Smile stupid, you’re on CCTV: West Midlands Police release photos of looters… now help us identify them
Last updated at 2:19 PM on 11th August 2011
CCTV images of looters who went on the rampage in Birmingham and Liverpool on Monday have been published by detectives.
Police are trying to trace the culprits who caused extensive damage in the city and looted dozens of shops.
The gallery of suspects has been posted on the web by West Midlands police who are urging anyone who recognises those snapped to call them on 0800 096 0095.
West Midlands has released CCTV stills of looters who went on the rampage in Birmingham on Monday
They are also appealing for anyone with photos or video of the disorder to email them at tellus@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk
So far the force has made 330 arrests since Monday, including a 14-year-old Wolverhampton girl who was escorted to a local police station by an uncle who suspected her of coming home with stolen clothing.
Magistrates in Solihull have been working through the night to hear cases from defendants charged over the riots, which spread to the UK's second city after a weekend of violence in London.
A total of 26 cases were heard between 7.30pm until 6am with charges ranging from burglary, arson, theft and violent disorder.
Now 20 of those are now in prison having either been sentenced or pending follow-up court appearances.
Police are urging anyone who recognises people in the photos to contact police and give them names
West Midlands Police Chief Constable Chris Sims, said: 'We promised swift, decisive action against anyone suspected of causing trouble on our streets – and thanks to our colleagues at the courts we're delivering on that promise.
'More people suspected of being involved in disorder will appear before magistrates today as both Sandwell and Wolverhampton have court sittings dedicated to dealing with these prisoners.
'We will not tolerate violent behaviour in the West Midlands and will arrest anyone who commit acts of violence or criminality…offenders can expect to be put before the courts and will face the full force of the law.'
Police chiefs confirmed that last night passed off peacefully in Birmingham.
Looters can be seen with handfuls of goods from shops that had been broken into
Major roads into the city centre were closed from 9pm as a precaution but re-opened at 1.30am.
Chief Superintendent Phil Kay said: 'Last night we worked closely with the communities of the West Midlands to appeal for calm and it is pleasing to see that these appeals were listened to and the streets remained quiet and peaceful.
'Our focus was on maintaining a high visibility presence throughout the night and early hours, which helped prevent any further disorder.
'We have seen the benefits of social media being used responsibly to send positive messages about the situation in the West Midlands and to dispel malicious rumour and innuendo. We would like to thank the community for their ongoing support.'
Some of the looters covered their faces, but police hope they could still be identified
Merseyside police have also released stills from CCTV footage.
Assistant Chief Constable, Andy Ward, said: 'The public have an important part to play and I would urge everyone to look at the images in the media and tell us who these offenders are and where we can find them so they can be brought to justice.'
Police in Liverpool have already relased CCTV stills of people they want to speak to in relation to disorder
Do you recognise any of these people? If you do Merseyside police want to hear from you
In Cambridge, police want to identify after a copycat riot left police officers injured during a night of violence.
Police clashed with a 40-strong gang of yobs as they tried to attack and loot The Grafton shopping centre on Tuesday night.
Two police officers were injured as hooded louts in their late teens and early 20s hurled missiles and smashed a window in skirmishes on Midsummer Common at around 11.35pm.
Cambridge police are looking to speak to several people in relation to violence on the streets in the town
Det Chief Insp Chris Mead, of Cambridgeshire Constabulary, released CCTV images of nine of the men police want to speak to following the disturbances.
'We are keen to hear from anyone who recognises these people. I would also urge the people who are pictured to contact police themselves.'
A police spokeswoman said three teenagers and two men were arrested for violent disorder as police foiled the gang's attempts to lay siege to the shopping centre.
Police urge anyone who can identify these people to call them on 0345 456 456 4
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2024811/Looters-Birmingham-CCTV-Police-appeal-help-identify-criminals.html#ixzz1Uj9iYnY6
Justin Davenport, Crime Editor
