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The Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit (BHMCU) brings together the expertise of detectives from across the two forces to focus on tackling major crime.
The 145-strong dedicated team was the first combined major crime investigation teams in Britain, which works across the two counties to give greater capacity for responding to the most serious crimes, such as murder and rape.
The BHMCU was set in 2007 and consistently produces high quality results both in terms of detecting and arresting offenders, as well as providing a quality service to victims of crime and their families at a critical time.
When you consider the levels of population in both Beds and Herts, it is fair to point out that major crimes of this kind are uncommon and that very few members of the community will ever come into contact with detectives, officers or staff from the Major Crime Unit.
However, the Unit is very aware of the impact that this sort of crime can have on the families and friends of those involved – as well as the wider community. We work hard to provide support, guidance and reassurance to anyone affected by such an event.
And of course, we strive to bring those responsible to justice.
The unit also supports work which has led to significant reductions in offences of violent crime.
It is made up of three teams led by Detective Chief Inspectors. A fourth team is responsible for investigative support, including major crime inquiry computer support, family liaison co-ordination and cold case investigation.
The progress of the Hertfordshire cases led by the teams are outlined below, to view cases dealt with by the BHMCU in Bedfordshire please click here
If YOU have any information which you think may assist any of the below investigations then please call us and state which operation name you think you can help with on 01707 354000.
Team 1
Information line – 01707 355959
(answerphone available for out of hours calls)
Hertfordshire
Quick Links
Operation Rondeau
Operation Rondeau was the investigation into the stabbing of two men at The University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, in November 2007.
Gabriel Mmieh, 21, of Acacia Road, Wood Green, has been convicted of causing grievous bodily harm to one of the victims and received 4 ½ years imprisonment.
Toheeb Adebayo, 20, of Brookfields, Enfield, has been convicted of Affray arising from the incident and received a sentence of nine months imprisonment suspended for two years - and 100 hours community punishment order.
Operation Bank
The investigation into the tragic death of a man following the discharge of a number of compressed gas canisters during the construction of the HSBC Data Centre, Mundells, Welwyn Garden City.
This investigation is ongoing and is being conducted in partnership with the Health and Safety Executive.
Operation Canna
The investigation into the death of Michael Lucas in Apsley in June 2009.
This matter has now been referred to HM Coroner for Hertfordshire and a date for the inquest has yet to be announced.
Team 2
Information line – 01707 355798
(answerphone available for out of hours calls)
Hertfordshire
Operation Abnet
The murder of Jeffrey Howe whose dismembered body was found in five locations, four in Hertfordshire and one in Leicestershire, between March 22, 2009 and April 11, 2009.
Stephen Marshall, 38, of Ayot Path, Borehamwood, and Sarah Bush, 20, of Pickard Close, Southgate, North London, have been charged with his murder and are awaiting trial set provisionally for January 12, 2010 at St Albans Crown Court.
Operation Aport
Attempted murder in Stevenage on September 5, 2009. Following an altercation in Wansbeck Close, Stevenage, a 36 year old man received a number of stab wounds.
Paul Wakefield, 34, of Fetlock Close, Bedford, is charged with attempted murder. A trial date has yet to be fixed. Court appearance scheduled for November 30, 2009 for a Plea and Case Management hearing.
Operation Boxty
The attempted murder of a 25 year old man on 10/11/2008 at Crop Common, Hatfield.
Elshod Saidov, 23, of Crop Common, Hatfield, pleaded guilty to causing Grievous Bodily Harm with intent and was sentenced to 6 years and 8 months imprisonment at St Albans Crown Court in September 2009.
Operation Balti
The attempted murder of a 24 year old woman on January 7, 2009, at St Audrey’s Close, Hatfield.
Samuel Yinusa, 24, of St Audrey’s Close, Hatfield, was charged and following psychiatric reports from both prosecution and defence experts it was agreed that he was suffering from insanity at the time of the offence.
He has therefore been found not guilty of attempted murder. Further reports are being prepared before the judge decides upon the final outcome of the proceedings.
Operation Retsina
On 20/09/2004 the burning body of Indian national Radhakrishna Chepooru was found in a ditch in Hillfield Lane, Aldenham, Herts. Police enquiries are ongoing into a manhunt for the male believed responsible who has fled the UK.
Team 3
Information line – 01707 355666
(answerphone available for out of hours calls)
Hertfordshire
Operation Allerion
Emmanuel Igwegbe, 41, of Parkfield, Letchworth Garden City, is charged with murdering Antonio Samuels on April 24, 2009 in Parkfield, Letchworth Garden City. Mr Samuels died after sustaining multiple stab wounds. Emmanuel Igwegbe has pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial at St Albans Crown Court on February 8, 2010.
Operation Boston
Charles Lovelock, 19, of Trigg Terrace, Stevenage, was charged with causing Grievous Bodily Harm to a 47 year old man at the Sopwell House Hotel in St Albans on September 19, 2008. He was found guilty after a trial and is due to be sentenced on November 25, 2009 at St Albans Crown Court.
Operation Maratha
Dejan Tomsic, 31, of St Luke’s Court, Hatfield, was charged with causing Grievous Bodily Harm to a 33 year old man from Welwyn Garden City, after an incident outside the Town Inn, Hatfield on March 1, 2008.
He was tried in July 2009, which resulted in a hung jury and now is due for a retrial on December 7.
Operation Palette
An investigation into the criminal use of firearms in Letchworth Garden City on October 1, 2009. Ian Smith, 39, of Cregagh Street, Belfast, is due to stand trial on December 16, 2009, at St Albans Crown Court.
Operation Perch
Four men have pleaded guilty in relation to the kidnap of a woman from the Cheshunt area and are due to be sentenced at St Albans Crown Court on December 17, 2009.
Dwight BAKER, 36, of Morley Avenue, Edmonton; David BONSOUW, 25, of no fixed abode; Kwadoo AGYEI, 24, of Tower Gardens Road, Tottenham, and Charles EL-MAWAS, 20, of Hallfield Estate, Westminster, all pleaded guilty.
A 29 year old man from Tottenham was found not guilty after the trial which finished at St Albans Crown Court on November 4, 2009.
Operation Plume
Pawel Pilipow, 25, of Rye Close, Stevenage and Marcin Skibicki, 22, Bute Street, Luton, have been charged with the murder of Jaroslaw KOWALSKI in Vardon Road, Stevenage on July 29, 2009 and remanded in custody awaiting trial on June 7, 2010 at St Albans Crown Court.
If YOU have any information which you think may assist any of the above investigations then please call us and state which operation name you think you can help with on 01707 354000.
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