He put the baby
bird close to its mother
and siblings and the group
huddled close together
before waddling off up the
pavement.
So who was the hero
duckling retriever?The
police staff member recalls
the man, wearing a suit
and yellow tie, holding the
door for her as she left Six
Hills Court.
So was it you? We’d love
to solve the mystery!
6
HERTS BEAT
SPECIAL FEATURE
SPECIAL FEATURE
Four female officers from Hertfordshire
Constabulary have been giving the UK public
an insight into juggling their careers and family
lives in a revealing television documentary
Married
to the job
BY CATH SHEPHERD
A
UNIQUE documentary series
featuring some of Hertfordshire
Constabulary’s senior women
detectives began on July 11. The six-part series, produced by Landmark
Films and being broadcast on ITV at 8.30pm
on Thursday evenings, shows how senior
women detectives balance serious crime
inquiries and the management of prolific
offenders alongside their personal and
family lives. “Married to the Job” introduces the
viewers to Detective Chief Inspectors Julie
Wheatley and Jo Walker, and Detective
Inspectors Kay Lancaster and Lynda Coates. Between them, the four detectives have
more than 75 years’ experience with
Hertfordshire Constabulary. The series depicts how the detectives face
the challenges of tackling crime and
criminals in the county, including prolific
offenders, those who prey on the elderly
and child abuse cases. The detectives are also seen at home with
their families, talking openly about the
challenges of juggling their personal lives
with these demanding investigations and of
the personal impact on them of dealing
with victims of crime. Chief Constable Andy Bliss said: “This was
an interesting angle for the TV producers to
choose and a compliment to this force that
they chose to focus exclusively on
Hertfordshire Constabulary officers.
“We are delighted with the outcomes,
which show the high levels of
professionalism and commitment that
our officers bring to their work roles,
while continuing to manage the various
responsibilities and challenges they face
at home. The series really shows the human
and compassionate side of the four officers
and the excellent leadership skills that
they demonstrate with the colleagues in
their teams.” About the protagonists:
Episodes 1 & 2, July 11 and 18: First to
feature in the series was DI Kay Lancaster,
who leads Operation Manhunt, which
tackles distraction burglary, rogue trading
and crimes against the elderly in
Hertfordshire. The programmes also
included clips of Kay at home with her
two young sons.
Kay commented: “I hope the programmes
show the human side of policing, both the
stressful and humorous times which we all
experience. The series demonstrates how
hard our teams work, the fantastic results
we achieve in difficult circumstances and, of
course, hopefully it will raise awareness of
distraction burglary and rogue trading.
“Following the airing of the first episode,
I was overwhelmed by the lovely feedback
from colleagues and the general public.”
Episode 3, July 25: The episode featuring
DCI Julie Wheatley showed her
overseeing Hertfordshire’s multi-agency
offender management scheme, as well
as capturing some coverage of her time
spent at home with daughter, Sarah, 16,
who has learning disabilities.
Julie said: “I participated in the series
because I am proud of the job I do and what
we provide to the public, not the negative
images that are often perpetuated by the
popular press. I also wanted to show
VIEWING
FIGURES:
The first two
episodes drew in
2.7m viewers per
episode
Left to right: Julie
Wheatley, Jo Walker,
Kay Lancaster
and Lynda Coates
women that it can be done. I do have a
lot of additional responsibility with Sarah,
but with teamwork and a positive attitude,
you can overcome most hurdles.
“I wanted also to inspire other parents of
children with disabilities – sometimes it
feels like doom and gloom and for me it was
a path untravelled. She is an inspiration and
brings out good things in people!”
Episodes 4 & 5, August 1 and 8: Jo Walker,
now Chief Inspector for Welwyn Hatfield
Community Safety Partnership, was,
at the time of the filming, a Detective
Inspector heading up the Child Protection
Investigation Team. Viewers see her
supervising one of the most serious child
assault cases ever faced by this Force.
Meanwhile, back at home, she and
her 16-year-old son support her husband
Graham, a retired Superintendent
who spent much of his service with
Hertfordshire, as he receives treatment
for cancer.
Jo said: “Although the filming got difficult
at times due to my personal circumstances, I
wanted to show a positive cancer story as,
unfortunately, far too often the prognosis
HERTS BEAT
7
and outcomes are not as good. I also wanted
to show the public the ‘unsung heroes’
within the child protection world.
“The programmes highlight this
challenging, and often unpublicised, area of
police work and the benefits of a fully
operational team with Children’s Services
and police working from the same office.
“There have also been significant
inroads made in terms of health service
professionals also now forming part of
that team.”
Episode 6, August 15: The final episode
features DI Lynda Coates, who leads the
operational side of the Offender
Management Unit, based at Hatfield Police
Station. She is shown keeping an eagle eye
on some of the county’s most prolific
offenders, running an innovative scheme
that sees offenders voluntarily wearing tags
that monitor their movements.
Lynda said: “Corporate Communication
approached me to consider being involved
in the programme. I thought about it
long and hard with my family before
agreeing and it was not something I did
lightly, as I knew it would impact on my
family life. But we are a typical ‘police
family’, with my husband Neil also being a
police officer and we both wanted
rewarding and fulfilling careers with
prospects of promotion.
“It became more difficult when we
decided to raise a family, but not impossible,
and Neil’s support and encouragement has
meant that it actually can be possible, if you
invest the time and energy, to have your
cake and eat it!
“Also, I wanted to capture the amazing
work of the Offender Management Unit
officers and the innovative use of GPS
tagging to highlight to the public that the
police are working hard to keep those
criminals in the community on the straight
and narrow or proactively working to lock
them up.”
Twitter traffic:
Round-the-world sailor, Tracy
Edwards was among the many
who took to Twitter to record
their views on the series. She commented:
“These women are just extraordinary and I
feel lucky to live in a country with such
strong female role models for my daughter.”
Other Twitter comments, the bulk of
which were positive, included: “Married to
the Job – extremely good and reflective of
modern policing”; “Lots of police docos (sic)
but this Married to the Job is very good
actually”; and “Watching Married to the
Job makes me reeeeeally (sic) want to join
the police.”
8
HERTS BEAT
HERTFORDSHIRE CONSTABULARY SPECIALS
Teamwork brings success
WELCOME to July’s Special
Constabulary Herts Beat
feature, where I am delighted
to see excellent examples
of our Special Constables
providing vital extra
resources to regular teams.
This page not only features
how our officers can bolster
your numbers on public
order nights or night-time
patrols, it also demonstrates
how they can take on vital
work that regular officers
would have to attend to,
leaving them to get on with
other tasks instead – as
Special Sergeant Kevin Healy
ably does with Op Pigeon.
I’d also like to congratulate
Special Constable Rob Lobacz,
who has made a phenomenal
contribution in the few weeks
he has been with the Force.
Please do remember to
use your Special colleagues
wherever possible.
DavidTewkesbury, Special
Constabulary Chief Officer
GOOD WORK IN STORTFORD
THREE Bishop’s Stortford
Specials were praised for
their good work across
two divisions during a very
eventful shift recently.
Special Constables Colin
Clayden, Richard Bircham
and A/Special Sgt Giles
Cooper had finished
patrolling at Bishop’s
Stortford fun fair when
they were called to a fight
at a traveller wedding
in Cheshunt.
They were greeted by a
large number of people
who were hostile and drunk,
and discovered two men
had been stabbed. They
recovered two bloodied
blades and a claw hammer
from the scene and ensured
the injured men were treated
by paramedics.
After treatment, one man
was sent to Hoddesdon
custody, while the other
more seriously injured man
became aggressive towards
the paramedics. Richard
helped detain him and
transport him to hospital.
He then seized the man’s
clothes as evidence and
eventually got home after
5am – he had been due to
finish at midnight.
Medical staff later revealed
it was likely the man would
not have survived his injuries
had he not been taken to
the hospital so promptly.
He later thanked the officers
involved for saving his life.
Meanwhile, Colin and Giles
were about to head home
when they were called to
assist with a disturbance
at a night club.Together
with regular officers, they
detained one man for
assault and arrested another
for being racially abusive.
Giles and Colin took the
second man to Hoddesdon
custody, completed the
relevant paperwork and put
together a handover for CIT
officers to investigate.They
also finished their shift late
and got home at 4am.
Sergeant Phil Waite, from
Cheshunt, said: “To get
genuine thanks such as
this from the man we had
arrested is rather unusual
but well deserved. Richard’s
assistance was greatly
appreciated in this incident.”
PC Derek Lewin, from
Stortford SNT, said: “Richard,
Colin and Giles’s work
was excellent.They all
finished much later than
they had planned. We were
particularly busy that night
and their assistance was
extremely helpful.”
Special Sergeant
Kevin Healy
and Station
Reception Officer
Tracey Caulfield
BACK-UP ROLE FREES
UP TIME FOR OFFICERS
HATFIELD’S Special Sergeant
Kevin Healy and Station
Reception Officers Jackie
Burns, Kathy Green and
Tracey Caulfiedld have been
undertaking sterling work
by collecting hundreds of
firearms for safe disposal.
As part of Operation
Pigeon, Kevin and his team
of Special Constables travel
to police stations collecting
all sort of items – including
items seized from criminals
and suspected stolen items.
They then deliver them
to relevant departments,
such as Scientific Services,
for further investigation or
disposal. Every few months
they collect in the region of
130 to 160 weapons.
“This is just the sort of job
a Special Constable can get
involved in,” said Kevin. “It’s
a vital role that needs the
support of a police officer, but
isn’t taking up the time of a
regular officer who can be left
to get on with other tasks.”
HERTS BEAT
ONE MONTH
IN THE JOB
AND SEVEN
ARRESTS!
BY NICOLA LAWRENCE
A NEWLY attested Special
Constable has been
praised for the significant
contribution he has made
since he began volunteering
as a police officer with the
Force in May.
In four weeks, 20-year-old
Hertford-based Special
Constable Rob Lobacz made
seven arrests. As a result
of this fantastic work, East
Herts Chief Inspector Gerry
McDonald personally wrote
to Rob, congratulating him
on his work.
Rob arrested three men
on suspicion of common
assault after attending three
separate domestic incidents.
He arrested a drunken
man at Ware train station
on suspicion of theft and
another man on suspicion
of criminal damage.
Alongside regular officers,
Rob was also involved in
the pursuit of an offender,
who decamped from
his car. Rob followed
the offender on foot and
arrested him on suspicion
of failure to stop and drink/
drug driving. While out on
patrol, he arrested two men
on suspicion of conspiracy
to commit burglary and
possession with intent to
supply after he and another
officer could smell cannabis
coming from their car.
As well as this, Rob has
been involved in a variety
of police work including
traffic operations, going to
the scene of an RTC and
attending to a sick man
who needed to go to
hospital. He has also been
involved in patrolling
religious and military
places with a visible ethnic
presence in the wake of
the murder of Drummer
Lee Rigby.
Special InspectorToby
Dutt said: “Rob has
made a great impact and
impression on regular
officers and his fellow
Specials alike. He is an
inspiration to his fellow
recruits and a great example
of the calibre of our Specials
– I am proud to have him
on my team.”
East Herts Chief Inspector
Gerry McDonald said:
“Rob’s first few weeks
with us have certainly been
impressive and he deserves
to be recognised.
“He is a credit to the
Special Constabulary and
the Force.”
Special Constable
Rob Lobacz made an
incredible seven
arrests in four weeks
9
Some of the
volunteers from
Operation Stomp
Op Stomp gets
mayoral support
BY NIKKI ROYALL
O
PERATION Stomp
– the East Herts
operation aimed
at identifying and
protecting vulnerable people
and premises – has been given
mayoral support.
Mayor Janice Elliot joined
students from The Bishop’s
Stortford High School, local
PCSOs, District Councillor
Colin Woodward and officers
from Hertfordshire Fire and
Rescue Service as they tackled
two more vulnerable premises
in the town.
While the students got to
grips with the garden, PCSOs
Clare Andrews, Steve Siggers
and Leon de Bruyn, along with
Herts Fire and Rescue officers
looked at other areas of
concern around the properties.
Jason Saunders from
landscaping company LMC
provided the students with
protective equipment.
“Operation Stomp originally
started in East Herts as a way
of reducing the number of
elderly and vulnerable people
who were becoming victims of
crime, in particular burglary,”
explained Neighbourhood
Inspector Chris Hunt. “It
focused on making their
homes less obvious to
potential offenders.”
“So far, Operation Stomp
has been a real success and
this has largely been down to
the response we have received
from the local communities,”
added Detective Sergeant
Dave Greenhill.
“We appealed to all sections
of society to help us out with
this project and the response
has been amazing.
“The pupils from The
Bishop’s Stortford High
School are the latest group
of volunteers to get involved
and we are extremely grateful
to them. They have been
fantastic.
“We also have our first
dedicated volunteers assisting
with the project – WendyJo Atter and Sandra Lovatt,
who are instrumental in
the launch and maintaining
the effectiveness of this
community initiative.”
There are more than 90
residents being monitored
as part of Operation Stomp,
with help from neighbours
and other sections of the
community, and this number is
growing daily.
“The welfare of our
community is everybody’s
business and it should not just
be down to the police to keep
an eye out for potential issues,”
added Chris.
“Everyone we have involved
so far has been only too happy
to help and I am hoping that
this operation will inspire
people to want to become
involved in the welfare of their
community and look out for
those who are less capable of
looking after themselves.”
10
NEWS
HERTS BEAT
HORSING
AROUND IN
THE NAME
OF CHARITY
TWO officers from
Bishop’s Stortford went
undercover as a camel
at the annual Bishop’s
Stortford Carnival
in June.
Neighbourhood
Sergeant Ricky Bartlett
and PCSO Emily Hughes
donned the unusual
costume to take part in
the Pantomime Horse
Race to raise money for
Mobility UK.
The pair chose the
camel costume rather
than the traditional
pantomime horse
ensemble, as it enabled
both people to stand
up and they thought
this may increase their
chances of winning.
The tactics nearly paid
off as the pair came
second after negotiating
the course, which also
included a number of
jumps. However, they
narrowly missed out
to a horse!
Below: warming up in
the Neighbourhood
Inspector’s Office
Locals dig in to the raised beds created by offenders
Offenders create community garden in rehabilitation project
Residents set to
enjoy the fruits
of their labours
N
BY NIKKI HALL
EIGHBOURS in a
Hitchin Street will
have no excuse for
not getting their
five-a -day when a local project
comes to fruition.
Residents in the Westmill
area have been offered the
opportunity to grow their
own vegetables in raised
beds they will also be
responsible for looking
after as part of the
project known as ‘Edible
Hertfordshire’.
The raised beds, which
are located in North Place,
have been constructed
by former offenders who
are rehabilitating through
community projects
run by Hertfordshire
Constabulary and Probation
Service under Integrated
Offender Management’s Herts
Horizons initiative.
The land they are working
on has been donated to the
project by North Hertfordshire
Homes and the work is being
guided by Arch Community
Group Gardeners, run by
Steve Howells.
DC Jane Keating, from the
Offender Management Unit,
said: “This is the first project in
Hitchin that Herts Horizons
has been involved in. We are
very pleased to be a part of the
community garden as we can
see huge benefits for both the
team and the local residents. “It’s always good to learn
new skills, but this garden
will provide so much more. We are really grateful to the
North Herts Community
Safety Partnership for their
funding and support.”
Debbie Parfitt, North Herts
Safer Neighbourhood Team
PCSO, added: “We will also
be getting local schools and
youth groups involved. It
aims to be a true community
garden where everyone gets
involved in planting and
maintaining the plot.
“As well as providing the
community with healthy,
fresh vegetables to eat, the
other benefits will be teaching
younger members about
growing food from scratch.”
The project launched on
Friday June 21.
Edible Hertfordshire has been
funded by the North Herts
Community Safety Partnership,
which is made up of various
local agencies, including
Hertfordshire Constabulary,
North Hertfordshire District
Council, North Hertfordshire
Homes and Hertfordshire
Fire & Rescue.
NEWS
COMMUNITY COVENANT
HERTS BEAT
Signed:
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DEVELOPING better
relationships with military
personnel in Hertfordshire
and providing reassurance
to their families is the focus
of the new Hertfordshire
Community Covenant with
the armed forces.
The covenant is a
commitment from public and
private organisations in the
county to support the active
and retired members of
the armed forces living and
working in Hertfordshire.
This includes raising the
profile of the armed forces
in Hertfordshire, celebrating
their commitment and
sacrifices that they have
made and helping them to
return to civilian life.
Northwood Headquarters
is the main military base
in Hertfordshire and sits in
Three Rivers District. An
important site, it houses
the Joint Headquarters
for tri-force command of
joint overseas operations;
the Commander in Chief
of Fleet, who is the overall
commander of Royal Navy
resources and Commander
Allied Naval Forces North
for NATO, as well as the
Multinational Headquarters
which provides a core of staff
to manage EU-based crisis
operations.
In Hertfordshire, there
are more than 370 military
families and officers living
outside of the military
base, with 225 properties in
Hertsmere (Bushey Heath)
and 145 properties inThree
Rivers (Northwood and
Carpenders Park).
Military families living
outside the base often suffer
a disproportionate fear of
crime and the families are
often very transient so, as
a result, do not have good
support networks or links in
the local community.
The commitment the Force
11
Signed:
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An Armed Forces Community Covenant between
Signed:
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Representatives of Local Government, the Public Sector, the Charitable and Voluntary Sectors,
Businesses, The Civilian Community of Hertfordshire
Signed:
Signed on behalf of
and
Signed:
Signed on behalf of
The Armed Forces Community in Hertfordshire
Signed:
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We, the undersigned, agree to work and act together to honour
the Armed Forces Community Covenant in Hertfordshire.
Signed on the Thirteenth of December 2011
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has made ensures regular
joint patrols and engagement
are conducted with local
Safer NeighbourhoodTeams
and the Navy Provost.
And when someone
contacts the Force for help,
if they are military personnel
or from a military family,
they will get police/PCSO
attendance, even if the call
would not normally do so.
Chief Constable Andy Bliss
said: “We regularly meet
the Commanding Officer to
develop working strategies
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to achieve the aims of
the covenant, which are
ultimately to keep military
families safe and reassured.
“More recently, the
relationship we have
developed was important
in understanding military
intelligence and community
tensions around Operation
Ducat (the murder of
Drummer Lee Rigby in
Woolwich).This enabled us
to provide the appropriate
level of resources and
community reassurance.”
CADET EVENT
Cadets shine at county competition
MORE than 100 police cadets
and volunteer leaders and
helpers were put through their
paces during the first county
cadet competition in June.
The 60 cadets, aged between
13 and 18 years, were joined by
20 Cadet Leaders and 33 role
play volunteers.
They took part in a number
of team-building exercises,
including giving evidence in
a mock court, learning how
officers deal with road traffic
collisions and carrying out a
shield run, where the cadets
had to run 500 metres carrying
a heavy shield and wearing a
riot helmet.
Family and friends then
watched them parade in
The cadets were put through their paces with a shield run
uniform at HQ, inspected by
Assistant Chief Constable
Mick Ball. This was followed
by presentations and awards.
The overall winners were the
Welwyn Hatfield police cadets.
Chairman of the Hertsmere
Police Cadets, PC Ross Paybody,
who organised the event, said:
“The weekend was designed to
bring all the cadets from across
the county together so they
could meet each other, share
experiences and compete in a
number of activities. It was also
an opportunity to celebrate the
increase in the number of cadets
over the last three years. The
cadets were very enthusiastic,
sociable and competitive.”
Assistant Chief Constable
Mick Ball said: “I was very
impressed with the cadets, who
were very professional. It is very
encouraging to see so many
people joining the cadets – it
provides fantastic opportunities
and they are excellent role
models for other young people.
“I hope we have some budding
police recruits in the future!”
12
CAPTION COMPETITION
HERTS BEAT
Lottery results
1st: £3406.80 – Robin
Ansell, Hoddesdon
Custody
2nd: £851.70 – Dee Perkins,
Crime Management
3rd: £851.70 – Kim
Holmes, ERSOU
4th: £425.85 – Simon
Nash, Rickmansworth SNT
5th: £425.85 – Jessica
Hancock, Hatfield
Intervention
6th-10th: £85.17 – Natasha
Akers, Rebecca Chalkley,
Deborah Harris, Wendy
Martin, Ian Butler.
Cheerleaders in custody!
C
heerleaders from a
local school raised
the roof when
they put on an
impromptu performance in
the custody suite at Stevenage
Police Station!
The 26 girls, aged between
seven and 11, were invited on
a tour of the station by Chief
Inspector Richard Harbon
as a reward for their sterling
performance at the Stevenage
Dog Watch Fun Day in the
Town Centre Gardens on
May 19.
The ‘All Star’ girls from
Campshill School were guided
around the police station
and given talks by various
officers before visiting the
custody suite.
The girls squeezed into a
single cell to have their picture
taken with Dog Watch mascot
Lawful Larry, before giving
an impromptu cheerleading
performance, which raised an
enthusiastic round of applause
from staff.
Campshill teacher Samantha
Kemzura said: “It was a
fantastic opportunity for the
cheerleading squad to see
just how hard Hertfordshire
Constabulary work.”
Retirements
1254 Stephen Boyce,
CJD, from September 4 Inspector 1273 Andrew
Theakston, ERSOU, from
July 28 PC 1605 Julian Morris,
HCSU, after 30 years’
service, from August 31. PC 1321 Glen
Hill, Corporate
Services, after 30 years’
service, from August 31. Chief Inspector 588 Jonathan Humphries,
JPS, after 30 years’ service
from October 2.
JULY CAPTION
COMPETITION
CONGRATULATIONS
to Ian Noble for this
month’s winning entry
into last month’s caption
competition…
“East Herts officers in
horse meat scandal bust!”
The girls in the back yard at Stevenage Police Station
Other honourable
mentions go to:
“Inspector Hunt admits
the newly formed mounted
section is a work in progress.”
Eddie Courts
“Rehearsals for the
Hertfordshire Constabulary
Pantomime have started
early this year.”
Keith Evans
And now for this month’s
competition featuring
PC Stephen Mooney
and friends.
Send your
captions to Nikki
Royall, Herts Beat
Editor, Corporate
Communications,
Headquarters, or email
nikki.royall@herts.
pnn.police.uk
SPORT
LEARN TO DEFEND YOURSELF
THE newly formed free Jiu
Jitsu Club takes place twice
a week for Sports and Social
Club members.
Taught by SenseiTaylor,
a level 2 BJJA Instructor,
who has ranked nationally
and internationally in
competitions, the classes
will teach you to strike,
grapple, throw, lock and
disarm an attacker.
“All classes are taught in a
traditional friendly manner,”
explained John Currie, who
set up the club.
“You learn at your own
pace, acquiring selfconfidence along the way.
“We run gradings and
progress people up through
the levels of the style so
people have a sense of
progression as well as
learning some practical
self-defence. This club
also provides an excellent
fitness/combat based work
out each session and some
people enjoy attending
mostly for this.
“We teach Jiu Jitsu –
SMRTJ – which is a
street defence-orientated
style which also
competes nationally
and internationally.
Details of the club training:
Twice a week, every
Wednesday 6.30pm-7.30pm
and Sunday 6pm-7.30pm.
HERTS BEAT
13
The club is held
free twice a week
We understand the
strains for shift work and so
provide the club for free to
allow people to participate
without worrying about
paying for classes and not
being able to make it.
A mailing list updates
members each week about
what is on, and keeps
them informed of any
developments and upcoming
events. It is available to S&S
members for free.
All enquiries to Jon Currie
on ext 8148.
Help float the boat!
Teams take to the water in aid
of Cancer Macmillan Support
A
TEAM of seven
intrepid sailors
is heading to the
Isle of Wight this
September to take part in a
special race for charity.
South Yorkshire Police
Offshore Sailing Section
has challenged all 43 police
forces in England and
Wales to a race around
the Isle of Wight on
September 10 in aid of
Macmillan Cancer Support. Twenty identical Beneteau
Oceanis 37 yachts have been
chartered from Fairview
Sailing in Hamble and so far,
10 teams have entered.
The teams will consist of up
to eight crew, including the
skipper. The race will start
at 7am from Yarmouth and
finish at 5pm at Cowes.
Each team must raise a
minimum of £1,000 for
Macmillan Cancer Support.
The Herts PoliceTeam
consists of:
Stan Waszkiewicz
– LPC RMU
John Walsh – Legal Services
Jenny Miller – RPU
Laura Florence – ICT
Bob Gabbey - Retired
Richard Bagworth –HCSU
Ant Walsh – JPS
Stuart Orton – HCSU.
“Most of the crew have
raced together previously in
various combinations, with
some taking part in the official
Round the Island Race in 2011,”
explained skipper John Walsh.
“However, Laura is the
complete novice and apparently
gets seasick in a deep bath!
She has offered to come as
she is currently supporting a
close friend who is very ill at
present.
“We hope the Force will be
with us in more ways than
one and will support this huge
fundraising effort.
“The race is very much
weather dependent and should
take between eight and 12
hours to complete.”
To support the team, go to:
www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/
SYPchallengeHertfordshire
14
HERTS BEAT
SPORT
Anyone
for cricket?
BY NICOLA LAWRENCE
T
HE Constabulary’s
keen cricketers are
being called upon to
lend their talents to
this year’s annual cricket match,
which is being held at Watford
Town Cricket Club on Sunday,
August 25 at 1pm.
Sponsored by Crimestoppers
and supported by the PCC’s
office, the annual cricket match
sees a team of officers and
police staff competing against a
community team consisting of
members of the public.
Last year, the Constabulary
triumphed for the first time
in four years, scoring 122 for
seven wickets against the
community team, who scored
117 all out.
PC Irfan ‘Iffy’ Ishaq, one of
the event’s main organisers,
said: “If you love to play a game
of cricket, please come along
and support the Constabulary
team and help us to keep the
winning title for a second
year running.
“For the past four years,
the community team has
reigned as winners; however,
I am pleased that last year
we finally broke this pattern
The game is
hotly contested!
and took the winning
trophy home.
“The cricket match is
always a great day out and
a fantastic opportunity
for members of the public
to find out about the
work of the police,
Crimestoppers and the PCC.”
TRIPLE MEDAL
SUCCESS
FOR CIARAN
HERTFORDSHIRE
Constabulary has a new
champion. On July 3,
PC Ciaran Palfreyman
took part in the 2013 Police
Sport UKTrack and Field
Championships held at
the Prince of Wales Stadium
in Cheltenham.
She competed in several
Cash prizes sponsored by
Crimestoppers were given
to individual winners, as
well as the overall winning
team’s trophy.
For further information, please
contact Iffy on ext. 8176 or
email him directly.
events, including the 100m
and 200m sprints, as well as
the long jump. Ciaran won
gold in the 200m and long
jump and secured silver in
the 100m.
Ciaran said: “I really enjoyed
my first athletics event for
the police and hopefully will
be returning to Manchester
next year to defend my
new titles. I’ll also try
to rope some others
into joining me.”
Next year’s event will be
hosted by GMP. Details will
be released in 2014.