Episode 9 Crimewatch Roadshow

Hello and welcome to Crimewatch Roadshow. The man on the prowl for

a victim in the London suburbs. Can Hello and welcome to Crimewatch

Roadshow. We're live. And we're on air every morning, tackling

everyday crime that affects our lives. And, as ever, we're asking

for your help to track criminals down. On the programme today:

Pretending to be policemen to con the elderly.

The Shamus thieves caught on camera. Cracking down on crime in the

capital. We are with the team patrolling the river and its

bridges. And we need to find the man cruising Kingston upon Thames

in search of a victim. The roadshow team is travelling the

country. And today, we've made it to London, where we'll be for the

rest of the week. We're with the Metropolitan Police. Where exactly

are you today, Dave? Morning, Rav. We're in Wapping today, with the

Met's Marine Policing Unit. This is their HQ. And later we'll be seeing

them in action. We've got a new London addition to the team, BBC

London reporter Alice Bhandhukravi. Welcome, Alice. Thanks, Dave. It's

great to be out here on the river. Later, I'll be bringing some magic

to the show, finding out exactly how the hustlers who work London's

bridges are out to fleece us of our cash. Sounds intriguing. But,

before that, our first appeal today. When a young woman set out on the

short walk home, after a night out with friends, she could never have

anticipated the terror that lay ahead as she travelled home to the

suburbs. For one young woman in Barking --

embarking on an exciting career, what happened on a night out with

friends almost ended in tragedy. was just a normal night out with my

friends. We would text and make sure we were all back at home.

Everything was fine for my journey, I was catching the bus as normal.

Helen is not her real name because she wishes to remain anonymous for

fear of being identified by the suspect. By the time Helen steps of

the number 85 bus for the five- minute walk home, it was already

the early hours of the morning. the time you get to four m, the

pubs and clubs have closed. The streets would have been pretty

closed. -- pretty empty. The suspect has taken advantage of the

fact that there is a young lady walking along the street on her own.

Although the streets of Kingston were becoming increasingly deserted,

one car was seen to be cruising around the one-way system. Could

the driver be searching for a potential victim? As Helen walked

across the car-park, was she being watched? I went on my normal route

as I usually do, and walked across the main car park through Kingston.

I was going down the road towards Fairfield Park. I believe that it

is highly likely that the driver would have seen the young female on

her own and followed her from the main road into Orchard Street.

she walked down the narrow street away from the bright lights and

CCTV, the driver of a black Range Rover now had Helen firmly in his

sights, and when he pulled up, she suspected nothing. Excuse me. Do

you know the best way to Surbiton? He approached me quite politely,

and I did feel that it was quite genuine, because I would normally

carry on and ignore it. He said, I'm really sorry and I really

confused and a little bit lost. then started to chat her up,

started to continue speaking to her. And then I carried on walking, and

he was like, what have you been up to, and I said, I'm just on my way

home, and he said would you like a lift? I said no, it's OK. Are you

sure? I am not one of those kind of guys. You got me all wrong.

carried on walking, and decided to ignore him. That is when he pulls

up on the left, get out of his car and approaches me from across the

road. His pay! Hay! He tried to give me a handshake, and wouldn't

leave me alone. I am not one of those kind of guys. He said, my

name is sunny. Later, we find out how Helen would face a desperate

fight to avoid being abducted. it! Let me go!

What a terrifying experience. We'll find out what happened next, later

in the programme. Now it's time to have a look at today's Wanted Faces.

Police forces around the country are asking for your help to find

these men. First up, Sal Adams. Now, it's his 30th birthday on Saturday.

So let's give him a day to remember, and put him behind bars. Adams was

sentenced in his absence to three years and nine months in February

last year, for fraud and offences relating to the Proceeds of Crime

Act. He has connections to the Blackpool area, and has a north-

west accent. He's also known to gamble in casinos. Do you know

where he is? Please let us know, and spoil his birthday celebrations.

30-year-old Bradley Pogmore is next. Detectives in six different police

forces want to talk to him, in connection with a series of thefts

from supermarket tills totalling over �25,000. He has connections to

the Essex area, particularly Dagenham and Rainham. But where is

he now? Please let us know if you've seen him. Our next Wanted

Face is this man, Andrew Fletcher Pickering. He's wanted for

questioning in connection with a series of burglaries at post

offices and convenience stores right across the country. He's

originally from the Sunderland area, but detectives believe he could be

living anywhere in the UK. He has a tattoo above his left ear of a

swallow. Have you seen him recently?

And, last one for today. Patrick Feeney. Detectives in Lancashire

want to talk to him in connection with three charges of fraud by

false representation, and two charges of money laundering

relating to elderly and vulnerable people. Feeney has a distinctive

crooked nose, and is known to have connections in the Lancashire area.

Although police believe he could be anywhere in the country, or even

abroad. If you recognise any of these, make sure you pick up the

phone. You can call us on: 08000 468 999. Or text us on 63399. Text

CW, space and then your message. And please, leave the space, or

your message won't get through to us. Or email us. [email protected]. Now,

over to Alice. Thanks, Rav. I've been reporting on news in London

for five years now, and policing makes up a major part of the news

agenda. The Metropolitan Police are certainly hitting the headlines

these days. But, behind the news stories, the day-to-day work of the

The Metropolitan Police Service is the largest force in the UK, with

over 31,000 officers policing a population of 7.2 million. It is

responsible for policing one of Europe's largest cities, and that

comes with its own unique problems. Last summer's riots stretch the

forced to the limit, and in recent months, the Met has been in the

headlines because of its involvement with phone hacking. At

in the suburbs, the everyday work of the force is much like that of

every force in the UK. At quarter of all of the UK's distraction

burglaries happen in London's suburbs. This adds to the policing

issues the Met deal with. However, it is not just the residence of

Greater London that are the responsibility of the force. The

diamond jubilees of thousands of police on duty. And the hundreds of

thousands of sports fans that descend on the capital each year

also need to be policed. Whither the city seemed to be in the

Olympic spotlight, making sure tourist hotspots are safe is a high

priority. There is no doubt that 2012 will continue to be one of the

most testing years ever for the offices of the mess to pop --

officers of the Metropolitan Police. The Marine policing unit play a

major role in keeping the capital safe. How many of these craft can

you have on the Thames? We can have up to five. We cover everything

geographically between the Metropolitan Police area. We cover

the River Thames from Heathrow Airport right out to the docks.

What is the advantage of using these river craft? It gives us a

unique perspective over London and allows us anywhere where the public

have access on the water. And it allows us to support our colleagues

landside. I know you did probably have a typical day, but on average,

what are you doing? We can be asked to do anything that our landside

colleagues asked to do, whether it is investigate thefts, assaults on

boats, everything up to major incidents. And in fact one of your

other vessels is coming in here, because sometimes speed is of the

essence. This is our dull to raid, with a crew of three and up to nine

passengers. That will do nearly 50 knots with a full crew. It allows

us to respond to incidents anywhere within our area. Give us an example.

We can get from Tower Bridge to Westminster Bridge in three minutes,

which is pretty quick compared to central London traffic. And in what

situation would you use that instead? It allows us to support

specialist operations, to put police dogs onto vessels to rely

drug searches, that sort of thing. It is a fast response to any

incident within London. NGC that as having a long-term future here?

hope so. You have seen them in action on the river, now back to

the nice warm studio. Cheers, Dave. Next, laser pens.

They were originally designed to be used to highlight items on a screen

during a presentation. That seems innocent enough. But when they fall

into the wrong hands, something as small as this can pose a real risk

to helicopter pilots. There is such concern, the law is being tightened

up. Inspector Gary Smart, from the Police Air Support Unit in South

and East Wales, is here to tell us more. Gary, what's the issue with

these laser pens? They draw us away from the task we are on. When they

do hit the aircraft, it like sit up and causes a lot of destruction,

sometimes causes temporary blindness, it takes away night

vision for a period. They might be some people who don't know what a

laser pen is. I am certainly not go to shine is anywhere near your eyes,

because that could be dangerous. Please don't, because I would have

to arrest you! Look at this target on the screen. That green light is

any shining a laser pen. That is probably 1.5 metres from me. But

how far can these things project? Many feet into the sky. They light

up an aircraft because they refract. It causes destruction to the crew.

We have some footage of this He is doing it even as we speak.

That is extraordinary footage, but what you're seeing there is no

different to the sort of thing that I have in my hand here. You can see

that it refracts all around the cockpit. Look at that. It must be

horrendous for the pilot to try and see. We would swap -- changed the

camera to infra-red, and we now have the target pinpointed. Every

case you saw their resulted in an arrest. So this is an offence,

shining a light at the aircraft? Yes. If it causes danger you can be

imprisoned for up to five years or have a �5,000 fine. And people have

had custodial sentences? Yes, people have been sent down for many

months because of it. So the message you want to get across to

even parents, these are not toys, they can be used for this. They are

not toys. They should be used for presentations, not appointed and

police helicopters. We have a few examples that parents might have in

their children's homes. These are readily available. If parents have

got these lying around their kids' bedrooms, be very cautious as to

what they are being used for. Consider the age of the child, they

can cause injuries to I is even pointing them at each other in the

household alone. And you will throw the book at these devices?

Absolutely. Thank you for joining us. Let's take a look at what is

Now let's take a look at what's coming up in the programme today.

Accosted by a stranger on a quiet, suburban street, will this woman

manage to escape? Venturing on to dry land to give

chase to a group of illegal gamblers.

And praying on and bald man, police need to catch them. Before all that,

time to take a look at today's first batch of criminals snapped in

the act. November last year, a man walks

past some bicycles outside University College London. Then, he

is back again, he wants a closer look. He starts fiddling with it.

Then, he is off, on �400 worth of bicycle. If you think you know this

beef, give us a bell. Next, Heathrow Airport, Terminal 5,

October last year. It is all quite in this luggage shop except for one

man who looks like he is not planning on travelling light. He

fancies this leather bag, not cheap at �125. But he has no intention of

paying a penny, and simply walks out with his brand new piece of

luggage. If you know this blatant the, help us to back him.

Look at this man in Croydon, up to know good at the ATM. Placing a

skimming device on the shin which swallows bank cards. 30 minutes

later, he is back. Finally, he collects the device and three bank

cards which do not belong to him. Do not give him any credit, give us

a ring. If you recognise anyone in those

clips, give us a ring. Next, Alice is out on the Thames,

finding out how the UK's biggest Marine Unit keeps the peace on the

The unit is responsible for patrolling the River Thames and all

other waterways within the Metropolitan Police area. Sergeant

Alan Hopkins is holding the morning briefing. Make sure you check the

commuter boats, the bridges, we have had a couple of arrests for

illegal gamers and illegal traders. Plain clothes today. We have the

resources today to possibly a rest any people committing offences up

there. -- arrest. The police officers are also was

possible for all 22 bridges. You mentioned illegal gamers on the

bridge, what is that? Illegal gamblers are a new entity for us in

recent times. They have come across from Eastern Europe predominantly.

They set upon Abridge, the Embankment. They play a game of

three-card trick where there is no chance of the person taking part in

a game of winning. Tourists will stop and played? They will have

stooges who will end has other vulnerable people and tourists sin

is for the first time. They will get them to play the game and lose

large quantities of money. Sometimes they will take up to

�1,000 easily in half a day. It is not long before he gets word

of a gang of suspected illegal gamers in the area around

Westminster Bridge. Show us his son and we will put a couple of

plainclothes people up there. The rest of the team are standing

They are on patrol in plain clothes. We are keeping a safe distance

behind. It is not long before they spot the gang of the legal gamers.

They are in the middle of the bridge, we are viewing them from

the south side of the bridge. The patrol boat pulls alongside

Westminster Pier. As the uniformed officers make their way on to the

Embankment, began spots them and starts to disperse but they catch

up with two of them. Hello. Excuse me a moment. Are you OK? Do you

speak English? Canute empty your pockets for me? Can I have a look.

A oh, yes, no problem. I am making a record. What is this?

So, this belongs to a friend? What is his name? My friend's name?

third member of the gang is soon stopped while the search for

gambling equipment continues. us see what we have got in here. We

have counters. And we have a mat for playing on. OK. This leads me

to suspect you are involved in illegal gaming. Not me. You have

this, why would you have this? It is because you are involved.

Therefore, I am arresting you for having items in your possession for

an awful gambolling, for fraud. They have articles for fraud on

them. Just point out these are the ones we saw earlier on. Speak to

you soon. After he has confirmed that the men arrested a part of the

group he spotted earlier, he shows me how the con men operate. They

will chase a disc with the white underneath. They play it in a way

where there is no chance that the person who is paying �20 will win.

Is this a classic game? Absolutely. You will see this being played on

every bridge. We have got a good result today. It is sending a

message we do not want to risks losing their money. A good result

for the Marine policing unit but with London packed with tourists

this summer there are many more conmen to catch. A successful

operation there. But let's find out how those hustlers manage to scam

people. Lee Hathaway. You're a professional magician. There's a

world of difference between what you do, and what these illegal

hustlers get up to, isn't there? We as entertainers are there to

show people a good time and have some fun. There's no money involved.

What these illegal street gamers are doing is getting people to play

a game, and to gamble cash, when there is no way of winning. It is

fraud. We saw in the film there. The paraphernalia the gamers had

for two games that they use to con people. Are they ones you

recognise? Yes, One is a variation on what's

known in magic circles as the Three Shell Game. I bet you won't be able

to guess under which cup the pea is? You have to follow the White

here. The other one, you follow the pea. I will mix them up. Place your

money. I will put �20 on that one. You have lost. It is in the middle.

That's the first game. Over here. The way this works is similar.

Follow the little pea under the matchbox. You still have some money.

I have your �20. All you have to do is placed on top which one you

think the pea is. Sadly, another �20 for me. How do those games

work? The pea has been stolen at. The way that works, just to show

quickly. They usually use something made of rubber. The friction

created roles it out from underneath the box. -- rolls. So

you can never win. How but this one? What I am actually doing is

throwing the top one and retaining that white one. In slow-motion.

do these gamers to put money on it, that is what makes it illegal

gambling. This is the important thing, even if you think you

understand sleight-of-hand, there are teams playing this, there of

stooges. Pretty girls playing it. The atmosphere is designed as an

act. A laughing, jovial atmosphere designed to get you to spend more

money which you will be losing. gang operation. Without a doubt.

Were stooges are involved, if you keep your eye. It looks like it is

over here. One of the stooges will take out some money. Enthusiastic

betting. As they do that, distracted, the operator will

switch them around. They placed the money over here, they lose. You,

the punter, think you have seen them switch it around. But you have

lost your money as well. Lee, thanks very much. Rav.

Let's get back to that terrifying kidnap attempt. When a young woman

walking home alone in Kingston- upon-Thames became a target for a

predatory male. Helen was returning home in the

early hours, when she was the victim of unwanted advances from a

predatory male motorist. He seemed like a normal, nice, down-to-earth

guy. Listen, my name... She had escaped him once but her ordeal was

If -- before I knew it, he had picked the up in a cradle position.

I didn't realise, I was in shock. He scooped her up. At this point,

the female was absolutely petrified, as you would be. He had picked up

this young lady and try to put her in the back of his car, the back

door was open and he was forcing her into the car. Absolutely

terrifying for this young lady. just picked me up with such ease, I

was in utter shock. I realised he was a try and put me feet first

into the back of his car. It is clear to me he was trying,

against her will, abduct this young lady, and take her away. It is

absolutely frightening what the consequences could have been.

think he would have sexually assaulted me, if not more. I don't

know where I might have ended up to be honest,. Drugging me, anything

like that. I definitely think sexual assault.

For it is only when she has managed to free her leg, pursued against

the car, put her other leg on the ground. Then manage through sheer

force and adrenalin, she has managed to break free.

I managed to wriggle my way out and she started -- he started to shout

at me. I ran across the road, straight home. Four months -- for

months after the attack, Helen was scared of going out for fear of

meeting her abductor. It would panic me. I would feel

choked in the mouth. Other thing he was after me. I would ask members

of the public to put together the fact you have a young Asian male,

possibly called Sunny. 5 ft 10, 24- Oct 28 years old, who was driving a

dark-coloured Range Rover with a cream interior. I would ask members

of the public to contact police if they know this man. That is such a

frightening story. Now one good thing, the victim was able to give

you a very detailed description of the suspect, which means you've

been able to get an e-fit made up. We have what we consider to be a

very accurate e-fit. We think the man is of Asian appearance, 25 to

Lean to average build. Well turned out, as the young woman says in the

film. We very much hope that this image, coupled with the images of

the car, will jog someone's memory. That car is quite distinctive,

isn't it? We've been able to examine CCTV,

and we're looking for a 2005 black Range Rover Sport. It has cream

leather seats. He used the name it sunny. His but

his real name? I think that maybe his real name, the circumstances

suggest he hasn't made up a name on the spot and I believe that could

be his real name. Let's take a look at that e-fit again. Why is it so

important to catch this man? He has already attempted to abduct this

woman. Luckily, she managed to get away. The fear is that he will try

away. The fear is that he will try and do it again.

We want to interview this month and bring him before the court to make

sure he doesn't do it again. Is it possible he may have done this

before? He could have done this to other lone females and it is

important if anything similar to this have taken place, that they

contact the police so we can investigate. Because of his lack of

an accent, it is difficult to say whether he lives in the area where

this happened? It is difficult to tell whether he is local but I

would urge the public to put together all these factors, his

name, the description of the man, and contact us. You have the clues,

please if you know who it is, the If you can help us catch that man

before he strikes again, we really need to hear from you. If you don't

want to give your name, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Next up, let's see if you can nail any of this lot. A busy pub on

Tottenham Court Road last year. A punter orders a drink. He is not

carrying a bag. Remember that. He then starts casing the joint, and

seems very interested in something on the floor. He takes a call, and

next thing, he bends down and picks up the bag. The bank had �3,000 of

computer equipment and it. If you know this thief, call time on him.

Heathrow Airport, March last year. A coach has been left on a chair,

and this woman rifles through it. - Mike have coped. The picture is not

great quality, but we get a great shot of her face as she walks past

the camera. Then the victim returns to find his credit cards are stolen.

We need to hear from you if you know this thief.

And last one for now, March this year, Carphone Warehouse in Newport,

South Wales. These three guys are taking a look at the phones. Then

they grab them so hard they nearly end up taking the display with them,

If you've recognised anything, then give us a call. 08000 468 999. Or

text us on 63399. Text CW, space, and then your message. And please,

leave the space, or your message won't get through to us. Or, email

us. [email protected]. And remember, all our CCTV and Wanted Faces are

on our website, bbc.co.uk/crimewatchroadshow, if

Thanks, Rav. Now to the case of a nasty assault on a victim who was

out enjoying himself on Christmas Eve. DC Richard Greenwood from the

Met is investigating the attack. Tell me about this assault.

victim, a young male in his twenties, was drinking in the Court

Public House in Camden. He went to the toilet and, on his return to

the bar, he was attacked by two men. He was head-butted, and both men at

punched him. His eye was closed up over Christmas. That sounds like a

cowardly attack on an innocent victim. Do we have any idea what

the suspects look like? He was face-to-face with both of them.

They were captured on CCTV in hospital. We can see the two

suspect waiting in the reception area. Why were they there? It would

appear that one of the suspects broke his hand punching the victim.

Does this happen a lot, that they meet up in the hospital? When there

is a fight and to people receive injuries, and there was a hospital

near by, there is always a possibility that they could be in

it was a nasty assault, and we need help to find those suspect.

anyone has any information, you can contact us by phone or by text.

Those numbers are on your screen. Now, burglars who prey on the

elderly are sadly all too common. One elderly man from north London,

who's been targeted by con men, is now so frightened that his family

has asked us not to identify him. In this film, he's played by an

actor. He gets up at about half-past seven,

has his breakfast, goes for a walk for at least an hour. You can set

your clock by him. 88-year-old Jack has lived in this house most of his

life. Since his wife died, he has managed on his own. He is very

trusting. Six years ago, he was the target of a distraction burglary

when a man came to his front door pretended to be a policeman. Jack

believed the man and invited him in. He explained to Jack that he was

checking on householders to make sure that their money was in a

secure place. So Jack invited him in. Jack was asked to collect all

the money that he had in the house. He collected �3,200 in cash and

handed it over on the understanding that he was going to show him a

good place to hide the money. had been conned, and the bogus

police officer got away with his When certain incidents occur, that

is when the mind goes into overdrive in the point of your

feelings of anger and wanted to ensure that justice is done. Police

spent months investigating the theft of Jack's money and similar

burglaries. Eventually, the bogus policeman and a man thought to be

an accomplice were caught and sent to prison for conspiracy to burgle.

In order to offer Jack some protection, a surveillance camera

was fitted inside his house. And six years later, it captured

something his family had hoped would never happen. Two intruders

in his home. My first thought was, not again. We all rallied round to

support dad and be of any help we could to officers investigating.

cruel coincidence, these two were also pretended to be policemen.

Jack was watching the television when he was disturbed by noise. He

went to investigate, and was confronted by two men in his house.

How are you? What you want? There has been a burglary in the area. We

are police officers. They said they were there to investigate. He asked

-- they asked if he had any money, and he said he hadn't, and they

started going through drawers. again, Jack was duped into

believing the conmen had his best interests at heart. It is common on

distraction burglaries to find that there are two people involved. One

defendant will take the householder into a room will be associate

searches the other rooms. Then the intruders started checking Jack's

coat pockets for valuables. people going through my father's

pockets, it shows the lower depths to which they are prepared to go.

It touches on the surface of the crime they intended to commit.

became suspicious of this activity, and managed to get the two

offenders out of the house before anything was stolen. My father then

asked them to leave, which they did. Ever the gentleman, Jacques sees

them out and caused his son. alarm was raised and the police

attended. By the time they arrived, the offenders were well gone.

can they sleep at night? How is it that they can go through life like

that, and be so I'm feeling? It makes you feel particularly angry,

because you think what they have actually achieved in their life,

and my father has achieved a fair bit. He goes about his daily

business and doesn't do any harm to anyone. He is entitled to get on

with his life and not have to tolerate things like that.

people who commit these offences are very cowardly, and it is

important that we catch them before they prey on other members of our

community. As I say, sadly these stories are all too familiar. But

that camera did get a very good image of those men. They were in

the Wembley area of London on April 5th this year. If you recognise

them, please call us now. It's important that the police stop them.

DI Hartley, your department's taken a lead in tackling this type of

burglary, which you call distraction burglary. How common is

it? It is an audacious crime committed by a highly organised

criminals. It is up and down the country. So these guys might not

even be from the London area? You say they use new ploy is to get

into homes. Traditionally, most of the crime sites are by people who

purport to be from the electricity board or the gas board. Now they

are pretending to be immigration officials of police officers.

police officer is going to see an elderly person, they ring

beforehand? Yes, they will make an appointment and have identification.

And a genuine person doesn't mind someone taking the card and ringing

the police station to check. advice we always give is to keep

the chain on the door, don't let the men, and call the police who

were treated very seriously. Often older people are very trusting.

Relatives may be concerned about them. What can relatives do to make

sure their elderly relative is safe? It is not just relatives. Get

to know your neighbours. Make sure that anybody who comes round of the

right people. It is about drawing a balance between scaring people and

making sure that they are aware of what might be out there. Most

companies have a scheme in place where you can give a password, so

if somebody is come into your house, there will be a password, so a

bogus person cannot get in. genuine people never mind a

householder checking up on them? That is right. Thank you for that

sound advice. Look out your neighbours and relatives and save

them from trauma. Thanks, Dave. Really good advice there. If you do

recognise those two men, let us know. It's a despicable thing to do.

Let's catch up on what's been happening since we've been on air.

We have had lots of calls about the attempted abduction in Kingston

upon Thames. Dave and Alice, what have you got for us tomorrow?

We are going up to the West End. have been out with officers

patrolling the busy streets around Leicester Square as London gears up

for a busy summer. We will also be meeting the remarkable woman who

turned detective when thieves broke into her penthouse flat. Thieves

beware! We will tell you all about her tomorrow.

That is it for today. For more details about all have today's