Birmingham’s high street, once deemed unsafe, will see 20 new officers deployed to combat crime and restore community safety
Birmingham: A high street that used to be called a “no-go zone” is getting some serious attention. The West Midlands Police are launching Operation Fearless, bringing in new officers and regular patrols to tackle crime and anti-social behavior.
Since November, the focus has been on Erdington, where crime has cost taxpayers a whopping £7 million last year. Residents have been living in fear due to violence and open drug use, so this operation is a welcome change.
Det Supt Jim Munro is leading the charge. He’s got plans to expand the operation to other parts of Birmingham once they get a handle on things in Erdington. New officers are being assigned specifically to this area to help clean it up.
While chatting with us on the high street, Munro mentioned that they’ll have daily patrols in Erdington. They’ve already pinpointed other areas in the city that need attention too.
Last year, local business owners shared their struggles with drug dealers operating openly on the street, which led to a spike in shoplifting and violence. It’s been a tough time for everyone.
In June, we even spotted blood stains on the pavement after a violent incident. Just recently, police found a stash of £1 million worth of drugs hidden behind a fake wall in a shop. It’s clear that something had to be done.
Det Supt Munro explained that they’re investing nearly 20 extra officers into this operation, funded by proceeds from crime. The goal is to embed these officers in Erdington and then expand their efforts across Birmingham.
Residents have expressed their fears about safety on the high street, and Munro reassured them that’s exactly why they’re here. In just over four weeks, they’ve made over 30 arrests for various offenses, including serious assaults.
They’re also recovering weapons, with seven large knives taken off the streets. Plus, they’ve seized over £300,000 in assets related to drug crimes. It’s all about targeting those who are causing the most harm to the community.
When asked about future targets, Munro mentioned they’ll be looking at the south side of the city center, including areas around New Street Station and the Arcadian. But he promised they’ll keep a steady focus on Erdington as they branch out.
How safe do you feel in your neighborhood? Let us know!
