Cambs Cops: Our Stories

This podcast explores the world of policing in Cambridgeshire, from the ever popular dog unit to investigating the tragedy of a fatal collision, we aim to give you a real insight into our work.

Turning away from a life of crime

A man who has spent more than half of his life in prison shares his story as part of a new podcast series focused on prevention.   “I want to give myself a chance – turning away from a life of crime”, Ian Edwards, 57, talks about his attempts to leave his criminal past behind him.   He speaks candidly about the chaos, addiction, and anger that consumed his teenage years and led to him committing a series of armed robberies that ended with a life prison sentence.

12-03
16:45

Not part of the job

It was a day on the front line like any other for PC Leo Clarke in February last year. But that one day changed the next year of his life as he knew it. Leo was left with a bleed on the brain after being attacked on duty. He needed surgery and spent almost a week in hospital. Now back helping to keep Cambridgeshire safe, in this podcast episode he speaks honestly and openly about the severity of his injuries and his road to recovery.   For more of our stories follow us on: Twitter - https://twitter.com/CambsCops  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/CambsCops/  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cambscops/

08-05
15:20

Catching a killer

"Is the patient breathing?" "I'm not sure... No. No, she isn't." When a man dialled 999, reporting that his wife had died in her sleep, his story seemed simple: a tragic, natural death. But something didn’t sit right. As investigators peeled back the layers, they uncovered a web of inconsistencies. What began as a heartbreaking call for help soon spiralled into a full-scale murder investigation. In this gripping new episode, we take you inside the case—from the haunting emergency call to the fight for justice for Sian Hammond.

10-13
20:17

Policing the Posh

With more than two decades of experience, PC Mike Price is an oracle when it comes to policing football. And despite being a QPR fan, he took on the full-time role as lead officer for Peterborough United four years ago and now says he has a passion for the club. While the atmosphere at games is generally good, there is a very small minority of fans on officers’ radar.

03-17
21:30

Managing our most dangerous offenders

The management of some of the county’s most dangerous offenders is no easy job and a daily challenge for the team responsible.   In our latest podcast DI Gavin Slyvester talks about how his team manages sex offenders and high risk violent offenders.

02-07
16:24

'I underestimated the impact it has'

DS Dan Scott is the first to admit he underestimated the impact retail crime has on those working in the industry. For some staff dealing with shoplifters is a daily occurrence which can leave them victim to violence and threatening behaviour. While the financial cost to the industry is in the billions, with a misconception that perhaps this is a victimless crime the impact on individuals is significant.

01-24
15:18

'We've never seen anything like this before' - Policing Peterborough's sex worker industry

An escalating pattern of behaviour could be putting women in danger and officers need to act fast. This episode explores the vulnerable nature of the street sex worker industry in Peterborough and how it is policed.  PC Sarah-Kate Watson talks about how an unusual case involving an escalating pattern of strange behaviour was managed. A case involving something the team ‘had never seen before’.

01-06
15:43

Spotting the signs of predatory behaviour

In this episode we will be discussing the force’s work to prevent violence against women and girls. This is a priority area for the force and has involved a long-term behaviour change campaign and several education projects. This includes training CCTV operators, taxi drivers, door staff and businesses in spotting the signs of predatory behaviour. It was this training that led CCTV operators to call police to the aid of a woman who was in distress in Peterborough last year, after recognising the signs of a predatory man. Warning – this episode involves discussions around sexual assaults.

11-27
18:50

Dealing with emergency calls

In this episode we are joined by Tom Wilby, from the force’s Demand Hub, who discusses what it is like to be the first person to speak to someone in an emergency and in need of police support. Tom talks about the types of emergency calls the force receives and the role he plays in protecting people from harm and ensuring they have the help they need.

11-27
19:22

The tell-tale signs of a suspicious death

In this episode we are joined by Detective Inspector Lindsay Harbour who talks to us about the process involved in investigating the sudden death of a person. From the methodical search at the scene to those tell-tale signs that tell you something isn’t as it seems, Lindsay explains what officers are looking for and the role they play in determining the circumstances of a person’s death.

11-27
15:35

Catching a social media predator

In this episode we are joined by DC Charlie Mitton, from the force’s Child Abuse Investigation and Safeguarding Unit, who talks about the investigation into a highly manipulative and dangerous paedophile who preyed on young girls through social media. Warning – This episode contains discussions some listeners may find upsetting or difficult to listen to.

11-27
19:40

Police mental health car

In this episode we are joined by Inspector Karl Secker who talks about the force’s work to support those in a mental health crisis through the use of a mental health car. Historically police were heavily reliant on the use of emergency powers through section 136 of the Mental Health Act to provide support to those in a mental health crisis. Now thanks to the force’s mental health car those in crisis are getting the expert care they need thanks to joint working with health colleagues. Karl explains more about the initiative.

11-21
18:16

Overcoming the odds

At birth, Megan Gwynn weighed less than 4lbs, had suffered a burst bowel and only survived thanks to emergency surgery at Addenbrooke’s Hospital. She had also been diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, a condition that causes damage to the lungs, digestive system and other organs and shortens life expectancy. Despite this, and her own concerns, Megan recently achieved her ambition of becoming a police officer. We spoke to her about how she has overcome all life’s hurdles, and our own HR expert Phillipa Moodie who explains what is takes to be a police officer. For more on becoming a police officer, visit our website https://bit.ly/3S7GroH For more of our stories follow us on: Twitter - https://twitter.com/CambsCops Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/CambsCops/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cambscops/

09-23
18:03

A Cause for Concern

Concern for people and missing from home reports represent a significant slice of modern policing. But behind the stats there are stories of real people, some ending in tragedy but others in joyful reunion. In this podcast, Detective Inspector Nick Cook speaks about the highs and lows of investigating missing people, while experienced control room supervisor Malcolm Graham explains how concern for person calls so often fall to police, even when they shouldn’t.  For more information about reporting incidents to us, visit www.cambs.police.uk and click on “Report”. For more of our stories follow us on: Twitter - https://twitter.com/CambsCops Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/CambsCops/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cambscops/  

09-16
10:54

The law has changed

In this podcast we speak to Janet Cameron, a survivor of historical sexual abuse at the hands of convicted murderer Colin Hill.   Janet has bravely waived her anonymity and spoken out on her battle for justice, 32 years after being raped and being told by police there was nothing that could be done.   For more information on rape, serious sexual offences and how police can help - https://www.cambs.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rsa/rape-and-sexual-assault/   For more of our stories follow us on: Twitter - https://twitter.com/CambsCops Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/CambsCops/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cambscops/

08-31
40:06

Neighbourhood policing - it’s everyone’s business

We’ve got neighbourhood policing teams working closely with local authorities, community leaders and residents to protect communities, gather information and reduce crime across Cambridgeshire. But we can’t do it by ourselves, we need residents like you to continue feeding us information so we can help rectify the issues that matter to you most. In this podcast you’ll hear direct from some of our neighbourhood officers about the work they do and how we can all work together to make a difference. Neighbourhood policing, it’s everyone’s business. You can find out more about your neighbourhood policing team on our website Your Area Or you can keep up to date with daily news on our social media pages Peterborough, Cambridge, South Cambs, East Cambs, Fenland, Huntingdonshire   For more of our stories follow us on: Twitter - https://twitter.com/CambsCops Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/CambsCops/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cambscops/

08-31
22:30

Catching a paedophile

Anthony Burn, 59, is a “manipulative predator” who sexually abused multiple young children for nearly 40 years. Burn befriended families in Huntingdon and elsewhere, before gaining their trust and targeting their children. In July last year he was jailed for a minimum of 20 years. In this podcast we speak to DC Kev Foxcroft about the investigation, and we hear from one of the victims who bravely agreed to share her experiences. An important listen for everyone, but particularly parents and carers, as we aim to protect the county’s children. Protecting the county’s children is one of our top priorities. Visit our website for more information or advice concerning child protection: https://bit.ly/3aOaWPT

08-19
52:43

’She told me she loved me’

Like many people struggling with loneliness after the breakdown of a relationship, retired dentist Simon Frost from Soham, turned to the internet looking for company, friendship and possibly love, but it didn’t work out as he’d hoped. Sadly, Simon’s story is all too common. For many lonely and vulnerable people, the person online may be the only person they chat to all week, so even if they suspect something isn’t quite right, to speak to that person is better than no one, so it can be very difficult to break the cycle. For more advice on romance fraud and how to avoid falling victim to scams, visit the force's dedicated web pages - https://bit.ly/3QdCDRv  For more of our stories follow us on: Twitter - https://twitter.com/CambsCops  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/CambsCops/  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cambscops/

08-15
44:06

Leaving him was the best thing I’ve done

Each year, we sadly deal thousands of reports of domestic abuse and work tirelessly to bring offenders to justice. In this podcast, we speak anonymously to a brave domestic abuse survivor who suffered threats and physical abuse at the hands of her ex-partner and hopes to encourage others to speak out. We also hear from DC Jess Day who investigated the case and will explain the support available to survivors. More info: https://bit.ly/2VQeLw0

07-28
12:30

The nose knows

From sniffing out evidence such as drugs or firearms, to finding missing people or catching criminals, our police dogs really are vital in helping us keep Cambridgeshire safe. In this podcast we speak to members of the dog unit about their crime-fighting canines and experiences on the unit. Remember - the nose knows! 

07-28
09:05

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