Manhunt (2018–…): Season 2, Episode 2 - The Night Stalker: Part 2 - full transcript
Colin presents his review findings to DCS Hamish Campbell and suggests a strategy called 'Minstead Lite', but Hamish wants Colin to stay on to see this new approach through. Meanwhile, DC Spier's informant suggests that she has found one of the pieces of jewelry that was stolen from a Minstead victim.
Bulbs in the sink?
Never seen that before.
You don't get this good without practice.
The minute he sets foot
on these properties, he's in control.
- It's his house.
- It's outrageous...
not with just what he's done
but how long he's got away with it.
Nathan. That possible Minstead case
the Borough sent over, when was that?
Last night, Colbridge Road in Bromley.
And what ruled it out, the victimology?
Yeah.
We could do worse
than give it a second look.
This is Gavin Forbes, son of the homeowner.
When I got back from the hospital I went
to get a glass of orange from the fridge.
The carton was almost empty.
What and you think
the intruder might've helped himself?
It's the only explanation.
It's not that bloke attacking old ladies?
Yes, it is, I'm afraid.
Oh, Jesus.
What is it, Gavin?
Mum's room is downstairs.
Let's figure out how he got in.
Any luck we've got him on camera...
coming and going.
DNA on the orange carton is
a 100% match for Minstead Man.
We gonna need to widen
our screening criteria.
That means more offences.
Well, so be it.
But you haven't got the manpower
not when you're treating every offence
like a murder.
Yeah.
Then something's got to change.
What're you thinking?
It's too much. It's too late.
Good work, Nathan.
Taking a closer look.
Uh, no, that was all Mr Sutton, boss.
Oh, well, the DNA from the juice carton
would've linked them soon enough.
Yes, it would. Yeah.
What does needs a look at
is the screening criteria
cos if it's as flawed
as this offence suggests
we could be missing scores
of Minstead crimes.
Such as?
Burglaries with uh, no sexual assault.
Burglaries with no attempt to engage
with the homeowner.
Well, I'm confident
we're not missing scores of crimes, Colin.
He's one man, but of course...
the criteria will be reviewed.
OK.
- Can I have a word, Nathan?
Yes, Guv.
With all respect, sir...
we're not the bloody burglary squad.
They're acting like a murder squad
but dealing with four times
the cases on half the resources
Any manpower left over gets pissed up
the wall on swabbing for DNA.
As an analyst, I can tell you
if they're screening out legitimate
Minstead cases, that's chronic.
Maybe they ought to be
"a bloody burglary squad"
they're trying to find a bloody burglar
after all.
- Did you hear what I said?
Incomplete data is bad data
and bad data is diesel in a petrol car.
It's worse than nothing.
Yeah, I get it.
They want to preserve
and gather evidence
but what's there underlying objective?
They don't need to prove new offences.
Once he's caught,
the DNA from the historic offences
guarantees he goes down for life.
- Yeah.
Yeah. We just need to find him
and anything that doesn't serve that
has got to stop.
Call it Minstead Lite.
That's good.
- Mm-hm.
Actually that's...
That's brilliant, I'm having that.
That's gonna be my pitch to Hamish
"Minstead Lite".
— Oh, Copyright "Surrey Police", please.
Is that gonna be enough, though?
- How do you mean?
Well, it might free up
some manpower and time
but what are they gonna do with it?
More bloody swabbing?
Come in...
Richard?
Hello, Colin.
Richard, when you get a moment
could you trawl through
all the recent burglaries in the area?
That took place at night
involved elderly occupiers,
which we sent back to Borough?
Yes.
I can run you off a copy if you like.
How did you know I
was going to ask for that?
Well, truth is...
a few of us have been worried
about the screening process for a while.
What "Incomplete data is bad data"?
Mm...
I call that "the long list".
OK...
Well, limited resources means
we can only focus
on a limited number of cases.
That means burglaries
without sufficient Minstead signatures
get returned to Borough.
But that could be him?
Yes.
— And could potentially be
the one where he slips up?
Which is why I keep my own expanded
tally alongside the official one.
But if even half of these are Minstead...
He's offending on a scale
that nobody's publicly acknowledged.
Yeah, I will have a copy of that.
Sure.
But...
Yeah, I didn't get it from you.
Thanks, Richard.
DCI Colin Sutton for Hamish Campbell.
You can go up.
— Thank you.
Current screening processes
are excluding genuine Minstead cases.
How many are we talking?
Course they might not all be him
but there's no doubt, the majority are.
Bloody hell.
What makes you so sure?
Because there's nowhere else in the country
where burglaries with
these specific hallmarks are occurring.
Nowhere. They check every morning.
So it's very hard to believe
that there's two blokes out there
committing identical crimes
in South East London.
What do you propose?
To cope with the scale of his offending
our response needs to change
we need to be more nimble,
fleet-footed.
Sounds easier said than done.
Well, if there's a choice between depth
and breadth, then it has to be breadth.
Meaning?
New offences aren't treated as crimes
to be fully investigated
but as intelligence opportunities.
We make sure that we are
caring for the victims
but we focus our attention
on aspects of the case
that could help us ID Minstead Man.
No need to generate all the actions
the murder squad approach requires?
Reducing that workload will free them up
to assess all potential Minstead cases
and it'll accelerate the DNA swabbing.
Call it "Minstead Lite".
I like the sound of that.
One way or the other...
I'll see it's implemented.
But we're still reliant
on him making a mistake
which so far he's shown no sign of doing.
Despite the depravity of his acts,
his planning is meticulous.
You're not convinced
this is the best way forward.
Well,
I think it's better than what we have.
But what do you really think? If you were
starting from scratch, what would you do?
Ah, well, it's frustrating uh, really.
I haven't been able to devise
a proper plan, not in ten days.
It's just too complex for quick fixes.
It's like erm,
do you remember that old joke?
About a tourist going up
to a farmer and saying
"What's the best way to Dingle"
and he gets the reply,
"Ah well, now, if I was you
I wouldn't be starting from here".
That's pretty much
where I think we are with it.
Where would you start from?
I wrote this down
at the very first meeting that I attended.
"It's all about the DNA."
The DNA has slanted every avenue
of enquiry that they have followed.
You and I both know
that a mass swabbing programme is
very hard to pull off,
it's a tactic of last resort.
But they've got so much invested in the DNA
that change has become unthinkable.
As an outsider looking in,
I think that there must be another way.
I just don't know what it is yet.
Will you hang around
and give this some more thought, Colin?
If there is a change of direction,
it can't come from me.
Simon's got as much invested in Minstead
I can't walk in there and tell him
it's all gotta change.
It's awkward, I agree.
No, it's not awkward, it's untenable.
I'll make sure we look after Simon
if you tell me now
that you'll stick around
and devise a workable alternative plan?
And by "stick around", I mean...
past your retirement date if necessary?
Yes, course I will.
Alright.
Alright.
See anything you like, Diamanda®?
Yeah.
The lighter.
Can I take a look?
What?
I think you're losing your touch...
always coming in here empty-handed.
You're just like
a fucking window shopper these days.
Suit yourself.
Alright, alright, alright.
Morning, sir.
— Alright?
Guv...
He hit Colbridge Road again
last night.
What? Come on.
Colin.
Simon.
Most of the Minstead hallmarks
present and correct.
He stole cash and jewellery but he made
no attempt to engage with the victims.
Victims?
Yeah, another elderly couple.
Shaken but unhurt.
Well, if targeting couples is
becoming a thing
we'll need to alter the screening criteria.
Colin.
Every time, we're just hoping that
this is the one where he slips up.
But he doesn't.
So we wait for the next one
and the next one and the next one.
We've got to get ahead of him, Simon.
I don't disagree.
But the first thing that needs to change
is this "we're not
a bloody burglary squad" mantra.
I've never heard anyone say that, Colin.
Well, I have...
and you know what?
He is a bloody burglar.
He's a bright one, and a weird one,
but he's still a burglar.
No cordon, no house-to-house.
I read your report last night, Colin.
It's good work.
"Minstead Lite" takes effect from today.
Thank you.
Look, um...
I haven't told the others this yet but...
as of next week I have to go
on restricted duties because of my back.
So I'm gonna need an SIO who's...
who's really gonna be boots on the ground.
You want me to do it?
I've cleared it with Hamish.
Course, I'll still be in overall command.
Yeah.
— And on the end of a phone.
Yeah. Of course.
Going forward...
fresh Minstead crimes will be viewed
as intelligence-gathering opportunities
but not processed to the letter.
We'll exploit any lead
that might identify him
but otherwise dispense
with statements, actions...
attendant bureaucracy.
Nice one, boss.
That will really free us up.
No, it's Colin's idea,
benefit of a fresh pair of eyes.
Well, let's hope something comes of it.
It's timely as we need to widen the
screening after the Colbridge Road offences.
Nathan.
Yeah, uh, Minstead Man has
now hit two residences
with multiple occupants and in neither case
has he engaged with his victims.
We're barely on top of our existing cases
and we're adding more?
Barely? We're not even touching the sides.
Well, now you'll have more time.
Well, not much, Guv.
Because we're also suspending DNA swabbing.
As of next week I have to go
on restricted duties on account of my back
so Colin will be taking over the day
to day, but reporting to me directly.
Thank you, Simon.
Yeah, Mr Morgan will very much remain
in command but I'm looking forward
to working with you all much more closely.
And, apologies in advance
if I'm still catching up
with what I appreciate is a vast
and complex case. Thank you.
You'll be sorely missed, Guv.
Thanks, Kenny.
- Won't be the same without you.
I want to mount limited surveillance
around Colbridge Road.
He's hit there twice in two weeks
if that's not provocation,
I don't know what is.
He hits it a third time,
we're gonna look seriously inept.
We'll look like we can't find
our arse with both hands.
When you say "limited" you mean low-key?
Just a couple of blokes in cars?
Yeah, maybe a van or two.
Yeah, he hasn't made a significant mistake
in 17 years, do you think he'll fall for it?
I think it's worth a punt.
Yeah, and if he doesn't risk
a third go round then no harm done.
We had it covered.
Exactly. Set it up.
Nice one, Guv.
Sorry I'm late, boss.
Informant kept me waiting.
Best ones always do.
OK. What've you got?
Well, I showed my snout
the uh, jewellery pics
she reckons she's seen
the silver necklace
belonging to the Allenhall Road victim,
Sandra Nelson.
Where's she seen it?
Pawn shop in Forest Hill.
Do you trust her?
Oh, wouldn't go that far but here y'are.
She sneaked a photo.
That looks like the same necklace to me.
Now, the owner is a Brian Royce.
And he should've taken the details
of the seller, but even if he didn't
there's cameras inside and out.
So, potentially, this Brian Royce could
give us Minstead Man's name?
Potentially, but Royce does have
a history of non-cooperation.
So why haven't you picked him up?
Uh, well cos, uh...
he's also got form for GBH.
Team effort I think, Guv.
I'll leave this for you, Colin, I think.
I can certainly help with the stab vests.
All units. All units be aware
I have eye's on the suspect...
approaching the pawn shop,
on foot, from the high street end.
If it's safe, we take him
before he enters the shop.
Copy that.
He's just approaching
the shop now. Move in.
Go! Take him!
Morning, Brian. Now behave yourself.
What's going on.
- Brian Royce
I'm arresting you on suspicion
of handling stolen goods.
You do not have to say anything
- But it may harm your defence...
- Guuv...
...if you do not mention when questioned
something which you later rely on in court.
Who sold you this, Brian?
No comment.
Well, we know the sale's very recent.
Last few days.
No comment.
This man's done some terrible things.
He's not someone you want to protect,
not someone you want to be associated with.
If you don't tell us,
the cameras in your shop will.
We're viewing that footage right now.
There's no downside in co-operating.
Who sold you the necklace, Brian?
We need a name.
Otherwise,
we'll have to refocus our inquiry...
onto the provenance of every piece
of jewellery in your shop, say.
I'd like to take a break
so I can speak to my lawyer.
Of course.
- Interview paused at 08:46...
- Scared, isn't he? For a tough guy?
Hm-hm.
Shit.
- Gotta be somewhere?
Uh, it's just a family thing.
Well, go. I'll call if anything changes.
Alright. Thanks, Nathan.
Although... hang on.
You said...
"he'd done some terrible things”.
What kind of things?
He's a serial rapist
who targets elderly women.
The Night Stalker?
The Old Dear Hunter?
Yeah.
You're barking up the wrong tree, luv.
I'd have given you his name
in a fucking heartbeat.
I found these two loitering with intent.
Oh!
- Sorry we're late.
Oh, don't be silly.
Grab a plate.
Hi, Dad.
Those wings are done.
Uh, yeah they are, yeah.
How are you, Dad?
How are you is more to the point?
I hear you're busy again?
- Yeah. Yeah, I am.
Watch your back.
I know things have changed since my day.
There you go, have a beer.
— Oh. Thank you.
The grass is always greener
isn't it?
Taking over someone else's case
is always a bit messy.
I'm not taking over, I'm just helping out.
- Oh, yeah?
Oh, yeah, your mum
picked this up for you.
I did not.
Yes, you did.
It's an early
birthday present, isn't it?
Look at that!
I've finally got my way about a cruise.
You haven't!
Oh, Christ.
Only took me 20 years!
Why the change of heart, Dave?
What change of heart?
You're going, aren't you?
I always say,
being shut up on the high seas
with a bunch of numpties...
sounds like a nightmare.
Only now...
I'll be able to say so with authority!
I won't be a moment.
I bet you'll enjoy it.
- Yes, Guv...
- Any luck with that necklace?
Lab just called...
Three sets of female DNA
on the chain and clasp
not one is a match to Sandra Nelson.
So it's probably not her necklace then?
I really think it's a coincidence, Guv.
What about Brian Royce?
Sticking to his story.
Won't tell us where he got the necklace
but insists it wasn't Minstead Man.
Alright. OK, Thanks, Nathan.
Thank you very much for my T-shirt,
I love it.
And make sure you lock the front door
and bolt the French windows, eh?
If your man try's breaking into ours,
it'll be the last thing he does.
Oh blimey, have a word Mum, will you?
Bye, love...
Bye-bye.
Bye-bye!
- Bye-bye.
Night-night.
Bye.
Nathan.
Just had local CID on the phone.
He's gone berserk.
Hit three homes in the last two hours
and we're hearing reports of a fourth.
Colbridge Road?
Miles away. Thornton Heath!
Are you shorthanded?
That's an understatement.
Alright, I'll try and get you a HAT team.
No, I already tried, busy with
a fatal stabbing in Lambeth.
Where are you?
Boss, you don't need—-
I'll be an extra pair of hands,
where are you?
Nathan.
Boss.
The victim is an 85-year-old male,
a Mr Tomczyk
And get this. He insists he was burgled
by the same man three months ago.
Is there a record of that offence?
Yeah, local CID sent it our way.
I see. We sent it back
cos it didn't have Minstead's MO?
Correct.
Mr Tomczyk's in the garden.
He didn't want to be inside
and doesn't want to go to hospital.
He was very clear about that.
OK. Is this where he got in?
Yes, Guv.
Anything?
—The tool marks look very much like
our man's favourite screwdriver.
Microscope analysis should confirm.
Mr Tomczyk...
This is Mr Sutton, he's in charge.
How do you do, Mr Tomczyk.
I'm very sorry to hear
about the ordeal you've had tonight.
You sure you wouldn't like us to drive you
to hospital? Just to make sure?
I was in the war, Mr Sutton.
You go to hospital when you are shot.
Or when you step on a mine
and your foot is hanging off.
Fair enough.
I understand you think you've been burgled
by this man before?
I don't think it, I know it.
Did you recognise him?
His voice. His smell.
The way he sat there
watching me through his mask.
I said, "Oh, hello, it's you again".
What did he say?
He asked me for money.
I said no.
He said he would hurt me
if I did not give it to him.
So I uh, I gave him some cash.
I think that was a good idea.
Yes and no.
When I opened wallet, he saw bank card.
And he took that as well?
He asked me for PIN.
No way was I giving him the right number
and I reckoned you would be here
before he knew II'd tricked him.
Ah...
You're a very brave man.
After you give him the PIN, did he leave?
When I was in the army I was boxer.
They called me "Kon Roboczy"
which means "workhorse" in Polish.
I wasn't strongest, I wasn't fastest...
but I was stubborn.
I stayed on my feet whatever...
whatever they threw at me.
He didn't leave
after you gave him the PIN, did he?
I don't want to talk about it.
No.
No, I understand.
When you do feel ready, Patricia
here is a very, very good listener.
In fact she's so good
we pay her to do it.
Thank you.
Cup of tea?
Have you got a map?
Yeah in the car?
Mr Tomczyk gave him the wrong PIN
for his credit card.
Good on him.
Yeah.
Well, he must know that we'll stop
the card so he's gonna use it ASAP.
I'm assuming he has
a favourite bank machine?
Yeah, a couple.
Well, what's the nearest one.
Um...
There you go.
That is close.
Who've we got up and about?
Kenny and Cath attended
the first and second
and Adam and Neville went to the third.
Right, they're closer than us, then?
Tell them, I want them all
watching that cash machine
and they don't leave until I say so.
- Right.
How far?
Two minutes.
We can take a shortcut. Left here.
Fuck's sake, Kenny.
Downshire Gardens, it's a cross street.
Right at the end and you're there.
We should have a view
of the cash machine.
There.
There's our Ken.
Oh, bollocks!
— Nice one.
How Special Branch didn't snap him up,
I'll never know.
C'mon, you bastard. Come and get it.
Yeah, I'll let him know,
he's just arrived now.
Yeah. OK, cheers.
What? I thought we were
watching and waiting?
Too late, boss. We missed him.
What?
Financial boys just called.
He tried to get cash out of there
right before we got here.
We must've missed him by seconds.
— Oh, fuck!
Did the machine swallow his card?
No.
Well,
he might've discarded it nearby, then.
Close but no cigar, eh?
I'm kidding.
Good punt, sir.
Trip down memory lane coming back here.
Why, did you attend before?
And the two times before that.
Yeah, he seemed to like that machine
soO much we went proactive.
Oh, yeah?
- We arranged for hidden cameras
to be installed near the ATM
just in case he returned.
It was the Guv'nor's idea, as I recall.
And you didn't think
to mention that before?
Well, I'm mentioning it now, aren't I?
Are they still there? Are they working?
TSU are en route to retrieve the footage.
We're gonna get a look at Minstead Man,
a proper look.
If you'd got here five minutes sooner,
he'd be in fucking handcuffs!
I'm not sure that's fair, Boss.
No, it's not.
Alright look, we've had the nearest
of near misses.
It's, it's infuriating,
and it hurts, but we move on.
Let's see what the TSU bring.
They're in the phone box.
- Eh?
The cameras.
At 12:36am he walks briskly
from Lessing Street, makes a couple
of "lifesaver" glances behind,
as he approaches the ATM.
Um...
This is from the second camera.
Looks like he's wearing
some kind of blue cagoule.
Yeah, he wears it well...
Zipped up to his nose,
and hood pulled over his face.
Is that the best shot we've got of him?
Yeah, he's nothing if not cautious.
Well, maybe there's other things
we can glean beyond his appearance.
Like what?
I don't know, Adam,
but there's two cameras there
there's got to be something.
— What about his exit route?
Yeah, let's have a look at that, Cathy.
Whoa, hang on a minute.
That's us!
Neville, that's fucking us, mate.
If we'd have gotten there
30 seconds earlier...
Alright, spilt milk, Adam.
Cathy?
When he gives up on the ATM
he doesn't go in the direction
he came. He heads west.
Well, what road's that?
Uh, it's Ballina Street.
Right, so applying
a bit of street tradecraft
what do we think?
He's arriving by car?
Well, there's no way he got there
that fast any other way.
And not at that time of night.
So where's he parked?
Well, based on his approach,
I'd say near the top end of Lessing Street.
Maybe Flintock Street.
Agreed, but then he goes off
in a different direction.
So how's he getting back to his car?
What about here? There's a little
cut through further down Ballina Street
crosses back under the railway bridge
and comes out on Flintock Street.
Loop the loop.
Back in his car in two minutes, Guv.
Entrance is about 200 yards west
of the ATM
we did look at putting a camera on it.
Yeah. That's the cut through there.
Looks like the bushes extend
all the way down.
If you were looking to ditch
a hot bank card
it beats a bin or a drain cover,
doesn't it?
Kenny, I want a POLSA team down there
this afternoon, OK?
Yes, Boss. Alright. Good work, everyone.
Well done.
Can I have a word, boss?
- Yeah, sure.
I mean before we get in a POLSA team.
Hang on one, Kenny.
Mr Morgan called for an update earlier.
Right. Do you know
why he called you and not me?
I think he said your phone was busy.
Go on.
I told him about him using
his favourite ATM again...
OK?
He doesn't want us making a big fuss.
Says it might put him off returning
and those cameras
weren't cheap to install.
And how's he defining "a fuss"?
He specifically said
not to get in a POLSA team.
With respect, that's not his call.
Right, well...
Can you ring him
and tell him that, please?
That's not a conversation
I want to have. Not now.
Then you're putting me
in a difficult position.
That's not my intention.
Right, so call him.
Look, I know, he's your boss
It's not about that.
Well, what is it about?
Loyalty.
I'm his number two, he trusts me.
I'm not about to betray that trust
for someone I've known five minutes.
No offence.
None taken.
You've welcomed me
like no one else on this team.
Right, well, now you can return the favour.
No, sorry, I'm the acting SIO on this and my
decision is that we search that cut through.
If there's any problem I'll be sure he knows
you gave me the message and I ignored it.
It's on Mme.
OK.
Be worth it for the chance of some evidence
cos Christ, we need something.
Go on then Kenny, call 'em up.
He's here...
Found a bank card.
Looks weather-damaged, II'd be surprised
if it was stashed there last night.
Hmm, It's a different name as well,
"Mrs A Waynflete".
Anne Waynflete?
Yeah.
- She a Minstead victim?
Yeah. Two years ago.
And did he use this card
in that ATM two years ago?
Well, looks like it.
Thanks, Tabs, good work.
— Thank you.
Well, if they'd have searched
this place two years ago
they might've got prints and DNA.
Still might.
After two years weather damage?
Not a chance.
In fairness, she didn't report
a card being stolen.
I took her statement, Guv.
If you've got any other questions,
I'll be happy to help.
Yes, thank you.
You want somewhere bigger, just say.
Nah.
Feels like home now.
What's on your mind?
Errol Dobson.
Can you get the team together, please?
Yeah, sure.
- Thanks, Nathan.
Errol Dobson was a prolific burglar
of the elderly in the early '90s. He was
even more prolific than Minstead Man.
He also favoured the night
and he'd been at it for years.
His patch was only small
just a dozen or so streets in Tottenham
that just made it all the more galling
when we couldn't catch him.
Some of the team lost faith, you know.
They said, "How can one man be
responsible for so many offences?"
We were chasing a phantom or a ghost.
And everything we tried...
everything failed.
Until my boss went proactive.
What did that involve?
Cobbling together thirty bodies
and saturating those streets.
We knew how sharp he was
so we had to stay well hidden
there was no hunkering down
in the passenger seat.
Do you get him?
Night five. Caught in the act.
And that is how we'll catch Minstead Man.
Are you serious?
If you've got a better idea, Kenny,
I'm all ears.
But we're not looking at
a corner of Tottenham, Guv.
We're looking at most of South London.
From the Thames to the M23.
He's right, and we tried
going proactive before.
Yes, I know you have...
and Simon agrees it's worth another shot.
By his own admission that effort
was hampered by resources.
And this time it won't be?
We just need a bigger boat.
Ocean liner.
Fucking aircraft carrier.
Yeah, I'm not feeling this uh...
boat analogy.
- It's from Jaws.
Thanks, Cathy. No, what I mean is
that boat doesn't exist.
It'd take hundreds of officers,
you'd get to keep "em for two nights max
this is a bloke
who stopped dead for three years.
You finished?
I'm just saying.
No, they're good points, well made.
But we have to try something new,
Adam, we have to.
Now, analysis can shave down
the target area, right, Richard?
To a degree.
How?
- Well, he never goes for flats
local authority, social housing.
It's always private dwellings
houses, bungalows.
What, that's it?
And there's the crimes themselves.
The way they're clustered.
Oh, come on, he's offended all over!
Yeah he has, but going back to '92
there's a density of offending
in the Shirley area
that makes it
what we call an "anchor point".
His hunting ground of choice?
Yeah and that's the patch
where we're most likely
to catch him in the act.
From there we build out a map
of other target areas around Shirley.
Might be a square mile,
might be a single street.
Well, this map,
what are we supposed to do with it?
We refine it, we cost it and then
we flog it to the Force Tasking Group
no one else can fund
an operation of this scale.
And then we go out and nick him.
Sorry, Guv, I was with Mr Tomczyk.
- How's he doing?
Oh, OK under the circumstances.
He told me what happened,
so that's a start.
And?
The offender fondled his genitals
and after threats of violence,
forced him to touch his own.
Oh, God.
My sense is that was the extent
of the sexual contact.
I'll be able to say that with
more confidence after another session.
Poor man.
Yeah.
And you.
How long have you been on Minstead?
Five years.
It's a lot of victims.
It's gonna take its toll?
I'm like anyone, boss,
there's good days and bad.
Yeah, but you're at the sharp end,
aren't you?
Oh, at first it was just finding the...
vocabulary to coax the
information we needed.
Finding other ways to say
"What happened? What did he do to you?"
I used to pause the interviews
so they wouldn't see how upset I was.
Then I was dealing with their children
and, oh, God...
that was a whole other thing.
In what way?
First, there's just breaking it to them.
Telling a son or daughter that
their mum's been sexually assaulted.
Then you see the dynamics change.
The kids become the parents and these...
wonderful, totally autonomous adults
become dependent...
become the kids.
Hard not to get emotionally involved?
- Mm...
Lately I've been going
from funeral to funeral with this...
terrible sadness and I won't lie, fury...
that they won't see justice done.
When it's all over, it will hit me,
I know it will.
I'm almost looking forward to it.
Richard.
Thanks for backing me up in there.
Hope I didn't come
across as a total chancer.
Well, we are taking a chance, aren't we?
Yeah. Yeah. A big one.
I want you to book me a meeting room
at Scotland Yard next Monday.
No problem.
— And I want your help with an email.
Concise as possible but that conveys
the rate and gravity of the offences
and the need urgent to take action.
Yeah, sure.
It'll come from the heart. Who's it for?
Heads of all the squads that can give us
a chance with the Force Tasking Group.
Oh, you'll need it.
FTG reject 92% of funding requests.
Better make that email count then, eh?
You definitely said Monday?
Only just coming up to ten.
Reminds me of my eighth birthday party.
- Neville?
- He was out last night.
Lady of 70 in Coulsdon.
He started assaulting her
and she begged him to stop.
She says he did,
whether or not that's true TBC.
Is Patricia with her?
Yeah. As we speak.
Alright. Thanks, Neville, keep me posted.
Boss.
Colin? Superintendent Jackie Miller
and DCI Greg Burns, Covert Policing.
Good to meet you.
Thanks so much for coming.
Well, it was a compelling email.
Oh. Oh, good, come on in. Come on in.
This way. Get dry. Morning.
Cup of tea? Cup of coffee? Morning.
I've never made a request
to the Force Tasking Group
but I understand that many of you here
are regular bidders
and I hear that one of you
even saw some money once.
Yeah. That was me.
Fucking cheque bounced!
So we're here to listen and to learn.
I'm a big believer in laying out "the plan”
in frankly idiot-proof language.
I'd say something like
"by observing every inch of the targeted
streets you're seeking to control them".
No one will be able to walk in
or out without you seeing them.
If Minstead Man steps on your plot,
you will get him, no ifs, no buts.
That means no officers
walking around the plot.
Everyone needs to be inside a building.
I'd also suggest
having surveillance teams
on standby just outside the plot.
If a suspect needs to be
questioned they can be tailed
and pulled over
well away from the target area.
Yeah. That's crucial.
You don't want word getting out
that there's surveillance going on
in Shirley.
We'd be very happy to supply air support
for whatever mission
you end up running.
We can watch from an altitude
and be completely undetectable
from the ground.
Kevin and I run Central Control.
We can have access to 24-7 live feeds
from thousands of local authority
and Transport for London cameras.
Looking at your proposed plot
you'd need at least 150 bodies
to throw a net over that.
- Right.
- Which you'll never get.
There is a smaller area I've devised...
here, in and around Shirley.
Still big but more achievable.
Seventy five officers should
be able to deliver that.
What are our chances of getting that?
If you ask for 150 officers,
they'll probably give you 50.
But if you ask for 75 and you make
a good case
you might get 75.
If we shrink the plot, the odds of him
offending obviously shrink, too.
By how much?
Well, based on past offences,
they drop from one in three to one in six.
One in six?
You know what?
They're still good odds. I'll take that.
So when do you pitch to the FTG?
Well, now I know what to ask for
as soon as possible.
Listen. Thank you.
Thank you all for your support
and your expertise.
I just want to say
how much it means
that so many of you responded.
And clearly care about this case
and it's many, many victims.
Never seen that before.
You don't get this good without practice.
The minute he sets foot
on these properties, he's in control.
- It's his house.
- It's outrageous...
not with just what he's done
but how long he's got away with it.
Nathan. That possible Minstead case
the Borough sent over, when was that?
Last night, Colbridge Road in Bromley.
And what ruled it out, the victimology?
Yeah.
We could do worse
than give it a second look.
This is Gavin Forbes, son of the homeowner.
When I got back from the hospital I went
to get a glass of orange from the fridge.
The carton was almost empty.
What and you think
the intruder might've helped himself?
It's the only explanation.
It's not that bloke attacking old ladies?
Yes, it is, I'm afraid.
Oh, Jesus.
What is it, Gavin?
Mum's room is downstairs.
Let's figure out how he got in.
Any luck we've got him on camera...
coming and going.
DNA on the orange carton is
a 100% match for Minstead Man.
We gonna need to widen
our screening criteria.
That means more offences.
Well, so be it.
But you haven't got the manpower
not when you're treating every offence
like a murder.
Yeah.
Then something's got to change.
What're you thinking?
It's too much. It's too late.
Good work, Nathan.
Taking a closer look.
Uh, no, that was all Mr Sutton, boss.
Oh, well, the DNA from the juice carton
would've linked them soon enough.
Yes, it would. Yeah.
What does needs a look at
is the screening criteria
cos if it's as flawed
as this offence suggests
we could be missing scores
of Minstead crimes.
Such as?
Burglaries with uh, no sexual assault.
Burglaries with no attempt to engage
with the homeowner.
Well, I'm confident
we're not missing scores of crimes, Colin.
He's one man, but of course...
the criteria will be reviewed.
OK.
- Can I have a word, Nathan?
Yes, Guv.
With all respect, sir...
we're not the bloody burglary squad.
They're acting like a murder squad
but dealing with four times
the cases on half the resources
Any manpower left over gets pissed up
the wall on swabbing for DNA.
As an analyst, I can tell you
if they're screening out legitimate
Minstead cases, that's chronic.
Maybe they ought to be
"a bloody burglary squad"
they're trying to find a bloody burglar
after all.
- Did you hear what I said?
Incomplete data is bad data
and bad data is diesel in a petrol car.
It's worse than nothing.
Yeah, I get it.
They want to preserve
and gather evidence
but what's there underlying objective?
They don't need to prove new offences.
Once he's caught,
the DNA from the historic offences
guarantees he goes down for life.
- Yeah.
Yeah. We just need to find him
and anything that doesn't serve that
has got to stop.
Call it Minstead Lite.
That's good.
- Mm-hm.
Actually that's...
That's brilliant, I'm having that.
That's gonna be my pitch to Hamish
"Minstead Lite".
— Oh, Copyright "Surrey Police", please.
Is that gonna be enough, though?
- How do you mean?
Well, it might free up
some manpower and time
but what are they gonna do with it?
More bloody swabbing?
Come in...
Richard?
Hello, Colin.
Richard, when you get a moment
could you trawl through
all the recent burglaries in the area?
That took place at night
involved elderly occupiers,
which we sent back to Borough?
Yes.
I can run you off a copy if you like.
How did you know I
was going to ask for that?
Well, truth is...
a few of us have been worried
about the screening process for a while.
What "Incomplete data is bad data"?
Mm...
I call that "the long list".
OK...
Well, limited resources means
we can only focus
on a limited number of cases.
That means burglaries
without sufficient Minstead signatures
get returned to Borough.
But that could be him?
Yes.
— And could potentially be
the one where he slips up?
Which is why I keep my own expanded
tally alongside the official one.
But if even half of these are Minstead...
He's offending on a scale
that nobody's publicly acknowledged.
Yeah, I will have a copy of that.
Sure.
But...
Yeah, I didn't get it from you.
Thanks, Richard.
DCI Colin Sutton for Hamish Campbell.
You can go up.
— Thank you.
Current screening processes
are excluding genuine Minstead cases.
How many are we talking?
Course they might not all be him
but there's no doubt, the majority are.
Bloody hell.
What makes you so sure?
Because there's nowhere else in the country
where burglaries with
these specific hallmarks are occurring.
Nowhere. They check every morning.
So it's very hard to believe
that there's two blokes out there
committing identical crimes
in South East London.
What do you propose?
To cope with the scale of his offending
our response needs to change
we need to be more nimble,
fleet-footed.
Sounds easier said than done.
Well, if there's a choice between depth
and breadth, then it has to be breadth.
Meaning?
New offences aren't treated as crimes
to be fully investigated
but as intelligence opportunities.
We make sure that we are
caring for the victims
but we focus our attention
on aspects of the case
that could help us ID Minstead Man.
No need to generate all the actions
the murder squad approach requires?
Reducing that workload will free them up
to assess all potential Minstead cases
and it'll accelerate the DNA swabbing.
Call it "Minstead Lite".
I like the sound of that.
One way or the other...
I'll see it's implemented.
But we're still reliant
on him making a mistake
which so far he's shown no sign of doing.
Despite the depravity of his acts,
his planning is meticulous.
You're not convinced
this is the best way forward.
Well,
I think it's better than what we have.
But what do you really think? If you were
starting from scratch, what would you do?
Ah, well, it's frustrating uh, really.
I haven't been able to devise
a proper plan, not in ten days.
It's just too complex for quick fixes.
It's like erm,
do you remember that old joke?
About a tourist going up
to a farmer and saying
"What's the best way to Dingle"
and he gets the reply,
"Ah well, now, if I was you
I wouldn't be starting from here".
That's pretty much
where I think we are with it.
Where would you start from?
I wrote this down
at the very first meeting that I attended.
"It's all about the DNA."
The DNA has slanted every avenue
of enquiry that they have followed.
You and I both know
that a mass swabbing programme is
very hard to pull off,
it's a tactic of last resort.
But they've got so much invested in the DNA
that change has become unthinkable.
As an outsider looking in,
I think that there must be another way.
I just don't know what it is yet.
Will you hang around
and give this some more thought, Colin?
If there is a change of direction,
it can't come from me.
Simon's got as much invested in Minstead
I can't walk in there and tell him
it's all gotta change.
It's awkward, I agree.
No, it's not awkward, it's untenable.
I'll make sure we look after Simon
if you tell me now
that you'll stick around
and devise a workable alternative plan?
And by "stick around", I mean...
past your retirement date if necessary?
Yes, course I will.
Alright.
Alright.
See anything you like, Diamanda®?
Yeah.
The lighter.
Can I take a look?
What?
I think you're losing your touch...
always coming in here empty-handed.
You're just like
a fucking window shopper these days.
Suit yourself.
Alright, alright, alright.
Morning, sir.
— Alright?
Guv...
He hit Colbridge Road again
last night.
What? Come on.
Colin.
Simon.
Most of the Minstead hallmarks
present and correct.
He stole cash and jewellery but he made
no attempt to engage with the victims.
Victims?
Yeah, another elderly couple.
Shaken but unhurt.
Well, if targeting couples is
becoming a thing
we'll need to alter the screening criteria.
Colin.
Every time, we're just hoping that
this is the one where he slips up.
But he doesn't.
So we wait for the next one
and the next one and the next one.
We've got to get ahead of him, Simon.
I don't disagree.
But the first thing that needs to change
is this "we're not
a bloody burglary squad" mantra.
I've never heard anyone say that, Colin.
Well, I have...
and you know what?
He is a bloody burglar.
He's a bright one, and a weird one,
but he's still a burglar.
No cordon, no house-to-house.
I read your report last night, Colin.
It's good work.
"Minstead Lite" takes effect from today.
Thank you.
Look, um...
I haven't told the others this yet but...
as of next week I have to go
on restricted duties because of my back.
So I'm gonna need an SIO who's...
who's really gonna be boots on the ground.
You want me to do it?
I've cleared it with Hamish.
Course, I'll still be in overall command.
Yeah.
— And on the end of a phone.
Yeah. Of course.
Going forward...
fresh Minstead crimes will be viewed
as intelligence-gathering opportunities
but not processed to the letter.
We'll exploit any lead
that might identify him
but otherwise dispense
with statements, actions...
attendant bureaucracy.
Nice one, boss.
That will really free us up.
No, it's Colin's idea,
benefit of a fresh pair of eyes.
Well, let's hope something comes of it.
It's timely as we need to widen the
screening after the Colbridge Road offences.
Nathan.
Yeah, uh, Minstead Man has
now hit two residences
with multiple occupants and in neither case
has he engaged with his victims.
We're barely on top of our existing cases
and we're adding more?
Barely? We're not even touching the sides.
Well, now you'll have more time.
Well, not much, Guv.
Because we're also suspending DNA swabbing.
As of next week I have to go
on restricted duties on account of my back
so Colin will be taking over the day
to day, but reporting to me directly.
Thank you, Simon.
Yeah, Mr Morgan will very much remain
in command but I'm looking forward
to working with you all much more closely.
And, apologies in advance
if I'm still catching up
with what I appreciate is a vast
and complex case. Thank you.
You'll be sorely missed, Guv.
Thanks, Kenny.
- Won't be the same without you.
I want to mount limited surveillance
around Colbridge Road.
He's hit there twice in two weeks
if that's not provocation,
I don't know what is.
He hits it a third time,
we're gonna look seriously inept.
We'll look like we can't find
our arse with both hands.
When you say "limited" you mean low-key?
Just a couple of blokes in cars?
Yeah, maybe a van or two.
Yeah, he hasn't made a significant mistake
in 17 years, do you think he'll fall for it?
I think it's worth a punt.
Yeah, and if he doesn't risk
a third go round then no harm done.
We had it covered.
Exactly. Set it up.
Nice one, Guv.
Sorry I'm late, boss.
Informant kept me waiting.
Best ones always do.
OK. What've you got?
Well, I showed my snout
the uh, jewellery pics
she reckons she's seen
the silver necklace
belonging to the Allenhall Road victim,
Sandra Nelson.
Where's she seen it?
Pawn shop in Forest Hill.
Do you trust her?
Oh, wouldn't go that far but here y'are.
She sneaked a photo.
That looks like the same necklace to me.
Now, the owner is a Brian Royce.
And he should've taken the details
of the seller, but even if he didn't
there's cameras inside and out.
So, potentially, this Brian Royce could
give us Minstead Man's name?
Potentially, but Royce does have
a history of non-cooperation.
So why haven't you picked him up?
Uh, well cos, uh...
he's also got form for GBH.
Team effort I think, Guv.
I'll leave this for you, Colin, I think.
I can certainly help with the stab vests.
All units. All units be aware
I have eye's on the suspect...
approaching the pawn shop,
on foot, from the high street end.
If it's safe, we take him
before he enters the shop.
Copy that.
He's just approaching
the shop now. Move in.
Go! Take him!
Morning, Brian. Now behave yourself.
What's going on.
- Brian Royce
I'm arresting you on suspicion
of handling stolen goods.
You do not have to say anything
- But it may harm your defence...
- Guuv...
...if you do not mention when questioned
something which you later rely on in court.
Who sold you this, Brian?
No comment.
Well, we know the sale's very recent.
Last few days.
No comment.
This man's done some terrible things.
He's not someone you want to protect,
not someone you want to be associated with.
If you don't tell us,
the cameras in your shop will.
We're viewing that footage right now.
There's no downside in co-operating.
Who sold you the necklace, Brian?
We need a name.
Otherwise,
we'll have to refocus our inquiry...
onto the provenance of every piece
of jewellery in your shop, say.
I'd like to take a break
so I can speak to my lawyer.
Of course.
- Interview paused at 08:46...
- Scared, isn't he? For a tough guy?
Hm-hm.
Shit.
- Gotta be somewhere?
Uh, it's just a family thing.
Well, go. I'll call if anything changes.
Alright. Thanks, Nathan.
Although... hang on.
You said...
"he'd done some terrible things”.
What kind of things?
He's a serial rapist
who targets elderly women.
The Night Stalker?
The Old Dear Hunter?
Yeah.
You're barking up the wrong tree, luv.
I'd have given you his name
in a fucking heartbeat.
I found these two loitering with intent.
Oh!
- Sorry we're late.
Oh, don't be silly.
Grab a plate.
Hi, Dad.
Those wings are done.
Uh, yeah they are, yeah.
How are you, Dad?
How are you is more to the point?
I hear you're busy again?
- Yeah. Yeah, I am.
Watch your back.
I know things have changed since my day.
There you go, have a beer.
— Oh. Thank you.
The grass is always greener
isn't it?
Taking over someone else's case
is always a bit messy.
I'm not taking over, I'm just helping out.
- Oh, yeah?
Oh, yeah, your mum
picked this up for you.
I did not.
Yes, you did.
It's an early
birthday present, isn't it?
Look at that!
I've finally got my way about a cruise.
You haven't!
Oh, Christ.
Only took me 20 years!
Why the change of heart, Dave?
What change of heart?
You're going, aren't you?
I always say,
being shut up on the high seas
with a bunch of numpties...
sounds like a nightmare.
Only now...
I'll be able to say so with authority!
I won't be a moment.
I bet you'll enjoy it.
- Yes, Guv...
- Any luck with that necklace?
Lab just called...
Three sets of female DNA
on the chain and clasp
not one is a match to Sandra Nelson.
So it's probably not her necklace then?
I really think it's a coincidence, Guv.
What about Brian Royce?
Sticking to his story.
Won't tell us where he got the necklace
but insists it wasn't Minstead Man.
Alright. OK, Thanks, Nathan.
Thank you very much for my T-shirt,
I love it.
And make sure you lock the front door
and bolt the French windows, eh?
If your man try's breaking into ours,
it'll be the last thing he does.
Oh blimey, have a word Mum, will you?
Bye, love...
Bye-bye.
Bye-bye!
- Bye-bye.
Night-night.
Bye.
Nathan.
Just had local CID on the phone.
He's gone berserk.
Hit three homes in the last two hours
and we're hearing reports of a fourth.
Colbridge Road?
Miles away. Thornton Heath!
Are you shorthanded?
That's an understatement.
Alright, I'll try and get you a HAT team.
No, I already tried, busy with
a fatal stabbing in Lambeth.
Where are you?
Boss, you don't need—-
I'll be an extra pair of hands,
where are you?
Nathan.
Boss.
The victim is an 85-year-old male,
a Mr Tomczyk
And get this. He insists he was burgled
by the same man three months ago.
Is there a record of that offence?
Yeah, local CID sent it our way.
I see. We sent it back
cos it didn't have Minstead's MO?
Correct.
Mr Tomczyk's in the garden.
He didn't want to be inside
and doesn't want to go to hospital.
He was very clear about that.
OK. Is this where he got in?
Yes, Guv.
Anything?
—The tool marks look very much like
our man's favourite screwdriver.
Microscope analysis should confirm.
Mr Tomczyk...
This is Mr Sutton, he's in charge.
How do you do, Mr Tomczyk.
I'm very sorry to hear
about the ordeal you've had tonight.
You sure you wouldn't like us to drive you
to hospital? Just to make sure?
I was in the war, Mr Sutton.
You go to hospital when you are shot.
Or when you step on a mine
and your foot is hanging off.
Fair enough.
I understand you think you've been burgled
by this man before?
I don't think it, I know it.
Did you recognise him?
His voice. His smell.
The way he sat there
watching me through his mask.
I said, "Oh, hello, it's you again".
What did he say?
He asked me for money.
I said no.
He said he would hurt me
if I did not give it to him.
So I uh, I gave him some cash.
I think that was a good idea.
Yes and no.
When I opened wallet, he saw bank card.
And he took that as well?
He asked me for PIN.
No way was I giving him the right number
and I reckoned you would be here
before he knew II'd tricked him.
Ah...
You're a very brave man.
After you give him the PIN, did he leave?
When I was in the army I was boxer.
They called me "Kon Roboczy"
which means "workhorse" in Polish.
I wasn't strongest, I wasn't fastest...
but I was stubborn.
I stayed on my feet whatever...
whatever they threw at me.
He didn't leave
after you gave him the PIN, did he?
I don't want to talk about it.
No.
No, I understand.
When you do feel ready, Patricia
here is a very, very good listener.
In fact she's so good
we pay her to do it.
Thank you.
Cup of tea?
Have you got a map?
Yeah in the car?
Mr Tomczyk gave him the wrong PIN
for his credit card.
Good on him.
Yeah.
Well, he must know that we'll stop
the card so he's gonna use it ASAP.
I'm assuming he has
a favourite bank machine?
Yeah, a couple.
Well, what's the nearest one.
Um...
There you go.
That is close.
Who've we got up and about?
Kenny and Cath attended
the first and second
and Adam and Neville went to the third.
Right, they're closer than us, then?
Tell them, I want them all
watching that cash machine
and they don't leave until I say so.
- Right.
How far?
Two minutes.
We can take a shortcut. Left here.
Fuck's sake, Kenny.
Downshire Gardens, it's a cross street.
Right at the end and you're there.
We should have a view
of the cash machine.
There.
There's our Ken.
Oh, bollocks!
— Nice one.
How Special Branch didn't snap him up,
I'll never know.
C'mon, you bastard. Come and get it.
Yeah, I'll let him know,
he's just arrived now.
Yeah. OK, cheers.
What? I thought we were
watching and waiting?
Too late, boss. We missed him.
What?
Financial boys just called.
He tried to get cash out of there
right before we got here.
We must've missed him by seconds.
— Oh, fuck!
Did the machine swallow his card?
No.
Well,
he might've discarded it nearby, then.
Close but no cigar, eh?
I'm kidding.
Good punt, sir.
Trip down memory lane coming back here.
Why, did you attend before?
And the two times before that.
Yeah, he seemed to like that machine
soO much we went proactive.
Oh, yeah?
- We arranged for hidden cameras
to be installed near the ATM
just in case he returned.
It was the Guv'nor's idea, as I recall.
And you didn't think
to mention that before?
Well, I'm mentioning it now, aren't I?
Are they still there? Are they working?
TSU are en route to retrieve the footage.
We're gonna get a look at Minstead Man,
a proper look.
If you'd got here five minutes sooner,
he'd be in fucking handcuffs!
I'm not sure that's fair, Boss.
No, it's not.
Alright look, we've had the nearest
of near misses.
It's, it's infuriating,
and it hurts, but we move on.
Let's see what the TSU bring.
They're in the phone box.
- Eh?
The cameras.
At 12:36am he walks briskly
from Lessing Street, makes a couple
of "lifesaver" glances behind,
as he approaches the ATM.
Um...
This is from the second camera.
Looks like he's wearing
some kind of blue cagoule.
Yeah, he wears it well...
Zipped up to his nose,
and hood pulled over his face.
Is that the best shot we've got of him?
Yeah, he's nothing if not cautious.
Well, maybe there's other things
we can glean beyond his appearance.
Like what?
I don't know, Adam,
but there's two cameras there
there's got to be something.
— What about his exit route?
Yeah, let's have a look at that, Cathy.
Whoa, hang on a minute.
That's us!
Neville, that's fucking us, mate.
If we'd have gotten there
30 seconds earlier...
Alright, spilt milk, Adam.
Cathy?
When he gives up on the ATM
he doesn't go in the direction
he came. He heads west.
Well, what road's that?
Uh, it's Ballina Street.
Right, so applying
a bit of street tradecraft
what do we think?
He's arriving by car?
Well, there's no way he got there
that fast any other way.
And not at that time of night.
So where's he parked?
Well, based on his approach,
I'd say near the top end of Lessing Street.
Maybe Flintock Street.
Agreed, but then he goes off
in a different direction.
So how's he getting back to his car?
What about here? There's a little
cut through further down Ballina Street
crosses back under the railway bridge
and comes out on Flintock Street.
Loop the loop.
Back in his car in two minutes, Guv.
Entrance is about 200 yards west
of the ATM
we did look at putting a camera on it.
Yeah. That's the cut through there.
Looks like the bushes extend
all the way down.
If you were looking to ditch
a hot bank card
it beats a bin or a drain cover,
doesn't it?
Kenny, I want a POLSA team down there
this afternoon, OK?
Yes, Boss. Alright. Good work, everyone.
Well done.
Can I have a word, boss?
- Yeah, sure.
I mean before we get in a POLSA team.
Hang on one, Kenny.
Mr Morgan called for an update earlier.
Right. Do you know
why he called you and not me?
I think he said your phone was busy.
Go on.
I told him about him using
his favourite ATM again...
OK?
He doesn't want us making a big fuss.
Says it might put him off returning
and those cameras
weren't cheap to install.
And how's he defining "a fuss"?
He specifically said
not to get in a POLSA team.
With respect, that's not his call.
Right, well...
Can you ring him
and tell him that, please?
That's not a conversation
I want to have. Not now.
Then you're putting me
in a difficult position.
That's not my intention.
Right, so call him.
Look, I know, he's your boss
It's not about that.
Well, what is it about?
Loyalty.
I'm his number two, he trusts me.
I'm not about to betray that trust
for someone I've known five minutes.
No offence.
None taken.
You've welcomed me
like no one else on this team.
Right, well, now you can return the favour.
No, sorry, I'm the acting SIO on this and my
decision is that we search that cut through.
If there's any problem I'll be sure he knows
you gave me the message and I ignored it.
It's on Mme.
OK.
Be worth it for the chance of some evidence
cos Christ, we need something.
Go on then Kenny, call 'em up.
He's here...
Found a bank card.
Looks weather-damaged, II'd be surprised
if it was stashed there last night.
Hmm, It's a different name as well,
"Mrs A Waynflete".
Anne Waynflete?
Yeah.
- She a Minstead victim?
Yeah. Two years ago.
And did he use this card
in that ATM two years ago?
Well, looks like it.
Thanks, Tabs, good work.
— Thank you.
Well, if they'd have searched
this place two years ago
they might've got prints and DNA.
Still might.
After two years weather damage?
Not a chance.
In fairness, she didn't report
a card being stolen.
I took her statement, Guv.
If you've got any other questions,
I'll be happy to help.
Yes, thank you.
You want somewhere bigger, just say.
Nah.
Feels like home now.
What's on your mind?
Errol Dobson.
Can you get the team together, please?
Yeah, sure.
- Thanks, Nathan.
Errol Dobson was a prolific burglar
of the elderly in the early '90s. He was
even more prolific than Minstead Man.
He also favoured the night
and he'd been at it for years.
His patch was only small
just a dozen or so streets in Tottenham
that just made it all the more galling
when we couldn't catch him.
Some of the team lost faith, you know.
They said, "How can one man be
responsible for so many offences?"
We were chasing a phantom or a ghost.
And everything we tried...
everything failed.
Until my boss went proactive.
What did that involve?
Cobbling together thirty bodies
and saturating those streets.
We knew how sharp he was
so we had to stay well hidden
there was no hunkering down
in the passenger seat.
Do you get him?
Night five. Caught in the act.
And that is how we'll catch Minstead Man.
Are you serious?
If you've got a better idea, Kenny,
I'm all ears.
But we're not looking at
a corner of Tottenham, Guv.
We're looking at most of South London.
From the Thames to the M23.
He's right, and we tried
going proactive before.
Yes, I know you have...
and Simon agrees it's worth another shot.
By his own admission that effort
was hampered by resources.
And this time it won't be?
We just need a bigger boat.
Ocean liner.
Fucking aircraft carrier.
Yeah, I'm not feeling this uh...
boat analogy.
- It's from Jaws.
Thanks, Cathy. No, what I mean is
that boat doesn't exist.
It'd take hundreds of officers,
you'd get to keep "em for two nights max
this is a bloke
who stopped dead for three years.
You finished?
I'm just saying.
No, they're good points, well made.
But we have to try something new,
Adam, we have to.
Now, analysis can shave down
the target area, right, Richard?
To a degree.
How?
- Well, he never goes for flats
local authority, social housing.
It's always private dwellings
houses, bungalows.
What, that's it?
And there's the crimes themselves.
The way they're clustered.
Oh, come on, he's offended all over!
Yeah he has, but going back to '92
there's a density of offending
in the Shirley area
that makes it
what we call an "anchor point".
His hunting ground of choice?
Yeah and that's the patch
where we're most likely
to catch him in the act.
From there we build out a map
of other target areas around Shirley.
Might be a square mile,
might be a single street.
Well, this map,
what are we supposed to do with it?
We refine it, we cost it and then
we flog it to the Force Tasking Group
no one else can fund
an operation of this scale.
And then we go out and nick him.
Sorry, Guv, I was with Mr Tomczyk.
- How's he doing?
Oh, OK under the circumstances.
He told me what happened,
so that's a start.
And?
The offender fondled his genitals
and after threats of violence,
forced him to touch his own.
Oh, God.
My sense is that was the extent
of the sexual contact.
I'll be able to say that with
more confidence after another session.
Poor man.
Yeah.
And you.
How long have you been on Minstead?
Five years.
It's a lot of victims.
It's gonna take its toll?
I'm like anyone, boss,
there's good days and bad.
Yeah, but you're at the sharp end,
aren't you?
Oh, at first it was just finding the...
vocabulary to coax the
information we needed.
Finding other ways to say
"What happened? What did he do to you?"
I used to pause the interviews
so they wouldn't see how upset I was.
Then I was dealing with their children
and, oh, God...
that was a whole other thing.
In what way?
First, there's just breaking it to them.
Telling a son or daughter that
their mum's been sexually assaulted.
Then you see the dynamics change.
The kids become the parents and these...
wonderful, totally autonomous adults
become dependent...
become the kids.
Hard not to get emotionally involved?
- Mm...
Lately I've been going
from funeral to funeral with this...
terrible sadness and I won't lie, fury...
that they won't see justice done.
When it's all over, it will hit me,
I know it will.
I'm almost looking forward to it.
Richard.
Thanks for backing me up in there.
Hope I didn't come
across as a total chancer.
Well, we are taking a chance, aren't we?
Yeah. Yeah. A big one.
I want you to book me a meeting room
at Scotland Yard next Monday.
No problem.
— And I want your help with an email.
Concise as possible but that conveys
the rate and gravity of the offences
and the need urgent to take action.
Yeah, sure.
It'll come from the heart. Who's it for?
Heads of all the squads that can give us
a chance with the Force Tasking Group.
Oh, you'll need it.
FTG reject 92% of funding requests.
Better make that email count then, eh?
You definitely said Monday?
Only just coming up to ten.
Reminds me of my eighth birthday party.
- Neville?
- He was out last night.
Lady of 70 in Coulsdon.
He started assaulting her
and she begged him to stop.
She says he did,
whether or not that's true TBC.
Is Patricia with her?
Yeah. As we speak.
Alright. Thanks, Neville, keep me posted.
Boss.
Colin? Superintendent Jackie Miller
and DCI Greg Burns, Covert Policing.
Good to meet you.
Thanks so much for coming.
Well, it was a compelling email.
Oh. Oh, good, come on in. Come on in.
This way. Get dry. Morning.
Cup of tea? Cup of coffee? Morning.
I've never made a request
to the Force Tasking Group
but I understand that many of you here
are regular bidders
and I hear that one of you
even saw some money once.
Yeah. That was me.
Fucking cheque bounced!
So we're here to listen and to learn.
I'm a big believer in laying out "the plan”
in frankly idiot-proof language.
I'd say something like
"by observing every inch of the targeted
streets you're seeking to control them".
No one will be able to walk in
or out without you seeing them.
If Minstead Man steps on your plot,
you will get him, no ifs, no buts.
That means no officers
walking around the plot.
Everyone needs to be inside a building.
I'd also suggest
having surveillance teams
on standby just outside the plot.
If a suspect needs to be
questioned they can be tailed
and pulled over
well away from the target area.
Yeah. That's crucial.
You don't want word getting out
that there's surveillance going on
in Shirley.
We'd be very happy to supply air support
for whatever mission
you end up running.
We can watch from an altitude
and be completely undetectable
from the ground.
Kevin and I run Central Control.
We can have access to 24-7 live feeds
from thousands of local authority
and Transport for London cameras.
Looking at your proposed plot
you'd need at least 150 bodies
to throw a net over that.
- Right.
- Which you'll never get.
There is a smaller area I've devised...
here, in and around Shirley.
Still big but more achievable.
Seventy five officers should
be able to deliver that.
What are our chances of getting that?
If you ask for 150 officers,
they'll probably give you 50.
But if you ask for 75 and you make
a good case
you might get 75.
If we shrink the plot, the odds of him
offending obviously shrink, too.
By how much?
Well, based on past offences,
they drop from one in three to one in six.
One in six?
You know what?
They're still good odds. I'll take that.
So when do you pitch to the FTG?
Well, now I know what to ask for
as soon as possible.
Listen. Thank you.
Thank you all for your support
and your expertise.
I just want to say
how much it means
that so many of you responded.
And clearly care about this case
and it's many, many victims.