Two men arrested for metal thefts at farm CHATTERIS: TWO men were arrested after police were called to a theft at a farm in Chatteris.The incident was reported at just before 11pm yesterday (May 18) at the premises in Doddington Road.Metal goods

Two men arrested for metal thefts at farm

CHATTERIS: TWO men were arrested after police were called to a theft at a farm in Chatteris.

The incident was reported at just before 11pm yesterday (May 18) at the premises in Doddington Road.

Metal goods including wheels and radiators had been taken.

Police officers went to the scene and two men, both aged 20 and from Wisbech, were later arrested after a vehicle was pulled over and searched.

They have been taken to Wisbech Police Station.

The force launched Operation Saruman last year in a bid to tackle metal theft in the county.

company that took charge of education in Whitemoor prison terminates contract

WHITEMOOR: A PRIVATE company that took charge of education and training in several prisons - including Whitemoor in March - has terminated its contract a year early in the face of a hefty financial loss.

The company, A4e, described on its website as a "market leader in global public service reform" won the three-year contract to run Offenders' Learning and Skills Services (OLASS) in Kent, starting from 2006. The company was to work in partnership with the eight prisons to develop tailored education and training for offenders.

But it has now made a shock announcement that it will be unable to run the service for the third year of its contract (August 2008 to July 2009) because it stands to make a loss of £892,000.

The company has asked the Learning and Skills Council, which oversees the OLASS programme, for a financial lifeline but is awaiting a response.

A4e has contracts to run offender learning and training at 24 other prisons in the South West, North West and East of England.

Sally Hunt, UCU General Secretary, said: "Running high-quality prison education and training with professional staff does not come cheap as A4e has found out.

"This sends a strong message to government: bringing in private providers is not the solution to providing good quality public services.

"Our members are delighted to see the back of this company although the future for their own employment is not clear. UCU will do its utmost to protect jobs and terms and conditions for staff."

Fifteen-year-old boy assaulted by group of men

WISBECH: A FIFTEEN-year-old boy was assaulted by a group of men in an unprovoked attack in Wisbech.

The victim was walking near the Muppet Inn, in Market Place, Wisbech, with two 16-year-old friends when they were approached by three men.

One of the men spoke to the teenager before he was punched several times to the face and the back of the head.

He was not badly injured but was shaken up by the attack, which happened between 7.40pm and 8pm on Saturday, May 3.

The men are described as being about 25 years old. One was white, about 6'2", and wearing a white hooded top and blue jeans. Another was white, 5'4", wearing a white top and jeans.

PC Mark Baker, who is investigating, said: "This was a completely unprovoked attack and I am keen to trace those responsible.

"I would urge anyone with information to come forward."

Anyone with information should contact PC Baker on 0845 456 456 4, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

Police look to trace two cyclists who may have witnessed indecent act

WISBECH: POLICE are trying to trace two cyclists who may have witnessed a man committing an indecent act in public in Wisbech on Sunday (May 11).

The offence happened at around 3pm and the man was challenged by a member of the public. At this time two cyclists are thought to have passed by. The offender then walked off in the direction of St Augustine's Road.

The man is described as around 50 years old, between 5'10" and 6' tall with curly grey hair. He was wearing a blue baseball cap, a brown short sleeve shirt and dark jogging bottoms.

PC Donna Grummitt, investigating, said: "If you were on your bike in the area at this time and remember seeing a man acting suspiciously please get in touch."

Anyone with information can contact PC Grummitt at March Police Station on 0845 456 456 4 or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Events to be staged across county for National Tackling Drugs Week

CAMBRIDGESHIRE: POLICE are taking part in events across the county next week (May 19 to May 23) to mark the first National Tackling Drugs Week.

As well as on-going work to crack down on drugs supply into the county officers will be attending community events where the public can speak to the police and local partner agencies to highlight issues and concerns.

The Home Office has decided to build on the previous success of National Tackling Drugs Day and extend it to a week. The aim of the week is to increase public confidence and awareness of the work being done locally to tackle drugs issues.

The week long campaign is part of the new 10 year Home Office drugs strategy - Drugs - Protecting Families and Communities (2008-2018).The strategy aims to restrict the supply of illegal drugs and reduce the demand for them. It focuses on protecting families and strengthening communities.

Detective Chief Inspector Gary Goose, the force's drugs lead, said: "Cambridgeshire Constabulary fully supports the initiatives and ethos of the Government's new 10 year drug strategy.

"We share the ambition of seeing drug-free streets with young people and families making drug-free choices.

"To that end we will work with our colleagues in other agencies to combat drug supply, help those affected by drug use and assist in preventing others from entering into substance misuse.

"We will target those making money out of the supply of illegal drugs. We will use the full weight of our investigative powers, experience and tactics to disrupt organised crime groups involved in drug supply.

"We will help direct those who need and want help towards agencies who can provide them with professional treatment to escape the grip of drug use."

National Tackling Drugs Week itinerary:

*Monday May 19: Police enforcement activity.

*Tuesday May 20: Police enforcement activity.

*Wednesday May 21: Police enforcement activity.

Officers will join Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT) members for a full day at Mid Anglia College, Wisbech for informal talks with students.

*Thursday May 22: Police enforcement activity.

Officers will join DAAT and Addaction team members at Cambridge Regional College between 11.30 and 3pm for informal talks with students.

The Cambridgeshire Drugs Intervention Programme (CDIP) at Wellington Court, Cambridge will open its doors to the public between 12.30pm and 4pm.

Officers will join DAAT team members at Peterborough Regional College between 10am and 2pm for informal talks with students.