Words by Ed King / Pics supplied by West Midlands Police, or taken from Erdington Local archives
A man has been arrested for a series of distraction burglaries, one of which left an elderly Erdington woman in a “serious condition” in hospital.
West Midlands Police confirmed they now have a 59 year old man in custody in connection with the robberies, which took place across Birmingham and the West Midlands, after raiding an address in South Yardley on Thursday 10 October.
At the time of writing, West Midlands Police could not confirm or deny if any charges for assault had also been made.
A spokesperson for West Midlands Police told: “A 59-year-old man has now been arrested on suspicion of 16 burglaries in Birmingham, Sandwell, Solihull and Wolverhampton. He’s currently in custody for questioning.
“We’ve been investigating a series of distraction burglaries over the last month with many targeting elderly victims. An 88-year-old woman was assaulted during one offence in Erdington.”
They added: “We’re grateful for all the support and information we’ve received from [the public] during our enquiries so far.”
Prior to any arrests being made, forces across the country had been chasing a 59 year old man named Bernard McDonagh (also known as Bernard Lovell) in connection with the crimes and for absconding from HMP Spring Hill – a Category D prison for male inmates in the village of Grendon Underwood, Buckinghamshire, over 60 miles from Erdington.
In previous a statement issued to Erdington Local, investigating officer Detective Constable Melanie Cannon from Thames Valley Police confirmed: “I am renewing our appeal for anyone with information on [Bernard McDonagh’s] whereabouts to contact Thames Valley Police online or by calling 101, quoting reference number 43220388450.
“Colleagues at West Midlands Police are also searching for McDonagh in connection with distraction burglaries targeting vulnerable elderly women in Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Sandwell and Solihull.”
West Midlands Police could not release the name of the 59 year old man they now have in custody for the distraction burglaries, but following the arrest they did confirm to Erdington Local: “Bernard McDonagh is no longer wanted.”
In public statement West Midlands Police added: “We still want information about the distraction burglaries, and to hear from anyone else who has been a victim.
“You can contact us via Live Chat on our website, or by calling 101, and quote 20/819250/24.
“Alternatively, report information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Words by Ed King / Pics from Google Maps or taken from Erdington Local archives
Jerry’s Lane, Erdington / Google Maps
Police have apprehended and arrested a man on suspicion of burglary in the early hours of Tuesday morning on Jerry’s Lane.
Responding to call over concerns a break in was taking place, officers from the recently formed Operation Skybridge responded quickly and arrived at the address at around 2am on 8 October.
After searching the scene and surrounding areas, a 28 year old man was found hiding in a nearby garden and arrested on suspicion of burglary.
Tesfa Bernard-Wheeler, from Selly Oak, was subsequently charged with the offence and remanded to appear before Birmingham Magistrates Court on 9 October.
A spokesperson from West Midlands Police told: “We’ve arrested a suspected burglar after promptly responding to a break-in in Birmingham this morning (8 October).
“We were alerted to a burglary taking place in Jerry’s Lane, Erdington, at around 2am. Officers from our Op Skybridge Team – part of the Birmingham Proactive Crime Team – quickly arrived and a suspect was seen leaving the area.”
Jerry’s Lane, Erdington / Google Maps
They added: “A 28-year-old man was found in a nearby garden and arrested on suspicion of burglary. He remains in police custody for questioning.
“The team, made up of plain clothes and uniformed officers, target areas where information is received about crime that affects our communities.”
Operation Skybridge was recently launched with officers from the Birmingham Proactive Crime Team, with a mandate to tackle street level and community crime such as robbery, assault, home invasions, burglaries, and drug dealing.
Initially deployed in Selly Oak and Erdington, the team behind Operation Skybridge wasted little time in making significant arrests.
Thief breaking in with a crowbar / Adobe Stock Images
On 5 October, the special police team announced they had arrested a man the caught on Erdington High Street with 40 wraps of cocaine hidden in his boxer shorts which lead them to make a wider seizure of drugs worth over £5000.
Parts of Erdington High Street have long been blighted by open air drug dealing, leaving many local residents and shoppers alike feeling unsafe in Erdington Town Centre and leading to contact calls for extra police presence
It is hoped by many in the area the new Operation Skybridge might start to turn the tide on crime on Erdington Town Centre and other crime hotspots across the North Birmingham constituency.
Sergeant Leon Butler from Operation Skybridge told: “We’ve carried out dozens of stop and searches, made 12 arrests, disrupted drug dealing on the streets and carried out numerous seizures of weapons, drugs and cars.
“Last week we stopped and searched a man in Erdington to find he had 40 wraps of cocaine in his boxers.
“Through investigation and subsequent warrants we executed, we made a higher value drugs seizure of £5,000. This extra legwork means there is a good chance he will face a greater sanction, which is really good news for the force and for the community.”
West Midlands Police – crest and logo
He added: “We’re also seizing large amounts of drugs from other offenders, arresting nominals for robberies and burglaries and we’ve seized numerous weapons which could have caused real harm out on the streets.
“This is pure proactive policing, causing maximum difficulty and disruption to those who are doing the most harm to our communities.”
West Midlands Police are asking Erdington locals to contact them about crime in the area by calling 101 and quoting #OpSkybridge, stating: “The intelligence we receive will be considered and acted upon.”
Words by Ed King / Pics supplied by West Midlands Police, or taken from Erdington Local archives
Police have released the name of man they want to talk to in relation to a series of distraction burglaries – one of which left on elderly Erdington woman in a “serious condition” in hospital.
Detectives investigating a number of crimes across Birmingham, Sandwell, and Solihull, are looking for Bernard McDonagh – also known as Bernard Lovell.
Distraction burglaries are where the offender pretends to someone in a position of authority or trust – such as a council official, tradesperson, or a member of the emergency services – to gain access to the victim’s house and steal cash, jewellery, and personal belongings.
The recent spate across the region have told reports of a man posing as a city officer or member of the local water company telling the victims he needs entry to their home “to check their taps”, with elderly women being targeted.
After a number of enquires, detectives involved in the investigation want to speak to Bernard McDonagh and have asked the public to get in touch if they can help track him down.
A spokesperson for West Midlands Police told: “We need to speak to Bernard McDonagh, who’s also known as Bernard Lovell, aged 59, over the offences.
“Elderly women have been targeted by a man posing as a council official or an employee for a water company, stating that he needs to check their taps.”
They added: “During one of the incidents, an 88-year-old woman was assaulted at her address in Erdington, and she remains in hospital in a serious condition.
“Detectives have carried out a number of enquiries and now need to speak to McDonagh.”
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Mr Bernard McDonagh, also known as Bernard Lovell, have been asked to call 999 immediately – or by calling 101 quoting crime investigation number 20/819250/24.
Information can also be given via the West Midlands Police Live chat on the WMP website: www.westmidlands.police.uk
Alternatively, reports can be made anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Video of distraction burglary suspect released by west Midlands Police
Kingstanding Crime Conference poster / Supplied by Paulette Hamliton MP
This evening, 3 October, the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster, will be attending and speaking at the Kingstanding Crime Conference.
Held at the Kingstanding Leisure Centre, Dulwich Road, from 6pm to 7:30pm, the conference is free to attend and open to members of the general public.
Tickets can be secured by registering through a special Eventbrite page – click here, or type ‘Kingstanding Crime Conference Eventbrite’ into an online search engine.
Organised by Erdington MP Paulette Hamilton, who will also be speaking at the event, the conference has been set up to hear local residents’ concerns over crime in the area and “[lay] the groundwork for key community initiatives” which the MP hopes will “enhance safety and security in Kingstanding.”
Kingstanding Leisure Centre / Google Maps
Ms Hamilton recently became the representative for the entire Kingstanding Ward after the Boundary Commission changed the constituency boarders ahead of the 2024 General Election.
She told Erdington Local: “[Kingstanding residents] feel like nothing is being done” to tackle crime in the area, with a focus on “off-road bikes, gangs, and other forms of antisocial behaviour.”
She added: “I have been working tirelessly across our constituency to tackle these issues head-on. The Kingstanding Crime Conference is an important step in this effort.
“This event aims to bring together the police, the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner (WMPCC), local partners, and residents. The goal is to provide strong leadership and long-term solutions to the challenges we face in the area.
“Our ultimate aim is to create a community where everyone feels safe and proud to call it their home.”
Simon Foster talking to a member of the public on Erdington High Street / Ed King
After attending similar events in Castle Vale and Erdington Town Centre, Mr Foster – who is responsible for the region’s policing and anti-crime strategy – will now be meeting with Kingstanding residents.
As outlined on the conference agenda, Mr Foster will be telling Kingstanding locals what ‘resources have/can be allocated to help the police’ tackle crime in the area, before taking questions for 30 minutes.
The conference will also be a chance for Kingstanding locals to input into the region’s Police and Crime Plan, which is set to be published in 2025 and will guide the regional anti-crime strategy for the next four years.
Mr Foster will be inviting those attending the Kingstanding Crime Conference to complete a survey that will help shape the final plan.
Police and public / Ed King
Ahead of the Kingstanding Crime Conference, the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner told Erdington Local: “The conference is an important opportunity to listen to local residents about matters that are of concern to them, discuss achievements, explain challenges and identify the further action required by West Midlands Police and partners, so that we all work together to prevent and tackle crime, to keep people, families, business and the local community safe and secure.”
He added: “I am in the process of an extensive and wide-ranging consultation, on the preparation of my new Police and Crime Plan.
“It is important the Plan reflects the needs, priorities and objectives of the people and communities of the West Midlands, when it comes to crime, policing and community safety.”
Abandoned tents and rubbish on Bleak Hil Park / Short Heath Fields Trust
A prominent local community group has warned Birmingham City Council (BCC) “the goodwill is disappearing fast” after weeks of chasing a response over dangerous debris and hard rubbish left in Bleak Hill Park by squatters.
Initially reported in late August by Short Heath Fields Trust (SHFT) and Friends of Bleak Hill Park (FoBHP) up to four tents had been found on Bleak Hill Park – accumulating significant rubbish, akin to fly tipping.
Alongside the abandoned tents, the people who had set up camp on the green space – used regularly by local children and dogwalkers – left behind waste including sodden mattresses, old clothes, and even a microwave.
SHTF and FoBHP further reported “drug paraphernalia left in the bushes” where one tent had been pitched, proposing a hazard to any rubbish removal without proper equipment in case of discarded needles or items that could carry possible infection.
Abandoned tents and rubbish on Bleak Hil Park / Short Heath Fields Trust
Alongside seeking help from BCC over the clearing the refuse, SHFT reached out to the people camping in the park and contacted StreetLink on their behalf – a charity which connects people sleeping rough to support agencies and services.
In a strongly worded series of emails to the BCC Parks Department and several members of the council, SHFT Secretary, Paul Smith, challenged the “total lack of response” from Stockland Green Ward Councillors Jane Jones (Labour) and Amar Khan (Labour) – the elected officials responsible for the area.
Having initially been told the debris would be cleared by 28 August, after the BCC Parks Department raised an official incident report, Mr Smith continued to ask for the agreed help but found “the level of inactivity and lack of communication [from Birmingham City Council] increasingly frustrating”.
Short Heath Fields Trust logo
Mr Smith did receive some support from Councillor Robert Alden (Erdington Ward, Conservative) who is technically not responsible for Bleak Hill Park but referred the issue on to the Cabinet member for Environment and Transport, Councillor Majid Mahmood (Bromford and Hodge Hill Ward, Labour).
In the final email dated 21 September, Mr Smith, who is involved in other local community groups that help support Erdington’s green spaces and keep the streets clean, continued: “There are many proactive community volunteer groups operating in Erdington, who regularly pick up the slack when Birmingham City Council let its constituents down. but just occasionally we ask for your help.
“If we all ignored the issues we find in our communities, as you have done in this case, Erdington would be in a far poorer state.”
He added: “I sometimes feel it is only the commitment of hardworking community groups that is keeping Erdington afloat, but goodwill and hard work will only go so far.”
Save Short Heath Playing Fields campaign / Ed King
At the time of writing this article, the rubbish remains on Bleak Hill Park and no members of Short Heath Fields Trust or Friends of Bleak Hill Park have received any further communication from anyone at Birmingham City Council – nearly two months after it was initially raised.
Short Heath Fields Trust became invested in the upkeep of both Short Heath Fields and Bleak Hill Park after having successfully fought a council plan to build an 84 strong housing estate on the beloved green space.
Since stopping the development, SHFT have organised a series of well attended community events on the parkland – alongside organising regular maintenance of the grass and shrubs, and planting new trees with the Woodlands Trust.
The Trust also build a community Covid memorial by the pathway that connects Short Heath Road to Marsh Lane and are an active community group well known by the surrounding ward councillors and BCC Parks Department.
Short Heath Fields Trust Covid memeorial on Bleak Hil Park / Ed King
After being contacted by SHFT about the issue, Erdington Local reached out to both Jane Jones (Stockland Green Ward, Labour) and Cllr Amar Khan (Stockland Green Ward, Labour) for comment.
Cllr Jones responded: “I personally missed the emails from Mr Smith while on holiday in August and so did Councillor Khan who was out of the country with his family.
“After I had read the first two emails the gentlemen had departed the park (so we were told) and I admit that removing the rubbish was not my priority at that time as I had hundreds of emails to action.
“As councillors we receive many many emails on a daily basis and after a holiday the number was substantial.”
Short Heath Playing Fields / Ed King
She added: “My concern is for the gentlemen having to live in tents in the park along with the many homeless individuals on a nightly basis sleeping in doorways in the City Centre.
“Homelessness is a major crisis in the UK and urgent action is required as successive governments have failed to undertake the mass house building of social housing to help remedy the current housing catastrophe.
“Councillor Khan and I will work with the appropriate Cabinet Members to resolve the issue that has angered Mr Smith and apologise to him for our poor response to date.
“We will also visit the gentlemen who currently reside in the park to obtain their back story and see what help can be undertaken on their behalf.”
Birmingham City Council House, Victoria Square / Adobe Stock Images
Birmingham City Council (BCC) have told devastated youth workers they are axing all part time staff and potentially putting all youth centres up for sale, in a ploy to save over £100m by 2026.
Following a meeting on 26 September, BCC Youth Service staff were left dumbfounded after Director of Children’s Services, Dr Sue Harrison, outlined the plans in a presentation to city workers which would see 44 jobs lost – including 37 youth support workers.
Youth Service staff have been waiting since April for the results of a review of the three services which deal with young people across Birmingham: careers, 14-19, and the youth service.
At the meeting last week, it was announced all three services will be merged into one service and the remaining staff were told they would not be working out of geographic centres which many fear could break the link between youngsters and their youth workers.
Staff were further told every youth centre in the city would be subject to “expression of interest” meaning third parties who want to buy them will be notified.
Junior football team / Adobe Stock Images
The recent Youth Service cuts come days after the new Labour government promised to invest in youth work, as the city remains in the grip of a teenage knife crime crisis.
But Birmingham’s Youth Service has long suffered cuts, with centres across the city shut down or stripped back. Erdington saw the cherished Malcom Locker Youth Centre close in 2014 after a previous round of council cuts and despite a locally led campaign to save it, with the neighbouring Clifton Road Youth Centre near Sutton Park only open three evenings a week.
Most recently, Foundations 4 the Future CIC – which engages young people through sport and “bespoke” programmes – was forced to give up it’s youth centre at Central Square after owners of the site decided to demolish the building following two failed bids by Birmingham City Council for regeneration funding.
Following the meeting on 26 September, and the news of job losses and asset sales, a Save Birmingham Youth Service (SBYS) spokesman told: “It has been announced that new proposals for the Youth Service will see the loss of 44 jobs. 37 of these will be youth support workers that are vital in running youth clubs and activities across our city.
“The loss of these roles will have an unprecedented effect on the services that Birmingham Youth Service can offer the young people of our amazing city. Further roles will be lost in essential admin and business roles within the new proposals.”
Youth workers flag up children in danger of sexual exploitation, county lines criminality, and many other types of abuse. With a record number of children in the city not attending school their role has become even more important.
Birmingham has long celebrated itself as being the youngest city in Europe, with a reported 40% of its population under 25.
Council Leader Cllr John Cotton recently recognised Birmingham “a young and dynamic city” when attending the development launch of a new Enterprise Hub in Erdington, whilst further paying tribute to the “tremendous assets that we have out in our community”.
In a statement for the press given on Friday 27 September, Dr Sue Harrison said: “Consultation has commenced on a redesign of the council’s Youth Service aimed at creating a service model that is sustainable and provides a consistent approach to youth services across the city that is more aligned with other services working with young people.
“We appreciate that any meeting where staff reductions are proposed can be difficult for staff and we have signposted support from managers as well as the council’s Employee Assistance Programme, for those who wish to take it up.”
She added “Every member of staff will be invited to a one-to-one discussion as part of the consultation process.”
Birmingham City Council is cutting services due to its ongoing financial crisis, after equal pay liabilities and a defunct IT system cost the city hundreds of millions.
After borrowing £1.25bn from central government following to balance its books the council needs to save over £300m over the next two financial years by cutting services, selling off assets, and hiking up the price of Council Tax.
The Children and Families Directorate has been given a savings target of £52.2m for 2024/25 and £63.2m for 2025/26 financial year.
True, I’m not new, I was at Hive College last year too, on the Traineeship programme, which I think is safe to say, I did brilliantly.
But there is that feeling of newness. That crisp, first day feel, that twist as your stomach Cha-cha Slides somewhere in your chest. The sheen of sweat coating your palms. Avoiding eye contact.
I was at the same school for fifteen years, which, in many ways, makes me feel ancient, despite having just turned nineteen. I now feel like a stranger, knowing that not everyone knows me yet – as lovely as everybody is – and the handful of familiar faces that have cropped up along the way is comforting.
It is comparable to starting a good video game, shooting all the bad guys, finding some plucky young girl out in the middle of nowhere, and then switching it off because your mum is calling you to ask where the potato peeler went.
But when you get back on it – you have to shoot all the bad guys again. It’s not a perfect world. We have to start again.
But it’s a chance to be the best you, starting a new place. You can set yourself new goals and try to be the person you know you can be.
My tips – regardless of starting a new place or not – or if you want – starting afresh, turning over a new leaf – are these: What do you want to do? Talk to the mysterious new person? Go do it – or squeak ‘hi’ at them like I did.
Want to impress the One in Charge? Don’t bootlick. Be you. You’re where you are for a reason.
Set yourself a goal outside of the workaday world. Even if it’s to learn to make potato salad, it gives you something to talk about.
Also, you know that thing you keep thinking about? The thing that you hold close like a fur coat? Drop it. Chances are that was ages ago. Move on, smile, and press ‘New Game.’
It’s your turn to be The New One.
Daniel Selwood is a student at The Hive College who is involved in our LOCAL AMBASSADORS, GET WRITING GET WORKING, and BACK TO SCHOOL programmes – providing him a platform to support and develop his writing.
Queensbury School recently held an exhibition at the prestigious Direct Art Action Gallery (Sutton Coldfield), showcasing the creative talents of its students.
The event provided a platform for young artists to display a variety of works, ranging from paintings and drawings to sculptures and mixed media creations.
Each artwork offering a unique perspective on various themes such as identity, culture, and artist inspirations. Teachers and art instructors worked closely with the students to prepare their works, helping them refine techniques and explore creative ideas.
Parents, teachers, and community members viewed the exhibition, praising the students’ artistic talents and dedication. Many were impressed by the depth of expression and creativity demonstrated by the young artists.
The Direct Art Action Gallery, known for supporting emerging artists, offered a professional space for the students, allowing their work to be presented in a real gallery setting.
The exhibition not only celebrated the students’ accomplishments but also emphasized the importance of fostering creativity in education.
This successful event promises to be the first of many more collaborations between the school and Direct Art Action Gallery.
Words and pics supplied by Marsh Hill Primary School
Reception class children at Marsh Hill Primary started the new school year by getting hands on with nature, going outside to plant fresh herbs in the school’s garden and planters with Sunshines and Early Career Teacher Mr Glover.
Whilst putting their green fingers to good use, and learning more about the natural world, the children also planted young box bushes – a slow growing evergreen shrub that might start small but can grow to over two meters in height.
The children also got to explore the school’s outdoor garden and discovered a secret world of minibeasts that live in the undergrowth and under the soil.
From woodlouse to worms, and bugs to beetles, they unearthed animals and insects that are part of the precious ecosystem that keeps the garden alive and help to grow the herbs, plants, and shrubs.
Mr Glover told: “The children loved being out in the school garden and learning about all the wonderful minibeasts that help it thrive and survive.
“After planting some fresh herbs and box bush shrubs, the children will also be able to see these grow and better understand the natural world works.
“Plus, it is a lot of fun getting your hands dirty in the garden and it encourages children to play outside and enjoy nature.”
After the lesson, the children were full of questions about the minibeasts they found and were excited to explore the world around them and learn more about nature.
Marsh Hill Primary School is part of the Erdington Local BACK TO SCHOOL programme, working together to celebrate school life from staffroom to classroom.
If your school would like to know more about going BACK TO SCHOOL with Erdington Local please email: edking@erdingtonlocal.com
Mrs Mcelwee, Assistant Principal, Kings Rise Academy
Kings Rise Academy Primary School has welcomed its students back for the new academic year, and not even the gloomy weather could dampen their spirits. Despite the rain pouring down, the children arrived with bright smiles, eager to reunite with friends and teachers.
Mrs Mcelwee, Assistant Principal, along with the behaviour team, kicked off the academic year with a highly successful meeting for Year 6 parents – aiming to ensure students feel prepared and confident as they move into the next stage of their education.
The school’s warm and welcoming atmosphere was evident as students settled into their new routines, with teachers ready to kick off another exciting term of learning.
The classrooms were buzzing with activity and joy as pupils eagerly shared their summer adventures.
Kings Rise Academy / Ed King
Teachers have been busy preparing classrooms, ensuring a welcoming and vibrant learning environment. Both staff and students look forward to making new memories, learning new skills, and achieving great things.
Kings Rise Academy is determined to make this year one to remember, focusing on creating engaging lessons, nurturing friendships, and fostering a love of learning.
The staff and students are proving that, come rain or shine, nothing can stop the joy of being back at school.
