Episode 6 - The Devil's Chain
24 Hours in Police Custody returns on Wednesday 5 June as detectives from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit investigate the attempted murder of a man in Luton.
Officers we’re called to the bloody scene of a vicious knife attack shortly before 2am on 31 October 2019. The victim was rushed to hospital in critical condition having received multiple stab injuries to his back and head.
The investigation will later reveal the attackers had also shot at the victim before making off with a distinct piece of jewellery, but leaving behind a bloodied balaclava – both of which would later tie the suspects to the crime.
More than a year after the gangland style attack, Stephen O’Dell, 29, and Samad Ali, 22 were sentenced to 12 years and four months each after pleading guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
Just Drop It
Just Drop It is Bedfordshire’s new anti-knife crime campaign.
Young people, organisations, charities and community groups have all come together to take a stand against knife crime.
We know the reasons young people might carry a knife can be complex. They may feel scared. They may think having a weapon gives them protection.
They might be self-conscious, trying to prove something to others, or being bullied at school. They may have been groomed or exploited into drug dealing or other forms of organised crime.
We are not here to judge anyone.
All we want you to know is that there is a path to a brighter future where you can go knife free.
Violence and Exploitation Reduction Unit
Bedfordshire’s Violence and Exploitation Reduction Unit (VERU) is a network of different agencies and groups aiming to tackle the root causes of societal issues that affect young people by working with partners to prevent young and vulnerable people from being pulled into criminality, violence and exploitation.
Made up of specialist professionals, the VERU is able to provide informed support and advice to help young people and families to better understand the risks and signs of exploitation and criminality, navigate challenging circumstances and make positive contributions to the wider community.
Its aim is to identify those at risk of violence and exploitation, so it can prevent harm, empower individuals to make better choices, amplify the needs of the community and forge a better future for our young people.
Reporting anonymously
Crimestoppers is a free and independent service that is available 24/7 for you anonymously report information about a crime.
Your anonymity is 100% guaranteed.
They will not ask your name or any information that could identify who you are or where you’re calling from. Your computer and mobile phone IP addresses cannot be tracked or saved.
Their only interest is in the information you have that could support the police in solving crime.
You cannot be contacted by the police, nor will you be required to get in touch with us directly.
Information that leads to a significant break in a case may be rewarded with up to £1000 cash.
You can give information anonymously on the Crimestoppers website.