Police have launched a new crackdown on crime in a troubled area of Birmingham – and vowed to combat the offences blighting residents’ lives every day. West Midlands Police will be using money seized from criminals to fund Operation Fearless, which was announced today, Tuesday, January 7.
The operation will first launch in and around Erdington High Street – an area marred by rising anti-social behaviour, violence and serious criminal activity. The force says it already has a dedicated team taking “daily action” on the crimes in the area, where locals have raised safety concerns.
The crackdown will focus on seven crimes, ranging from drugs and violence to anti-social behaviour and exploitation – and is set to be rolled out in other areas in coming months. Erdington was chosen as the launch area based on “crime trends, data and consultation with partners” – and as criminality has cost its economy there an estimated £7million in the last year alone.
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Working with the council and other agencies such as immigration, public transport companies and businesses, police hope to tackle: Drugs, anti-social behaviour, robbery, violence, shoplifting, sale of stolen goods and exploitation.
It’s hoped the £880,000 funding from Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster will help to “bring down crime and improve the quality of life” for communities in Erdington, and the wider West Midlands.
More than 100 people, including partners from across the region, are coming together at Villa Park to launch Fearless today, Tuesday, January 7. However, the team has already begun its work in Erdington, with 32 arrests in just over a month among the team’s work so far.
Operation Fearless from West Midlands Police in Erdington.
Since the end of November, the Fearless team has:
- Made 32 arrests from the High Street for offences including wounding, theft, drugs, possession of knives and recall to prison
- Made three arrests for immigration matters
- Seized eight bladed articles such as knives
- Carried out 81 stop and searches, of which 28 led to recoveries.
- Carried out 18 drug seizures resulting in two arrests for possession with intent to supply and 16 referrals to drugs support workers
Officers involved in Operation Fearless in Erdington
- Seized 26,724 items of illicit and counterfeit goods worth £1 million, including tobacco and cigarettes
- Seized 565 items of unlicensed prescribed medication
- Secured two orders banning habitual shoplifters from the High Street
- Served nine warnings on people causing anti-social behaviour
- Worked with Immigration, Trading Standards and HMRC
Police say feedback from people who live and work in Erdington has been “fantastic, with many already noticing the difference.” Det Supt Jim Munro, who is heading the operation, said: “Every day, people in Erdington should feel safe, but we’ve been listening to community concerns, and we understand people aren’t feeling safe.
Police identified Erdington as the start location due to the crime trends there
“So we are now launching Operation Fearless to ensure that people feel safe coming to Erdington to live, work and shop. Working with a whole host of partners, we’ll be making this area safer and dealing with the crimes that matter to people the most.
“We hear you, we understand you and what matters to the community the most. What we need now is your support.” Police and Crime Commissioner Mr Foster added: “I am pleased to announce that I am investing nearly £1million from proceeds of crime recovered from criminals, to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.
“Operation Fearless is launching first, in and around Erdington High Street. West Midlands Police, working with partners, will be robustly targeting the crime and anti-social behaviour associated with drugs, robbery, shop theft, violence, stolen goods and exploitation.
“I am committed to ensuring there is a reassuring and visible presence out on the streets to keep people, families, businesses and local communities safe and secure. “