Riots: 90 Per Cent of Offenders Dealt With
7 August 2013, 12:07 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50
More than 90 per cent of rioters involved in the disorder across the West Midlands in summer 2011 have now been identified and dealt with by police.
The arrest total now stands at 775 on the two-year anniversary of the disorder (8th August) the senior officer responsible for managing the ongoing investigation warned the remaining suspects that they can never rest easy.
The images of 79 people remain at large, with officers currently processing intelligence about several of them.
Assistant Chief Constable Garry Forsyth said: "Even two years on, we have detectives regularly reviewing the information we have about the outstanding suspects and going after them.
"If you were involved and we haven’t yet come for you and you’re sat at home thinking you’ve got away with it, my message to you is that you haven’t. We will find you and we will use the full force of the law to bring you to justice. The best thing you can do is hand yourself in.
"Those pictures have now been online for two years and they’ll stay there indefinitely. Forensic science and old-fashioned detective work can get us so far, but the public can play a vital role in helping us mop up the last few suspects.
"I would ask anyone who has not yet seen the wanted gallery to look at it and get in touch if they can help."
Speaking about the lessons learnt since 2011, ACC Forsyth said the force was in a much better position to deal with rioting if it ever happened again. He added: "We have understood the issues and made the changes that we needed to in order to deal with any future unrest - we are more organised and can mobilise more quickly.
"What’s more, our relationships with the communities of the West Midlands have strengthened significantly since the disorder broke out and I’m confident we would have much better notice if there was to be a repeat of such widespread disorder."
Anyone who recognises any of the outstanding offenders should call detectives on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Information can also be submitted via email to tellus@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk.
