Tag: Crime

Actions of quick-thinking passer-by leads to burglary conviction
A burglar who broke who into a house in Clay Street, Histon, has been jailed for two years thanks to evidence provided by a local witness.
In September 2024, Patrick Wall, of no fixed address, smashed a window and searched a bedroom at the property but in doing so triggered the house alarm.
As he left empty-handed, a passer-by who heard the alarm and saw the intruder walking along the driveway, took photos of him, followed him along Winders Lane and called the police.
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Wall got into a car and drove off, and an unidentified man, seen by the car with him, walked off towards Cottenham Road.
But the passer-by had noted down the number plate, and the vehicle was found and seized in Harrow, London, two days later. A black jacket, similar to one Wall was wearing in the passer-by’s photos, was also found in the car.
Arrest and conviction
Patrick Wall
Soon after, Wall was arrested at a house in Arbury. It was discovered he had also broken into a house in Carisbrooke Road, Arbury, in June, and had attempted a burglary in Camberley, Surrey, in August.
At Cambridge Crown Court, Wall was jailed for two years and four months, having been found guilty of burglary.
PC Andy Smith, from Cambridgeshire Constabulary’s acquisitive crime team, said: “I’d like to commend and thank the passer-by of the Histon burglary as his photo and the information he passed onto us played a big part in getting Wall convicted.
“It was also very brave of him to follow a potentially dangerous criminal who had just burgled a property.
“Burglary is a despicable crime that leaves people feeling incredibly vulnerable in their own homes so it’s great Wall is now behind bars.”
27/02/2025
Resident subjected to terrifying afternoon robbery
Police were called to Histon on Tuesday 18 February following reports that a man had entered an elderly woman’s home posing as a gardener, claiming she owed him money.
A Police spokesperson told HI HUB: “We were called at 3.45pm with reports of a burglary in Kay Hitch Way, Histon. …[He] claimed she owed him money for work completed outside and took £60.
“An investigation has been launched and enquiries are ongoing, including checking available CCTV footage.”
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Shock and sadness
Sharing details of the incident on local social media, the family implored that anyone who might have seen anything contacts Cambs Police. The lady involved is elderly and suffers from dementia making her especially vulnerable.
They told HI HUB: “It is highly distressing and concerning to think that someone would prey upon the elderly in such a way. Our Nan is a kind and trusting woman who is not very well and gets confused easily.
“Thankfully we have video and photographic evidence of the person involved in this incident, which the police now have. We really hope they catch the man involved and protect our Nan along with other similarly vulnerable people.”
Sadness and shock was expressed from across the community of Histon & Impington and anyone who is concerned about an elderly vulnerable friend or relative is encouraged to get in touch with the HI Friends Memory Loss Support team or Older People’s Coordinator.
Anyone with any information is urged to contact Cambridgeshire Police via their website or call 101, quoting crime reference 35/12017/25.
20/02/2025
Cycle theft steals Impington man’s independence
The theft of a hand cycle from Cambridge North railway station will have a major impact on the independence of HI resident, wheelchair user Marko Velić.
The hand cycle enabled Marko to travel independently, avoiding the need to use, very often full, buses and making local journeys, including the school, run easier.
It was stolen from the cycle park at Cambridge North, which is the least secure station in Britain, with 143 bike thefts reported in 2023.
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Marko’s bike was locked there on Thursday 13 February at 6.30am, but the lock was cut through and the bike was gone when he returned to the station around 8pm that same evening.
His wife Jenny told HI HUB: “Marko had already had a challenging journey home, having had to get a taxi home from Cambridge station due to faulty lifts at Cambridge North rendering the platform inaccessible.
“On discovering that his bike had been stolen he reported it directly to the police but there was no one on duty at Cambridge North for him to talk to.”
Hybrid model
Hand cycle similar to the one stolen. Photo from manufacturer website. www.invictusactive.com/product/quickie-attitude-hybrid-handcycle/
Marko has been using a hand cycle to help him get around for over 15 years and has left it locked in many locations including Cambridge North on numerous occasions, without incident.
The one that was stolen is a hybrid model that he bought around two years ago. It enables him to use his arm power, aided with a boost from the battery when needed, such as for longer journeys or when the gradient or wind is against him.
An expensive piece of kit, it was custom built to fit Marko’s particular wheelchair. It is unwieldy and heavy to move, and will have little value to a thief.
An appeal to readers
Talking to HI HUB, Jenny explained: “Unfortunately the hand cycle model stolen looks like it is no longer made for the UK market and we will have a difficult time finding a similar replacement.
“This latest one took 10 months to be custom built and with the current shortages of various components it will likely take a year for a new one to be ready from order. So, all in all, a massive blow that will have a major impact on Marko’s day to day life for quite some time to come.
“It would be very helpful if any of your readers have seen anything that might help locate the hand cycle. We had not realised the extent to which cycle theft was a problem at Cambridge North – we really hope that there is more action taken to make this a safe location to commute from.”
Greater Anglia, operator for Cambridge North station, was approached for comment.
The crime number for this incident is 35/10779/25. If anybody knows of the item’s whereabouts, or has any information surrounding this theft, please contact Cambs Police. Alternatively you can email the HI HUB news team on news@hihub.info
20/02/2025
Ten year old found in possession of knife at Park Primary
Police officers were called to Histon & Impington Park Primary last Friday, 14 February, following the discovery of a ten-year-old pupil in possession of a knife.
Safety remains highest priority
A spokesperson from the school told HI HUB: “On Friday morning (14th), a pupil was found in possession of a small bladed article on the school premises. Staff acted immediately to confiscate the item, and the matter has been fully addressed, with the police informed in line with school policies.
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“We understand this may cause concern, but the risk to pupils was low, and the situation was swiftly managed. The safety and well-being of our pupils remain our highest priority, and there is no ongoing risk to the school community.”
Crime raised
Cambridgeshire Police confirmed: “We were called by a member of staff at Histon and Impington Primary School at about 1pm on 14 February reporting a 10-year-old girl had brought a small knife into a school.

“A crime has been raised and we are working closely with the school”.
Anyone with information should contact Cambs Police quoting crime reference number 35/10939/25.
READ ALSO: pressure-grows-to-resolve-park-primary-traffic-issues/
20/02/2025
Prison sentence for persistent shoplifter
A shoplifter who targeted Histon Co-op and two of their other stores around Cambridge has been jailed for a year.
Between 20 December and 27 January, Daryl Baynes, of no fixed address, stole items including meat, cakes and olive oil and also stole a bike from Corn Exchange Street in the city.
At Peterborough Magistrates’ Court he pleaded guilty to four counts of theft, three counts of bike theft, burglary, assaulting a shop worker, criminal damage and resisting arrest.
As well as a jail sentence, Baynes was given a five-year Criminal Behaviour Order, including conditions not to enter any Co-op or Tesco store within the boundary of the M11, A11, A505 and A14. He is also banned from being in possession of a bicycle without verifiable proof of ownership.
Back behind bars
Sergeant Dan Scott, from the Spree Offending Team, said: “This type of offending not only harms local businesses but ends up costing every customer in the long-run and is unacceptable.
“Baynes continues to refuse to learn his lesson so we are pleased to see that, on this occasion, he has been put back behind bars and unable to commit any further crime anytime soon.
“We hope this will give some respite to the stores and their staff and we will continue to crackdown on those who target businesses across our county.”
06/02/2025
Histon man denies murder
Cambridge Crown Court. Photo: Liz Hill
A plea hearing at Cambridge Crown Court on 11 December heard Histon man, Robert Hammond, plead not guilty to murdering his wife. The body of Sian Hammond was discovered at their house in Primes Corner on 30 October this year.
Mr Hammond remains in custody ahead of his trial which is scheduled for June 2024.
Read Also: /news-in-brief/murder-charge-brought-following-histon-womans-death/
14/12/2023
Catalytic converter thefts continue to cause concern
Following our news report in March 2021, the theft of catalytic converters has continued to cause concern both locally and across the region with Cambridgeshire Constabulary reporting recently that catalytic converter theft figures have risen by 141% over the past four years.
Footage shared recently into local social media showed thieves at work in the early hours on a vehicle parked on Windmill Lane here in Histon with the theft taking just minutes.
Increased Patrols
Detective Inspector Dan Cooper of the Neighbourhood Support Team is keen to reassure the public that they are focused on stopping these thefts and has issued the following statement:
“There is lots of work going on behind the scenes to stop these gangs and make Cambridgeshire an uncomfortable place for them to target.
“We’re carrying out daily patrols, we’ve got the police helicopter and our Road Policing Unit on standby to assist us and we’re working with scrap dealers to ensure the thieves are not able to sell on any stolen metal. Removing a catalytic converter can take just a few minutes with the thefts tending to be carried out by groups of three or four men wearing balaclavas and gloves jacking up the vehicle and using an angle grinder to cut out the catalytic converter. The public are advised not to approach these people as they are known to carry weapons.
“Instead call us on 999 and provide as much information as you can about the vehicle they are using, in particular the make, model and colour”.
Licence Checks
Catalytic converters are sought after by thieves due to the precious metals found inside them, which they sell to scrap metal dealers. Those metals – rodium, paladium and platinum – are found in the exhaust system of every car and reduce the output of toxic gases and pollutants. Now, as a further measure towards deterring these gangs, officers from the Rural Crime Action Team, working alongside the Environment Agency and Local Authorities, will be making visits to scrap metal merchants across the county.
Officers will be checking that scrap dealers have the correct licences and are keeping a complete record of all scrap metal bought. It is an offence to buy scrap metal for cash and the public is urged to report anyone suspected of dealing illegally in scrap metal either to the police or to their local authority.
Remain Vigilant
👀 If you see a car jacked up
👂 If you hear the sound of metal being cut
❌ It’s likely a cat converter theft is taking place
📱 Dial 999
06/07/2023
County lines workshops offer support for concerned families
Photo: Neil Moralee on Visualhunt
Parents and carers who would like to understand more about county lines drug dealing are being invited to attend two free interactive webinars. These will explain what criminal exploitation – including county lines – is, and what is happening in the local area.
They will also cover how offenders groom and exploit children; help people spot signs that a child might be at risk; and explain where to get advice and support. The interactive sessions will also enable participants to ask questions, share concerns and connect with others.
Speakers include Lindsey Dalton, the CEO of Pace – a national charity supporting families affected by child exploitation; Duncan Evans who works at the National County Lines Co-ordination Centre; and Sarah Pritchard, a social worker at Barnardo’s children’s charity.
The webinars will be hosted live over Zoom on Wednesday 1 February from 7-8:30pm and again on 8 February. You can register your interest in the event via Eventbrite.
26/01/2023
Shoppers warned to remain vigilant after reports of targeted thefts
Police have responded to reports of theft from the car park at Tesco, Bar Hill. Photo credit: South Cambs Police.
Supermarket shoppers are being targeted by thieves operating in the car park at Tesco, Bar Hill. Three reports were received by local police last week, describing a group of males and females targeting lone female shoppers loading shopping into their cars.
The group distract lone shoppers in order to steal bank cards and other valuable items.
Local police are working with the community in the area to raise awareness and have been making CCTV enquiries in an attempt to identify those responsible.
Shoppers are asked to call the police if they are approached by these individuals and to make Tesco Security Officers aware of any suspicious behaviour.
Staying safe
Cambridgeshire Constabulary has also received multiple reports of shoppers being pick-pocketed in central Cambridge last weekend.
Visitors to the city should be aware that pick pockets may attempt to steal mobile phones and wallets from coats and trouser pockets, and from bags left slightly open.
Police are urging the public to take extra care of their belongings when in the city and to report anything suspicious.
18/01/2023
Court proceedings begin after police bring murder charge
Photo: Michael Grimes on Flickr (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)
A Histon man has been charged with murder after the body of Gabriella Rudin, 75, was discovered at a house in Melvin Way, Histon, on 31 December.
Martin Rudin, 81, also of Melvin Way, was arrested on 9 January and appeared at Cambridge Magistrates’ Court the following day. He was remanded in custody to appear at Cambridge Crown Court on Thursday 12 January for a preliminary hearing.
12/01/2023