Crime

A BUILDER who racially abused a member of staff on the Tube has been fined £100.

John Gallagher, 37, of Myrtleside Close, Northwood, became abusive at North Greenwich tube station after staff explained trains were no longer running at 12.40am on November 28 last year.

Aidan Harris, manager of London Underground's workplace violence unit, said: "The abuse became racial and Gallagher refused to leave the station.

POLICE are launching a crackdown on thefts of heavy plant machinery in Three Rivers, after more than 80 were stolen in the past two years.

A total of 81 machines were taken from local construction sites in 2008 and 2009, with 33 stolen last year.

According to police figures, the thefts have been most common in Northwood, Rickmansworth, Maple Cross and Chorleywood.

A MAN wanted in connection with an alleged drink driving offence has been arrested after an appeal in the Gazette.

Joao Carvalho, 28, of Moneyhill Parade, Rickmansworth, was arrested in Station Road, Rickmansworth last Thursday (4) at about 7.30pm.

He was being sought by police after being caught driving over the limit in Watford Road, Croxley Green on February 17 last year and failing to answer a bail hearing.

A NEWSAGENTS in Maple Cross was targeted by thieves in search of beer on Saturday (6).

A man entered McColls Newsagents in Chalfont Road at about 6pm and went directly to the off licence section, before taking a box of Fosters beer and running out towards Chalfont Road.

THREE teenagers were robbed of their mobile phones after being threatened by a gang of youths.

The victims were targeted near Blockbuster in Watford Road, Croxley Green at about 9pm last Friday (5).

One of the group asked if they had any cigarettes and when they replied no, they asked for their mobile phones. Feeling vulnerable, the victims handed them over immediately.

The phones taken include a Samsung Tocco, a black Sony Ericsson Cybershot and a Blackberry.

THIEVES stole a 5ft potted bay tree from a home in Ebury Road last weekend.

The plant was stolen from beside the victim's front door, in their front garden, between 5pm last Friday and 3.45pm on Sunday.

The incident is believed to be linked to another bay tree theft from the front garden of an address in the same road, between 1pm on Saturday and 3.4pm on Sunday.

Police are investigating. Anyone with information should call 0845 33 00 222.

ARMED police stormed Northwood Headquarters yesterday amid reports that 'men with guns' were lurking within the grounds.

Police were called to the scene at 11.53am, after two men were spotted by a member of the public, carrying an air rifle and acting suspiciously.

However, upon their arrival, officers only found a pair of keen outdoor enthusiasts - a man aged 43 and a boy aged 16 - cooking a meal of grilled squirrel and potatoes.

A THIEF targeted a newsagent in Tudor Parade, Rickmansworth last Wednesday (20).

A man wearing a white hooded jacket with the hood up walked around Martin McColls putting items in his pocket between 6.25pm and 6.50pm.

He is about 5ft 9 and was wearing a woolly hat and jeans.

PC Chris Gottman is investigating - anyone with information should call 0845 33 00 222.

A MOBILE police station will come to Eastbury on a monthly basis to encourage residents to voice their concerns.

Next Thursday, February 4, PC Sharon Hill and PCSO Chris Bignell will visit Westbury Road from 11am - 11.45am, and Eastbury Road from 2pm - 2.45pm.

A THIEF stole food including ready meals from a service station in Uxbridge Road, Rickmansworth last Thursday (21).

A man entered BP Express with a metal shopping basket which he filled with items before leaving without paying, between 1.40pm and 1.50pm.

He is described as white, of a heavy build, aged between 50 and 55, and 6ft 1 tall. He was balding with grey hair and wearing a large black coat.

Police are investigating - anyone with information should call 0845 33 00 222.