0:00:02 > 0:00:04Neighbourhood policing has come a long way
0:00:04 > 0:00:06since the days of Dixon of Dock Green.
0:00:06 > 0:00:07Good evening, all.
0:00:07 > 0:00:10The new generation of community police officers
0:00:10 > 0:00:13have the power to strike hard...
0:00:13 > 0:00:15- Police, search warrant! - You're under arrest.
0:00:15 > 0:00:17..and tackle crime head-on.
0:00:17 > 0:00:19- Stanley!- Calm down!
0:00:19 > 0:00:21By engaging with people on the streets...
0:00:21 > 0:00:22- Me and you always get on.- Yeah.
0:00:22 > 0:00:24..the teams can identify
0:00:24 > 0:00:26and crack down on the crimes that are crippling our communities.
0:00:26 > 0:00:28They are clearly violent individuals.
0:00:28 > 0:00:30In this series of Neighbourhood Blues...
0:00:30 > 0:00:31Happy birthday.
0:00:31 > 0:00:35..we're given unprecedented access to Somerset's neighbourhood teams...
0:00:35 > 0:00:38I'm asking you not to street drink. Go somewhere else!
0:00:38 > 0:00:42..as they battle to clear up crime...
0:00:42 > 0:00:43Stand still!
0:00:43 > 0:00:45Right, you're under arrest for assault.
0:00:45 > 0:00:48..and sweep the criminals clean from our streets.
0:00:48 > 0:00:50SHOUTING AND BANGING
0:00:50 > 0:00:52BLEEP.
0:01:07 > 0:01:12Coming up, the race is on to catch a knife-wielding robber...
0:01:12 > 0:01:14He's got the blade out.
0:01:14 > 0:01:16Officers are speaking to him
0:01:16 > 0:01:19and he's refusing to hand the blade over.
0:01:19 > 0:01:21How are you doing? Whoa! Stay there, stay there.
0:01:21 > 0:01:23Sit down. You're going to do yourself some harm.
0:01:23 > 0:01:25..the neighbourhood team go head-to-head
0:01:25 > 0:01:26with the ugly side of alcohol...
0:01:26 > 0:01:29Da-da-da-da-da!
0:01:29 > 0:01:33..and the devastating effects of falling foul of the conmen.
0:01:33 > 0:01:38We had won £726,000.
0:01:44 > 0:01:45For a police officer,
0:01:45 > 0:01:47entering someone's house to issue an arrest warrant
0:01:47 > 0:01:49is like stepping into the unknown.
0:01:49 > 0:01:52You never know how the suspect is going to react.
0:01:52 > 0:01:56Thankfully, officers know that if they do get into trouble,
0:01:56 > 0:01:58then it only takes a quick call to Control
0:01:58 > 0:02:01and another unit will be on hand to assist in no time.
0:02:03 > 0:02:07In Weston-super-Mare, Jack Roth and Alison Codd
0:02:07 > 0:02:10are responding to a call for help from another unit.
0:02:10 > 0:02:14Our colleagues have gone to...some sort of domestic at an address
0:02:14 > 0:02:16and it appears that one of our colleagues
0:02:16 > 0:02:18has been locked in the address by the suspect
0:02:18 > 0:02:20and is currently in there at the moment.
0:02:21 > 0:02:24Trapped in a house with a potentially violent prisoner
0:02:24 > 0:02:26is a very difficult situation for the officers involved.
0:02:26 > 0:02:30So it's crucial that Jack and Alison get there as quickly as possible.
0:02:32 > 0:02:34The occupants have lost the key and they can't get out
0:02:34 > 0:02:36and they're not so forthcoming,
0:02:36 > 0:02:38but they want us to, sort of, get them out
0:02:38 > 0:02:40sooner rather than later.
0:02:40 > 0:02:43Fortunately, when it comes to lost keys,
0:02:43 > 0:02:44the police have one of their own.
0:02:44 > 0:02:49It's big, it's red and it opens almost any door.
0:02:49 > 0:02:51What did they say, flat what?
0:02:51 > 0:02:54One of the stranded officers, Chris Lintern,
0:02:54 > 0:02:55has found an open window.
0:02:55 > 0:02:59But in this case, climbing out isn't an option.
0:03:08 > 0:03:09Have you got shoes on?
0:03:09 > 0:03:12With the enforcer making light work of the door...
0:03:17 > 0:03:19..Chris and his prisoner are free to leave.
0:03:19 > 0:03:21- Chris, do you want to pass him out to us?- Yeah, absolutely.
0:03:21 > 0:03:24- Stop talking to her, please. - Come on, head down.
0:03:24 > 0:03:25Head down.
0:03:25 > 0:03:29Just be wary...be careful.
0:03:29 > 0:03:31- BLEEP- is with the camera?
0:03:31 > 0:03:34The police were called to deal with a heated dispute
0:03:34 > 0:03:37between this man and a woman who, for her safety,
0:03:37 > 0:03:39is still inside with another two officers.
0:03:39 > 0:03:43- I'll be back for you- BLEEP, - you- BLEEP BLEEP!
0:03:45 > 0:03:48They've locked the door as police have got in
0:03:48 > 0:03:50and somehow lost the keys.
0:03:50 > 0:03:52Due to his behaviour, there was an urgency to get them out.
0:03:52 > 0:03:54They didn't want him to climb out of a window
0:03:54 > 0:03:56cos he's also wanted on warrant.
0:03:56 > 0:03:58Potentially, he'll make off.
0:03:58 > 0:03:59Therefore they've called us in
0:03:59 > 0:04:02- and we've put the door in so they can get him out. - MUFFLED SHOUTING
0:04:02 > 0:04:05As you can tell from the banging and the kicking,
0:04:05 > 0:04:08he's going to be another quiet one in the cells this evening!
0:04:10 > 0:04:13What? WHAT?
0:04:13 > 0:04:15Safely locked up in the back of the van,
0:04:15 > 0:04:18the man is still angry and aggressive.
0:04:18 > 0:04:20He just smashed the light in the back of the van.
0:04:20 > 0:04:21He'll get nicked for that now.
0:04:21 > 0:04:23Ah, not very good on that one, was you?
0:04:23 > 0:04:24HE GIGGLES
0:04:29 > 0:04:30Back at the station,
0:04:30 > 0:04:32Jack has radioed ahead for support
0:04:32 > 0:04:34to help move the suspect into custody.
0:04:34 > 0:04:38We're going to get you into the police station now. All right?
0:04:38 > 0:04:40Are you going to be calm about it?
0:04:41 > 0:04:43Are you going to be calm about it?
0:04:43 > 0:04:46No, but are you going to be calm with us and get out of the van?
0:04:46 > 0:04:48If you're calm, we'll take the cuffs off.
0:04:48 > 0:04:49If you're not, they stay on.
0:04:49 > 0:04:51That's how it works.
0:04:51 > 0:04:53Wary that he could lash out at any moment,
0:04:53 > 0:04:58another officer is standing by with a 50,000 volt electric stun gun.
0:04:58 > 0:05:00If this lad doesn't come quietly,
0:05:00 > 0:05:03he could quite literally be in for a shock.
0:05:03 > 0:05:04POLICEWOMAN:
0:05:04 > 0:05:07All right, look, my colleagues have got a Taser, here.
0:05:07 > 0:05:09If you carry on behaving like you were a minute ago,
0:05:09 > 0:05:11they will just shoot you with that.
0:05:11 > 0:05:12The choice is yours.
0:05:12 > 0:05:14Yeah, I know! All right?
0:05:14 > 0:05:16And I'm telling you, don't behave like an idiot
0:05:16 > 0:05:18and you won't get shot with a Taser.
0:05:18 > 0:05:20All right, fine, let's go.
0:05:20 > 0:05:23The threat of the crippling Taser
0:05:23 > 0:05:25has brought the prisoner to his senses
0:05:25 > 0:05:28and he's decided to come quietly.
0:05:28 > 0:05:31Having recovered from HIS incarceration,
0:05:31 > 0:05:33PC Chris Lintern is able to shed some light
0:05:33 > 0:05:36on how they ended up locked in the property in the first place.
0:05:36 > 0:05:38When I arrived at the scene,
0:05:38 > 0:05:40clearly, something had gone on,
0:05:40 > 0:05:42but we didn't know exactly.
0:05:42 > 0:05:46We had to enter the property via unusual means.
0:05:46 > 0:05:49And we certainly had to exit the property via unusual means!
0:05:49 > 0:05:52'We considered going back out the way we came.
0:05:52 > 0:05:55'However, I took into consideration that it wasn't particularly easy'
0:05:55 > 0:05:57getting in the house in the first place
0:05:57 > 0:05:58and doing the same thing
0:05:58 > 0:06:01'with a male that was handcuffed and potentially violent
0:06:01 > 0:06:03'didn't seem to be a sensible course of action to me.'
0:06:03 > 0:06:06Not only was this man aggressive during the arrest,
0:06:06 > 0:06:09but his behaviour only got worse.
0:06:14 > 0:06:17Once in police custody, he continued to be a problem
0:06:17 > 0:06:21and he caused damage to some property inside custody.
0:06:21 > 0:06:25Eventually, he was charged with four counts of criminal damage.
0:06:25 > 0:06:26When he appeared in court,
0:06:26 > 0:06:29the suspect pleaded guilty to four charges of criminal damage
0:06:29 > 0:06:32and was sentenced to two months' imprisonment.
0:06:32 > 0:06:34It was a good result, although for Chris,
0:06:34 > 0:06:37this job is likely to stick in the mind
0:06:37 > 0:06:38for slightly different reasons.
0:06:38 > 0:06:41Looking back, I can't help but smile about it -
0:06:41 > 0:06:43possibly having to be rescued.
0:06:43 > 0:06:44But at the same time,
0:06:44 > 0:06:47it worked and everyone got back and no-one was hurt.
0:06:54 > 0:06:56Police Community Support Officers
0:06:56 > 0:06:59are an essential part of the neighbourhood team.
0:06:59 > 0:07:01Out on the beat every day, meeting the public,
0:07:01 > 0:07:05they are the eyes and ears of the police force.
0:07:05 > 0:07:08So when a crime is committed on their beat
0:07:08 > 0:07:10and a warrant is issued for someone's arrest,
0:07:10 > 0:07:14chances are it will be a PCSO who finds them first.
0:07:17 > 0:07:18In Bath city centre,
0:07:18 > 0:07:20Howie Wilton is investigating two thefts
0:07:20 > 0:07:24that have taken place within an hour of each other.
0:07:24 > 0:07:27The allegation from Tesco Express, here on Westgate Buildings,
0:07:27 > 0:07:29is that the gentleman has stolen food
0:07:29 > 0:07:31and threatened staff with a knife.
0:07:32 > 0:07:37After speaking to staff in Tesco's and checking the CCTV footage,
0:07:37 > 0:07:38it turns out that the neighbourhood team
0:07:38 > 0:07:41are dealing with a case of armed theft.
0:07:41 > 0:07:45And a similar theft was also carried out at Sainsbury's earlier on
0:07:45 > 0:07:48by a man carrying a large-bladed knife.
0:07:51 > 0:07:53Operators at the CCTV control centre
0:07:53 > 0:07:57think they've just spotted the knifeman back at Sainsbury's.
0:08:01 > 0:08:05But unfortunately, it turned out to the wrong man.
0:08:06 > 0:08:08It's definitely not the man that we're looking for.
0:08:08 > 0:08:11This search is far from over.
0:08:11 > 0:08:13Howie knows that to catch a criminal,
0:08:13 > 0:08:15you have to think like a criminal.
0:08:15 > 0:08:17It's a little bit like fishing, now.
0:08:17 > 0:08:19We've just got to think, "Well, where am I likely to go?
0:08:19 > 0:08:21"Which way am I likely to run?"
0:08:21 > 0:08:24The suspect stole food and drink
0:08:24 > 0:08:28and Howie suspects that the thief is one of the city's rough sleepers.
0:08:31 > 0:08:33Having checked every place he can think of,
0:08:33 > 0:08:35he's no closer to finding his man
0:08:35 > 0:08:39and he knows that the chances of catching the knife-wielding thief
0:08:39 > 0:08:42are becoming slimmer with every hour that passes.
0:08:42 > 0:08:45We're just going to have to return to normal foot patrol now,
0:08:45 > 0:08:48but we'll bear his description in mind for the rest of the evening.
0:08:48 > 0:08:51And obviously, if we see anybody that matches that description,
0:08:51 > 0:08:53even if it's a change of clothing,
0:08:53 > 0:08:55I've got the facial image in my mind now.
0:08:55 > 0:08:56I know who I'm looking for.
0:08:56 > 0:08:58If we come across somebody that bears that description,
0:08:58 > 0:09:01then we can call somebody out to have a little look.
0:09:07 > 0:09:08Less than 24 hours later,
0:09:08 > 0:09:12the neighbourhood team have made a breakthrough
0:09:12 > 0:09:14as Sergeant Chris Leadbeater explains.
0:09:14 > 0:09:16There was a bit of a search for him yesterday.
0:09:16 > 0:09:18We couldn't quite find him.
0:09:18 > 0:09:19What we've managed to do this morning
0:09:19 > 0:09:22was the photograph from the CCTV was circulated
0:09:22 > 0:09:26by the Crime Reduction Partnership to all the shops in Bath
0:09:26 > 0:09:32and one of the security guards from SouthGate recognised him
0:09:32 > 0:09:35as having been involved in another theft a couple of weeks back.
0:09:35 > 0:09:37It turns out that just four days ago,
0:09:37 > 0:09:40the same man had spent a day in prison
0:09:40 > 0:09:42after appearing in court on a charge
0:09:42 > 0:09:45of shoplifting from another supermarket.
0:09:46 > 0:09:49With the search on for a very dangerous man,
0:09:49 > 0:09:52PCSO Brian Harris heads out into the city
0:09:52 > 0:09:53to see if he can find him.
0:09:55 > 0:09:58It's believed that the suspect could be homeless,
0:09:58 > 0:10:01so first stop for Brian is one of the city's shelters.
0:10:01 > 0:10:04Good news. This male has been staying here the last two or three nights,
0:10:04 > 0:10:08so the chances are he might be back here tonight.
0:10:08 > 0:10:11I said that if he does return, to make sure that they ring 999
0:10:11 > 0:10:13and we'll get a unit down here as soon as possible
0:10:13 > 0:10:15and get him arrested.
0:10:15 > 0:10:18It's a fantastic lead, but with a knifeman on the loose,
0:10:18 > 0:10:21the neighbourhood team want to get him off the streets
0:10:21 > 0:10:22as quickly as possible,
0:10:22 > 0:10:26As a PCSO, Brian is a familiar face in the city
0:10:26 > 0:10:28and can turn to many of its residents
0:10:28 > 0:10:31to help him track the knifeman down.
0:10:31 > 0:10:33- I know me and you always get on... - Yeah.
0:10:33 > 0:10:34..so you might be able to help me.
0:10:34 > 0:10:37And I've been told he's been hanging around Julian House steps.
0:10:37 > 0:10:40- Oh, that's Paul. - Yeah.- Is he about?
0:10:40 > 0:10:41I want to find where he is.
0:10:41 > 0:10:45- He's done something naughty. - Oh, has he?- Yeah.
0:10:45 > 0:10:47No! He's down Julian House, isn't he?
0:10:47 > 0:10:49Yeah, but he's not there at the moment.
0:10:49 > 0:10:50I've got to find out where he is.
0:10:50 > 0:10:53- Does he know he is wanted by us?- No. - He doesn't?- No.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56Don't let anybody know that he's wanted or anything,
0:10:56 > 0:10:59cos we need to find him and speak to him. Yeah, all right. Lovely.
0:10:59 > 0:11:01- You know I love you. - Yeah, thanks, Rainbow.
0:11:01 > 0:11:03SHE BLOWS A KISS
0:11:03 > 0:11:05I love you lot!
0:11:05 > 0:11:08Before Brian continues with his enquiries,
0:11:08 > 0:11:10he indulges in a bit of police PR.
0:11:10 > 0:11:12Where's the bride? We've lost the bride!
0:11:12 > 0:11:14But the fun and games are short-lived
0:11:14 > 0:11:17as it sounds as though the armed thief has struck again.
0:11:17 > 0:11:22A knife attack has just happened... just up in Gay Street, here.
0:11:22 > 0:11:24Descriptions have been given.
0:11:24 > 0:11:27It might be the same chap that we're actually looking for.
0:11:28 > 0:11:30Thankfully, no-one was injured
0:11:30 > 0:11:32but further details revealed that this time,
0:11:32 > 0:11:36the thief has stolen items whilst threatening staff with a knife.
0:11:36 > 0:11:39He's stolen a load of cigarettes.
0:11:40 > 0:11:44Um...some confectionery, some sandwiches and that.
0:11:44 > 0:11:46You know, for what he's done...
0:11:48 > 0:11:51..the height of the crime, you know, going in with a knife...
0:11:51 > 0:11:53It seems a very minimal amount.
0:11:53 > 0:11:54Here we go, come on.
0:11:54 > 0:11:57Word has come through that the suspect has been spotted.
0:11:57 > 0:12:00They just asked for a Taser unit. SIRENS
0:12:01 > 0:12:04Brian's getting regular updates on his radio.
0:12:04 > 0:12:07It doesn't sound like the knifeman is coming quietly.
0:12:07 > 0:12:09He's got the blade out.
0:12:09 > 0:12:12Officers are speaking to him
0:12:12 > 0:12:14and he's refusing to hand the blade over.
0:12:18 > 0:12:22With his fellow officers in a stand-off with an armed man,
0:12:22 > 0:12:24Brian's rushing to back them up.
0:12:24 > 0:12:26He's been gassed already.
0:12:26 > 0:12:28Brian arrives at the scene to discover
0:12:28 > 0:12:30the target has already been captured
0:12:30 > 0:12:32and is in the process of being cautioned.
0:12:32 > 0:12:34We're going to carry on searching you,
0:12:34 > 0:12:37to make sure you haven't got any more knives on you.
0:12:37 > 0:12:39It took CS gas and a blast from a Taser
0:12:39 > 0:12:41to bring this guy down.
0:12:41 > 0:12:44And unsurprisingly, he isn't feeling too good for it.
0:12:44 > 0:12:46HE GROANS
0:12:46 > 0:12:48Yeah, it hurts, mate. I know.
0:12:48 > 0:12:51- More than that- BLEEP- volt.
0:12:51 > 0:12:53- Eh?- No, that's the Taser, that's something else.
0:12:53 > 0:12:56- Yeah, exactly, that's what stung.- BLEEP.
0:12:56 > 0:12:59THEY TALK OVER EACH OTHER
0:12:59 > 0:13:02With the suspect no longer providing any resistance,
0:13:02 > 0:13:05he's put into the van and taken back to the station.
0:13:07 > 0:13:11Although as the effects of the Taser and gas wear off,
0:13:11 > 0:13:14his less-than-charming personality comes to the fore.
0:13:22 > 0:13:26CCTV footage from the newsagent that he's just robbed
0:13:26 > 0:13:28reveals how he threatened the shopkeeper
0:13:28 > 0:13:30with a horrific looking knife.
0:13:33 > 0:13:36As she reaches for the panic button under the counter,
0:13:36 > 0:13:39the robber casually walks out of the store.
0:13:42 > 0:13:45When the man was arrested, not only was he armed,
0:13:45 > 0:13:49but he was also carrying the goods that he had just stolen.
0:13:53 > 0:13:57BANGING ON DOOR
0:13:57 > 0:13:58It turned out that this man
0:13:58 > 0:14:01had carried out a robbery and two thefts at knife-point.
0:14:01 > 0:14:04His crime spree well and truly came to an end
0:14:04 > 0:14:08when he was sentenced to 40 months behind bars.
0:14:12 > 0:14:13Responding to calls
0:14:13 > 0:14:16about people who have become ill by drinking too much alcohol
0:14:16 > 0:14:19is a common occurrence for the neighbourhood teams.
0:14:19 > 0:14:24Often involving medical assistance, these avoidable situations
0:14:24 > 0:14:28are a frustrating and time-consuming use of police time.
0:14:29 > 0:14:32It's Friday evening in Weston-super-Mare
0:14:32 > 0:14:35and PC Jim Murray has just received a call about someone
0:14:35 > 0:14:37who may have had a few too many.
0:14:38 > 0:14:40We're going down to Brighton Road.
0:14:41 > 0:14:43A lady causing problems for an ambulance.
0:14:43 > 0:14:45She was in the back of the ambulance
0:14:45 > 0:14:47and now she's gotten out of the ambulance
0:14:47 > 0:14:49and she's running in the road.
0:14:49 > 0:14:50Playing chicken with the traffic.
0:14:50 > 0:14:55So we'll just pop round there. See what's going on.
0:14:55 > 0:14:57With the ambulance crew potentially in danger,
0:14:57 > 0:14:59Jim wastes no time getting to the scene.
0:15:04 > 0:15:06Concerned for their own safety,
0:15:06 > 0:15:09the crew have locked the lady in the back of the ambulance.
0:15:09 > 0:15:11Jim could have his hands full.
0:15:11 > 0:15:17- So no-one's in there with her, then? - No.- Hello there. Stay there.
0:15:17 > 0:15:20What's going on? What's your name, my love?
0:15:21 > 0:15:24Hang on, what's your name? What's your name?
0:15:24 > 0:15:25When people are this drunk,
0:15:25 > 0:15:29- police need to protect them from themselves.- Whoa!
0:15:31 > 0:15:33Sit down, or you're going to do yourself some harm.
0:15:33 > 0:15:35She is struggling with all her might to get away
0:15:35 > 0:15:38and Jim is worried she'll hurt herself or cause an accident.
0:15:38 > 0:15:40You're trying to walk in the road
0:15:40 > 0:15:42and I'm stopping you from going in the road.
0:15:42 > 0:15:44Jim has managed to calm her down.
0:15:44 > 0:15:46But the lady's English is poor
0:15:46 > 0:15:49and working out where she lives is easier said than done.
0:15:49 > 0:15:51Da-da-da-da-da.
0:15:51 > 0:15:53SHE WHISTLES
0:15:53 > 0:15:56What we can't have is you running out in the road, can we?
0:15:56 > 0:15:59Which you've already done.
0:15:59 > 0:16:01- Listen...- BLEEP! BLEEP!
0:16:01 > 0:16:05You either go home or you come to the station. One or the other.
0:16:05 > 0:16:08- I go home. - Then go in the ambulance then.
0:16:08 > 0:16:12Eventually the threat of a trip to the police station
0:16:12 > 0:16:13gets the woman to cooperate.
0:16:13 > 0:16:16For the safety of the paramedics,
0:16:16 > 0:16:19another police office will accompany them in the ambulance.
0:16:19 > 0:16:20There was only a few options -
0:16:20 > 0:16:23we can arrest her for being drunk and disorderly,
0:16:23 > 0:16:25going out in the road in front of traffic.
0:16:25 > 0:16:27She's clearly drunk.
0:16:27 > 0:16:31Or we try taking her home and see if she stays at home and sobers up.
0:16:32 > 0:16:35A short drive later, and even though Jim has confiscated
0:16:35 > 0:16:40the woman's bottle of brandy, her mood is improved considerably.
0:16:40 > 0:16:43- Thank you very much.- Get right in.
0:16:43 > 0:16:47And she's taken a bit of a shine to PCSO Mike Benfield.
0:16:47 > 0:16:50- Come on.- We'll leave you to it. - We'll leave you to it.
0:16:50 > 0:16:52We've got to go.
0:16:52 > 0:16:57- You got to go.- You're safe. - Come here.
0:16:57 > 0:16:59Help.
0:16:59 > 0:17:03After rescuing Mike from the clutches of the grateful woman,
0:17:03 > 0:17:04Jim continues his patrol.
0:17:06 > 0:17:10Later, alcohol is at the centre of yet another disturbance
0:17:10 > 0:17:12when Jim is taken to task.
0:17:12 > 0:17:16Why is there a quart of hard liquor in the middle of your car?
0:17:20 > 0:17:23With a wealth of technology at their disposal,
0:17:23 > 0:17:25neighbourhood policing has moved with the times
0:17:25 > 0:17:27and is a far cry from the days gone by
0:17:27 > 0:17:29when bobbies had nothing more
0:17:29 > 0:17:32than a whistle and a truncheon by their side.
0:17:32 > 0:17:36Unfortunately, the criminals have also moved on
0:17:36 > 0:17:40and a new wave of conmen is abusing modern technology to exploit
0:17:40 > 0:17:41the elderly and vulnerable -
0:17:41 > 0:17:44often from the other side of the world.
0:17:46 > 0:17:50Today, PC Jo Jeffery is visiting an elderly couple
0:17:50 > 0:17:52who are the victims of a lottery scam.
0:17:54 > 0:17:56Jo works a rural beat,
0:17:56 > 0:18:00providing a vital service for remote communities.
0:18:00 > 0:18:01Here we are.
0:18:03 > 0:18:05It was to her that Sid and Mary first turned
0:18:05 > 0:18:09when they realised they had become victims of a con.
0:18:11 > 0:18:13Hello, Sid.
0:18:13 > 0:18:16They had been told they had won a large amount of money
0:18:16 > 0:18:17on the Spanish lottery
0:18:17 > 0:18:20and to release the funds, they had to pay a small fee.
0:18:21 > 0:18:23I've got the papers you left out for me.
0:18:23 > 0:18:24And it's got all the details
0:18:24 > 0:18:28of how much money you sent to them on there, as well.
0:18:28 > 0:18:33Sid and Mary have lost a staggering £25,000.
0:18:35 > 0:18:39We were sent a letter to say we had won the lottery
0:18:39 > 0:18:44and it said we had won £726,000.
0:18:46 > 0:18:49But of course, it wasn't as simple as that.
0:18:49 > 0:18:51As with all scams, there was a catch.
0:18:51 > 0:18:54They asked us for money for...
0:18:56 > 0:18:58..to send the cheque, which we sent.
0:18:58 > 0:19:01And then after that, they kept on asking for more money.
0:19:01 > 0:19:03Then it snowballed from then.
0:19:03 > 0:19:06Each time Sid and Mary handed over some money,
0:19:06 > 0:19:09the scammers would come back with a request for more,
0:19:09 > 0:19:13until eventually, they had reached a colossal total.
0:19:13 > 0:19:19We put in £25,000 into about seven different lots, I think.
0:19:19 > 0:19:23We sort of half-thought it was going to be all right. You didn't really.
0:19:23 > 0:19:27I did. They conned you into thinking it was coming.
0:19:27 > 0:19:30That's what did me.
0:19:30 > 0:19:34Looking back now, I can see it was silly.
0:19:34 > 0:19:36But it's too late now, isn't it?
0:19:39 > 0:19:42Like many other victims of this type of con,
0:19:42 > 0:19:44it was the constant promise of a huge payout
0:19:44 > 0:19:46that kept the couple ploughing their money into it.
0:19:46 > 0:19:50I said, "We've gone this far.
0:19:50 > 0:19:55"See if it's right." Cos we'd already lost so much,
0:19:55 > 0:19:58I thought, hopefully, we could get it back.
0:19:58 > 0:20:01Desperate to get themselves out of the situation,
0:20:01 > 0:20:04Sid and Mary even took out loans to cover the costs.
0:20:04 > 0:20:06A lot of it was savings, but we borrowed some of it as well,
0:20:06 > 0:20:08which was a silly part.
0:20:08 > 0:20:11Obviously, we've got to pay it back.
0:20:11 > 0:20:14That's what really upset me.
0:20:14 > 0:20:18I think I'm getting over it now, but sometimes I'd start crying.
0:20:18 > 0:20:19It's silly, isn't it?
0:20:21 > 0:20:23- Shivering, as well.- I start shaking.
0:20:26 > 0:20:28What makes this even worse
0:20:28 > 0:20:31is that Sid any Mary were suffering in silence.
0:20:31 > 0:20:37We were told not to tell anybody until after you got the money.
0:20:37 > 0:20:41So that was why I never told anybody, you know?
0:20:41 > 0:20:45If I had, somebody would have said, "You shouldn't do it," you know?
0:20:45 > 0:20:51After being made countless empty promises and having lost £25,000,
0:20:51 > 0:20:55they took the brave decision to go to the police.
0:20:55 > 0:20:58They said they were going to send up a form
0:20:58 > 0:21:00- to get our money back, didn't they? - Yeah.
0:21:00 > 0:21:02And I waited until I had this form
0:21:02 > 0:21:06and then I took all the paperwork to the police station
0:21:06 > 0:21:07and told them about it.
0:21:07 > 0:21:08But not until then.
0:21:11 > 0:21:14As soon as Jo heard Sid and Mary's story,
0:21:14 > 0:21:16she took the case to the police's fraud unit.
0:21:17 > 0:21:21But unfortunately, it was just too late.
0:21:21 > 0:21:23Their money had disappeared.
0:21:23 > 0:21:26It's believed the con men were operating from Africa.
0:21:27 > 0:21:30The case is still being investigated.
0:21:30 > 0:21:33But at the moment, all Jo can offer is support.
0:21:33 > 0:21:35Let's hope that's the end of it now.
0:21:35 > 0:21:38And with all the information we've got on that,
0:21:38 > 0:21:41then we'll do our best to link it to any other -
0:21:41 > 0:21:43cos you're not the only ones.
0:21:43 > 0:21:46And we'll try and link it in with any others we know of
0:21:46 > 0:21:48and get it all together for intelligence purposes
0:21:48 > 0:21:52and see if we can trace where it's all coming from.
0:21:52 > 0:21:55It isn't uncommon for victims to be targeted multiple times,
0:21:55 > 0:21:59so Jo is keen for Sid and Mary to keep in touch.
0:21:59 > 0:22:04I'm just concerned that because you have been duped once,
0:22:04 > 0:22:09that other companies or other people might try and scam you again.
0:22:09 > 0:22:12But if you are worried ever about people ringing you up
0:22:12 > 0:22:13or calling at the door about things,
0:22:13 > 0:22:15don't hesitate to give me a call
0:22:15 > 0:22:18and I'll come and check it out for you. Yeah?
0:22:18 > 0:22:24Or ring the 101 number and say, "Do you think this is genuine?"
0:22:24 > 0:22:26- But do you know what, Sid? They don't care.- Oh, no.
0:22:26 > 0:22:31- What goes around comes around, Sid. - Exactly. It will, one day, won't it?
0:22:31 > 0:22:35They'll get their comeuppance one day, yeah.
0:22:35 > 0:22:36Well, you've got each other
0:22:36 > 0:22:38and you've got your dogs and everything here.
0:22:38 > 0:22:41OK. Well, if you need anything, just give us a call.
0:22:43 > 0:22:46If it seems too good to be true, then it's too good to be true.
0:22:46 > 0:22:50If you get a letter to say you've won the lottery in Europe, Spain,
0:22:50 > 0:22:53any country, and you haven't entered the lottery,
0:22:53 > 0:22:55there's no chance you've won it.
0:22:55 > 0:22:57If you think it is wrong, it probably is wrong.
0:22:57 > 0:23:00Go with your gut feeling and report it to the police.
0:23:00 > 0:23:01Let them be the judge.
0:23:05 > 0:23:08It's Friday evening in Weston-super-Mare
0:23:08 > 0:23:10and PC Jim Murray has been kept busy.
0:23:10 > 0:23:11What's your name?
0:23:11 > 0:23:13Jim had to seize this lady's brandy
0:23:13 > 0:23:15before escorting her back to her home.
0:23:17 > 0:23:19He's now en route to the next job and thankfully,
0:23:19 > 0:23:23it sounds as though this one is alcohol-free.
0:23:23 > 0:23:26Just an off-road bike being driven up and down the road.
0:23:26 > 0:23:28I think someone...
0:23:28 > 0:23:30A bit of antisocial behaviour on a motorbike.
0:23:30 > 0:23:34After parking up, Jim now needs to try and find the motorcycle.
0:23:37 > 0:23:39Are there motorbikes over there, mucking about, are they?
0:23:39 > 0:23:41Has he gone up that way now, has he?
0:23:41 > 0:23:44- Whereabouts have they gone, do you know?- I don't know.
0:23:44 > 0:23:45I can just hear them down there, mate.
0:23:45 > 0:23:47Jim knows this area well
0:23:47 > 0:23:50so tracking down the bike rider shouldn't be a problem.
0:23:50 > 0:23:51ENGINE REVS
0:23:51 > 0:23:54The telltale sound of an engine lets Jim know
0:23:54 > 0:23:56that he is in the right place.
0:23:56 > 0:23:57Over there.
0:24:00 > 0:24:02He approaches cautiously.
0:24:02 > 0:24:06The last thing he wants is for the rider to make a run for it.
0:24:06 > 0:24:07Off it.
0:24:08 > 0:24:11- What are you doing around here on it? - I just bought it.
0:24:11 > 0:24:15- You just bought it?- Yeah. - Who from?- Someone called- BLEEP.
0:24:15 > 0:24:17How do you know it's not stolen?
0:24:17 > 0:24:22- I know he's had it for quite a while.- Have you?
0:24:22 > 0:24:23I think you're annoying people locally.
0:24:23 > 0:24:25That's why they've phoned.
0:24:25 > 0:24:26I'm going to do some checks.
0:24:26 > 0:24:29As Jim checks out the bike,
0:24:29 > 0:24:32someone else has been checking out Jim's patrol car.
0:24:32 > 0:24:33- Why is there a quart of- BLEEP...
0:24:33 > 0:24:35Oi, oi, don't swear.
0:24:35 > 0:24:38- Don't swear at me. There's no need to swear at me.- Did I swear?
0:24:38 > 0:24:40- You did, yeah. - Yeah, actually, I didn't.- You did.
0:24:40 > 0:24:43Why is there a quart of hard liquor in the middle of your car?
0:24:43 > 0:24:45What's that got to do with you?
0:24:45 > 0:24:48- I don't know.- I like to have a drink while I'm driving, don't I?
0:24:48 > 0:24:51- Yeah, of course you do. Sounds like it.- All right.
0:24:51 > 0:24:52Why are you picking on these kids?
0:24:52 > 0:24:55I'm not picking on these kids. I'm asking some questions.
0:24:55 > 0:24:58- A camera, what's this?- I'm asking some questions, all right?
0:24:58 > 0:25:01- Trying to do my job.- Just checking you out. You check them out.
0:25:01 > 0:25:04- I'm checking you out. - Go on, then. Go away for now.
0:25:04 > 0:25:07Let me deal with this and then I'll come and speak to you, OK?
0:25:07 > 0:25:10- I can only do...- Come and speak to me in a minute.- I will.
0:25:10 > 0:25:14- All right. Thank you very much for your input.- Yeah, thank you.
0:25:14 > 0:25:15I appreciate it.
0:25:15 > 0:25:19After dealing with the...well-meaning passer-by,
0:25:19 > 0:25:21Jim returns to checking out the young lad and his scrambler.
0:25:21 > 0:25:26As far as I'm aware, you shouldn't be riding a bike in a public place
0:25:26 > 0:25:28and this is a public place, isn't it?
0:25:28 > 0:25:30Kids could come in here on their bikes.
0:25:30 > 0:25:32There have been a few dog walkers come over here
0:25:32 > 0:25:36since I've been riding it and I've cut it out for the dog walkers.
0:25:36 > 0:25:37Yeah, but what happens if you fall,
0:25:37 > 0:25:40- ride over one of the dogs or something?- I suppose, yeah.
0:25:40 > 0:25:43That is why you're not supposed to be riding in a public place.
0:25:43 > 0:25:45- You're supposed to be riding on private property.- Yeah.
0:25:45 > 0:25:48As far as I'm aware, this is council property.
0:25:48 > 0:25:49Let me do a couple of checks,
0:25:49 > 0:25:52make sure the bike's not on our records as being stolen.
0:25:52 > 0:25:53A few colleagues have arrived,
0:25:53 > 0:25:56in case the bike needs to be seized - and it's good timing.
0:25:56 > 0:25:59The onlooker has decided to put in another appearance.
0:25:59 > 0:26:02If you swear again, I'm going to arrest you, do you understand?
0:26:02 > 0:26:06- BLEEP.- Do you understand? - Yeah -- BLEEP.
0:26:06 > 0:26:09- They're in the dictionary. You can't say swearing...- BLEEP.
0:26:09 > 0:26:11You are swearing in front of kids.
0:26:11 > 0:26:14I'm warning you under Section Five of the Public Order Act...
0:26:14 > 0:26:16I'm warning you under Section Five of the Public Order Act
0:26:16 > 0:26:18that if you continue to swear,
0:26:18 > 0:26:20I'm going to arrest you. Do you understand?
0:26:20 > 0:26:24Jim is used to being taken to task by members of the public,
0:26:24 > 0:26:26but even his patience stretches only so far.
0:26:26 > 0:26:30- Let me deal with what I'm dealing with.- Have you got a real ticket?
0:26:30 > 0:26:32I want to see the ticket. I want to see your card.
0:26:32 > 0:26:35Haven't you got anything better to do? Seriously.
0:26:35 > 0:26:38- I've got something better to do. - Well, go and do it. Go and do it.
0:26:38 > 0:26:41Go over there and I'll come and speak to you in a moment, OK?
0:26:41 > 0:26:44- Why did you pick on me? - Like I said...- I just told you...
0:26:44 > 0:26:47- Just stop swearing, all right. - No, I'm not swearing.
0:26:47 > 0:26:50- You swore several times. - Yeah. I told you the swear words...
0:26:50 > 0:26:52There is no need to be swearing in front of the kids, is there?
0:26:52 > 0:26:55They are in the English dictionary. Simple as.
0:26:55 > 0:26:58Calm down. Go over there and I'll come and speak to you in a moment.
0:26:58 > 0:27:00- Right?- Yeah, but why is there alcohol in your car?
0:27:00 > 0:27:03I don't believe you are a real cop. I saw a bottle of beer...
0:27:03 > 0:27:06- Brandy. Brandy.- Yeah. Not even bagged, not even put elsewhere,
0:27:06 > 0:27:09in the middle...
0:27:09 > 0:27:13- 107, can I have some checks, please? - Go and check his car.
0:27:15 > 0:27:18Having made his point, the man finally listens to Jim
0:27:18 > 0:27:20and makes himself scarce.
0:27:20 > 0:27:23Checks on the bike have come back all clear,
0:27:23 > 0:27:26so this young motorcyclist is free to go,
0:27:26 > 0:27:29but not without some friendly words of advice.
0:27:29 > 0:27:31All I'm going to ask you to do is take it home, OK?
0:27:31 > 0:27:33My colleague here is going to pop round,
0:27:33 > 0:27:34have a word with your mum and dad,
0:27:34 > 0:27:37just to explain to them we've had a chat with you.
0:27:37 > 0:27:40Tell them where you can ride it, when you can ride it and give you
0:27:40 > 0:27:43a bit of advice as well, especially about wearing a crash helmet.
0:27:43 > 0:27:45You could still fall off and crack your head, can't you?
0:27:45 > 0:27:49So, it's sensible if you wear the protective gear. All right?
0:27:49 > 0:27:52But next time, make sure you get written permission with a phone number,
0:27:52 > 0:27:54so then at least we can ring him and ask him
0:27:54 > 0:27:56and he'll say, "Yeah, I don't mind him being down there."
0:27:56 > 0:27:58Job done, innit? All right, good man.
0:28:00 > 0:28:02By dealing with this lad in a friendly but firm way,
0:28:02 > 0:28:06Jim hopes it will have an upbeat, long-lasting effect.
0:28:12 > 0:28:15If you need to contact your Neighbourhood Team,
0:28:15 > 0:28:19just dial the police non-emergency number 101.
0:28:19 > 0:28:20See you next time.