Major crime unit sentences offenders to over 2,000 years behind bars
Offenders of the most serious crimes have been sentenced to a total of over 2,000 years in prison as a result of investigations by officers and staff from an elite police unit.
The milestone has been reached by the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit (BCH MCU) since it became tri-force in April 2012.
Head of the BCH MCU Detective Superintendent Paul Fullwood said: “This is a major milestone for the unit and reflects the hard work and dedication of not only the detectives and staff who work for me, but all the other teams who assist us and play a vital role in our investigations.
“Most importantly of course we are delivering justice for the victims and families of these truly horrendous crimes whilst making our counties even safer places to live.”
The tri-force unit is made up of over 100 detectives and 70 staff who investigate all major crimes across the three counties. The offences they deal with include murder, manslaughter, stranger rape and kidnap and extortion as well as cold case (historic) offences. At any one time the teams are investigating up to 50 cases across the three forces.
D.Supt Fullwood continued: “When crimes of this nature do occur they send shockwaves through our communities and I hope people living in Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire feel reassured our dedicated, specialist teams are on hand 24/7 to ensure we respond effectively and successfully investigate to bring suspects before the courts.
“We are continually looking at ways to improve our response and deliver further savings whilst securing significant prison terms. We are using cutting edge forensics and technology and I am extremely proud of the results we are achieving.
“Thanks of course must also go to the members of the public who support our investigations giving statements and evidence. Your contributions are vital.”
The team have two bases, in Huntingdon and Welwyn Garden City, but can work from anywhere within the three counties dependent on where a major crime has occurred.
