Tag: distraction burglaries

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OPINON: Making arrests in Edington with Operation Skybridge

Words and lead image supplied by West Midlands Police

Operation Skybridge police team

(Ed’s note: This article was first written by West Midlands Polcie and submitted for publishing in the Oct/Nov newspaper on 11.10.24 – there have continued to be arrests made by Operation Skybridge.)

#OpSkybridge the CID crime team have been in the Erdington area for the last few weeks and [at the time of writing] have made ten arrests.

The team made up of plain clothed and uniformed officers have been a highly visible presence in and around Erdington following concerns raised by the local community.

Since 30 September they’ve made ten arrests [at the time of writing] for offences like possession of an offensive weapon, burglary, driving offences and possession of drugs with intent to supply.

This has also resulted in three people being charged, two people have been remanded in custody until their next court date.

The team work closely with the local neighbourhood team in each area to understand the priorities and concerns of local people. They provide a highly visible presence to deter criminal activity, make arrests and offer reassurance to the local community.

Inspector Shameem Ahmed, from Erdington’s Neighbourhood Team said: “It’s been great to have the additional support to deal with issues the community tells us needs looking at.

“But I want to reassure people that this is not the end of our work in the area, the local policing teams are still there and will continue to disrupt and deal with crime that affects our communities.”

For more from West Midlands Police, and advice on how to report a crime, visit www.westmidlands.police.uk

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NEWS: 59 year old man arrested for series of distraction burglaries that left an 88 year old Erdington woman in hospital

Words by Ed King / Pics supplied by West Midlands Police, or taken from Erdington Local archives

A man has been arrested for a series of distraction burglaries, one of which left an elderly Erdington woman in a “serious condition” in hospital.

West Midlands Police confirmed they now have a 59 year old man in custody in connection with the robberies, which took place across Birmingham and the West Midlands, after raiding an address in South Yardley on Thursday 10 October.

At the time of writing, West Midlands Police could not confirm or deny if any charges for assault had also been made.

A spokesperson for West Midlands Police told: “A 59-year-old man has now been arrested on suspicion of 16 burglaries in Birmingham, Sandwell, Solihull and Wolverhampton. He’s currently in custody for questioning.

“We’ve been investigating a series of distraction burglaries over the last month with many targeting elderly victims. An 88-year-old woman was assaulted during one offence in Erdington.”

They added: “We’re grateful for all the support and information we’ve received from [the public] during our enquiries so far.”

Prior to any arrests being made, forces across the country had been chasing a 59 year old man named Bernard McDonagh (also known as Bernard Lovell) in connection with the crimes and for absconding from HMP Spring Hill – a Category D prison for male inmates in the village of Grendon Underwood, Buckinghamshire, over 60 miles from Erdington.

In previous a statement issued to Erdington Local, investigating officer Detective Constable Melanie Cannon from Thames Valley Police confirmed: “I am renewing our appeal for anyone with information on [Bernard McDonagh’s] whereabouts to contact Thames Valley Police online or by calling 101, quoting reference number 43220388450.

“Colleagues at West Midlands Police are also searching for McDonagh in connection with distraction burglaries targeting vulnerable elderly women in Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Sandwell and Solihull.”

West Midlands Police could not release the name of the 59 year old man they now have in custody for the distraction burglaries, but following the arrest they did confirm to Erdington Local: “Bernard McDonagh is no longer wanted.”

In public statement West Midlands Police added: “We still want information about the distraction burglaries, and to hear from anyone else who has been a victim.

“You can contact us via Live Chat on our website, or by calling 101, and quote 20/819250/24.

“Alternatively, report information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

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NEWS: Police release name of wanted man after burglary leaves elderly Erdington woman in “serious condition” in hospital

Words by Ed King / Pics supplied by West Midlands Police, or taken from Erdington Local archives

Police have released the name of man they want to talk to in relation to a series of distraction burglaries – one of which left on elderly Erdington woman in a “serious condition” in hospital.

Detectives investigating a number of crimes across Birmingham, Sandwell, and Solihull, are looking for Bernard McDonagh – also known as Bernard Lovell.

Distraction burglaries are where the offender pretends to someone in a position of authority or trust – such as a council official, tradesperson, or a member of the emergency services – to gain access to the victim’s house and steal cash, jewellery, and personal belongings.

The recent spate across the region have told reports of a man posing as a city officer or member of the local water company telling the victims he needs entry to their home “to check their taps”, with elderly women being targeted.

After a number of enquires, detectives involved in the investigation want to speak to Bernard McDonagh and have asked the public to get in touch if they can help track him down.

A spokesperson for West Midlands Police told: “We need to speak to Bernard McDonagh, who’s also known as Bernard Lovell, aged 59, over the offences.

“Elderly women have been targeted by a man posing as a council official or an employee for a water company, stating that he needs to check their taps.”

They added: “During one of the incidents, an 88-year-old woman was assaulted at her address in Erdington, and she remains in hospital in a serious condition.

“Detectives have carried out a number of enquiries and now need to speak to McDonagh.”

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Mr Bernard McDonagh, also known as Bernard Lovell, have been asked to call 999 immediately – or by calling 101 quoting crime investigation number 20/819250/24.

Information can also be given via the West Midlands Police Live chat on the WMP website: www.westmidlands.police.uk

Alternatively, reports can be made anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Video of distraction burglary suspect released by west Midlands Police