Contains some upsetting scenes.

News imageCrime Next Door, The Cop, The Kidnap and The Killer, 1. The Perfect Detective

Crime Next Door

The Cop, The Kidnap and The Killer

1. The Perfect Detective

2 December 2025

33 minutes

Available for over a year

Detective Chief Superintendent Robert 'Bob' Booth from West Mercia Police is tested by the rarest of crimes.

He faces an unprecedented challenge after 17-year-old Lesley Whittle is kidnapped from her home in Highley, Shropshire, and a ransom note is found.

The case gripped the nation in 1975 and created widespread public fear.

This series contains rare and original archive, some not broadcast since the time.

Presenter: Susan Hanks.

Producer: Susan Hanks and Rob Howell.

Sounds Producer: Rob Howell.

Story Consultant: Luke Eldridge.

Online Producer: Rachael Smith.

Executive Producers: Arran Bee and Aftab Gulzar.

Commissioning Editor: Alistair Miskin.

ARCHIVE : Bob Booth commentary sourced from ‘Real Crime – The Heiress & The Kidnapper’ produced by ITV.