Inspector Hayley Thompson / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police
Words by Inspector Hayley Thompson, Erdington Neighbourhood Police Team
As 2026 gets underway, I wanted to share a few positive updates from your local policing team and let you know what we’ve been focusing on.
Firstly, Erdington has a new Sergeant. Claire Millard has recently joined the team and is keen to get out, meet residents, talk to businesses, and connect with local community groups. If you see her while you’re out and about, please do stop and say hello.
We’ve also been busy planning for the year ahead. Before Christmas, we met with many of our fantastic volunteers, including StreetWatch, Speed Watch, Neighbourhood Watch and Street Pastors. These volunteers play a vital role as extra eyes and ears in the community, helping us spot issues early and keep neighbourhoods safe.
If you’re looking for something new this year, enjoy getting out for a walk and want to meet people locally, volunteering could be a great option. You’ll go out with our PCSOs, help report concerns and tackle anti‑social behaviour and we’re always happy to welcome new volunteers.
Police officers on patrol on Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police
January also marks one year since Operation Fearless launched in Erdington. Over the past year, officers have made more than 300 arrests and carried out over 500 stop and searches across Erdington and Southside areas of Birmingham.
Most importantly, this work has contributed to an 80 per cent reduction in knife crime and a 60 per cent drop in serious youth violence locally.
There’s always more to do, but these results show what’s possible when police, partners, and the community work together.
If you have any concerns or want to speak to the team, please get in touch.
Police involved in Operation Skybridge in Erdington / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police
Words by Inspector Hayley Thompson – Erdington Neighbourhood Police Team
It’s been another busy month for the Erdington neighbourhood team. As the darker nights draw in, burglary and car crime often see an increase, so our officers are stepping up patrols in key areas, acting on your information, and working closely with partners to prevent crime and protect people.
If you’re heading out, take a few simple steps to keep your home and vehicle secure. Lock windows, doors, and porches. Remove valuables from your car, lock it properly, and store your keys in a safe place.
Inside your home, keep laptops, phones, jewellery, wallets, and car keys out of sight from windows and doors.
Patrol car with Operation Skybridge in Erdington / Photograph by Ed King, Erdington Local
We’re pleased to share that Operation Skybridge is returning to Erdington and Stockland Green areas this month. Expect to see more officers on the streets over the next few weeks, working hard to crack down on burglary, robbery, vehicle and drug crime.
Erdington has seen significant investment from West Midlands Police over the past year, with two major initiatives launched: Operation Skybridge in October 2024 and Operation Fearless in January 2025.
Both teams have made great progress in reducing crime and helping residents feel safer and we’re determined to keep that momentum going.
Inspector Hayley Thompson from the Erdington and Sutton Coldfield Neighbourhood Police Teams / Photograph supplied by WMP
We’ll also be hosting more police surgeries from our community engagement hub, located outside B&M. Pop down, meet the team, and share any concerns.
Dates for your diary: Saturday 22 November (4:00pm – 5:00pm), Thursday 27 November (11:00am – 12:00pm), Sunday 30 November (4:00pm – 5:00pm).
There will also be a Spring Lane Speed Watch/Parking meeting on Monday 8 December (7:00pm – 8:00pm) at Erdington RFC, Spring Lane Playing Fields, Kingsbury Rd, Erdington, Birmingham.
Inspector Hayley Thompson (photograph supplied by WMP)
Words by Inspector Hayley Thompson – Erdington Neighbourhood Police Team
(**Ed’s note… this column was first published on Friday 17 October in the Erdington Local print edition.)
It’s been another busy month for the Erdington neighbourhood team, as we wrapped up September with a successful All Out Day.
It was fantastic to be out on the High Street, meeting so many of you alongside my colleagues, and new Chief Inspector, Chanelle Whitney.
We spent time speaking with local residents and businesses, listening to concerns around issues like shop theft and drug use, both of which we’re actively working to address. Your feedback is invaluable and helps shape our priorities moving forward.
We’re incredibly grateful for the continued support from our partners, including Birmingham Community Safety Partnership, North LCSP, Erdington BID, and many others.
The presence of Fearless officers on the High Street has become a reassuring sight for many residents and businesses and their weekly patrols are making a real impact.
We’ve charged a man with a string of shop thefts on Erdington High Street, after he was arrested by Fearless officers on 1 October.
Erdington Neighbourhood Police Team and Birmingham City Council Safety Enforcement Offciers on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King
The 24-year-old was charged with seven theft offences from several different stores, including on the High Street.
Among those also arrested this week were individuals wanted for domestic harassment, drink driving, and failing to comply with a community order.
Looking ahead, we’ve got several community open events happening this month at our Engagement Hub, located outside B&M. These are a great opportunity to speak directly with officers, get crime prevention advice, and have a friendly chat.
Inspector Hayley Thompson (photograph supplied by WMP)
Words by Inspector Hayley Thompson
Hello, I’ve recently taken over as the new Inspector for Birmingham East, covering Erdington and surrounding areas. I’ve taken over from Inspector Christian Forder, who has done a fantastic job leading the team here and I’m proud to be building on the strong foundations he’s laid.
It’s only my first week, but I’ve already been out and about, meeting the teams and getting stuck into conversations about what really matters to our local communities.
I’ve spent over 20 years in policing, most recently as a Response and Neighbourhood Inspector across Solihull and Birmingham and I’m bringing all of that experience with me into this new role.
I know that shop theft and antisocial behaviour on the High Street remain key concerns. These are priorities for us too, and we’re committed to making the area safer and more welcoming for everyone.
Last week, Operation Fearless returned to the High Street for a day of action. With support from student officers, the team detained two men wanted for theft and enforced the Public Space Protection Order. They also spent time engaging with residents and local businesses — a great example of partnership in action.
I know trust in policing is built through consistent action and honest conversations. That’s what I’m here to do. I want to listen, learn, and work with you to make Erdington a place we’re all proud of.
Thank you for your continued support. I’m looking forward to what we can achieve together.
Sergeant Gary Grove standing by police vehicle on Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police
Words by Sgt Gary Grove – Erdington High Street police team
We’re so grateful for the help and support we get from our volunteers in Erdington, that I wanted to explain more about how we work in partnership with them to keep the area safe.
Our StreetWatch volunteers regularly head out with officers, chatting with residents and offering a reassuring presence. Just recently, they stepped in to help someone during a medical emergency – staying with them until help arrived. That kind of care really shows the heart of our community.
We also have SpeedWatch groups made up of local residents who work with us to tackle speeding. We’ve invested in new equipment to support them, and if speeding is something you’re worried about in your area, please do get in touch so we can look to address it.
If you’ve ever thought about volunteering and can spare just a couple of hours a week, we’d love to hear from you. You can drop us a line at [email protected]
Meanwhile, our neighbourhood team is continuing to act on what matters most to you. We’ve recently arrested a suspected drug dealer in The Gardens and seized cannabis from a vehicle linked to drugs.
We’re also working closely with Operation Fearless and Trading Standards to crack down on illegal goods being sold on the High Street – seizing several items as part of our ongoing efforts.
As always, if there’s anything you’re worried about or if you have any information to share, please feel free to contact us.
Police cordon off area of Erdington High Street following reports of an assault / Photograph supplied by Erdington bid
West Midlands Police have confirmed they have arrested two men over an attack by the Village Green in Erdington Town Centre last week.
The force further confirmed the men are “in custody” and will be facing questions on “suspicion of wounding”, which can carry maximum jail terms of between five years to life imprisonment – depending on the severity and intent of the assault.
On Wednesday 2 July, emergency services responded to a call regarding a violent altercation between individuals on the pedestrian area near Oikos Café and The Swan Pub, with police cordoning of a large section of the High Street whilst investigating.
Broken pieces of Dragons Stout beer bottle found behind police tape at crime scene on Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by Erdington BID
Erdington Local was also at the scene and was by told by staff from local businesses in the area, who witnessed the incident, how one man took an empty bottle of Dragon Stout beer from a rubbish bin and used it to attack another man following a verbal altercation.
An Erdington Street Warden, who works with Erdington Business Improvement District (BID) to help support and secure the Town Centre, was also at the scene and administered first aid to one man – who was seen to have “a pool of blood” coming from his back.
Police tape off pedestrianised area around crime scene on Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by Erdington BID
After a week of investigating and enquiries, a spokesperson from West Midlands Police has now confirmed that arrests have been made and those responsible for any crime will be questioned and processed accordingly.
West Midlands Police told: “Operation Fearless officers have arrested two men after an assault on Erdington High Street, where a man was attacked with a glass bottle outside a pub on 2 July.
“He was taken to hospital with injuries that thankfully, were not life-changing.
“We’ve been carrying out a thorough investigation and this morning (9 July) officers from Operation Fearless arrested two men aged 35 and 58.
“They are both currently in custody being questioned on suspicion of wounding.”
Suspected blood and broken glass on the pedestrianised area inbetween Oikos Cafe and The Swan pub / Photograph supplied by Erdington BID
They added: “Operation Fearless, which recently expanded to the Southside area of Birmingham, continues to support colleagues in Erdington and together they are committed to making it the safest possible area for people to live and work.
“Fearless and our dedicated Erdington High Street team will be continuing patrols around the area as we support #SaferStreetsSummer.
“If you have information about crime in the area, call us on 101.”
A spokesperson for the Erdington BID, which is supported by local retailers and businesses, told: “There are legitimate concerns from local businesses that the space by the Village Green is in danger of becoming a hotspot for crime and anti-social behaviour.”
“Over recent weeks, there has been a rise of incidents and reports made over issues around the Village Green area, after Operation Fearless has driven certain activities and individuals out of the centre of the High Street.”
Area between The Swan pub and Borch Electrical store known to be used by street drinkers / Photograph suppliued by Erdington BID
They added: “Erdington BID is in constant talks with the local police teams and wider units, as well as the Operation Fearless team and other partners, to increase police presence and enforcement in the area.
“We welcome the extra efforts being made and the increasing partnership work between uniformed officers on patrol in the Town Centre and our own Steet Wardens – alongside our incredibly resilient retailers.
“There has been a very positive change made on Erdington High Street after Operation Fearless and everyone, including the police, are 100% committed to moving forward and not backwards.”
Police cordon off area of Erdington High Street following reports of an assault / Photgraph supplied by Erdington Local
Words by Erdington Local editorial team
An “incident” on the pedestrianised area by the Village Green left part of Erdington High Street cordoned off by police on Wednesday 2 July.
Blue and white police tape stopped shoppers from walking through the crime scene at around 1:30pm yesterday, as emergency services responded to a 999 call from a local business – following reports of two men fighting in the street.
Blood and broken glass could be seen in the centre of the High Street, with several local people reporting a man had been “stabbed” with a broken bottle.
Police tape was finally removed from the area and members of the public were allowed back onto the concourse at around 3pm.
Broken glass and what is believed to be blood seen behind blue and white police tape aftre incident on Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by Erdington Local
A spokesperson from West Midlands Police told: “We were called to Erdington High Street at around 1.30pm yesterday (2 July) following reports a man had been assaulted.
“It’s believed he was attacked with a glass bottle… and he was taken to hospital with injuries thankfully not believed to be life-changing.”
They added: “A full investigation has started with officers reviewing CCTV and speaking to witnesses.
“Anyone with information should contact us on 101 quoting crime reference 20/295081/25.”
A spokesperson from West Midlands Ambulance Service confirmed: “We were called to an incident on High Street in Erdington at 1.30pm and sent an ambulance and paramedic officer to the scene.
“On arrival, crews found a man who they treated for serious, but not life-threatening injuries, before conveying him to hospital.”
Police tape on lamppost near crime scene on pedestrianised area of Erdington High Street / Photgraph supplied by Erdington Local
West Midlands Police were also quick to attend the scene, with people in the area saying the response teams arrived “in a few minutes” and began gathering local intelligence.
Erdington Local was also at the scene and was told the incident had been filmed by members of the public and it was hopped the man responsible for the attack could be clearly identified.
It was also reported that the Erdington Street Warden on duty at the time was one of the first at the scene and was quick to administer first aid the victim – who was seen to have “a pool of blood” coming out from underneath his clothes on his back.
Staff from local businesses in the area, who witnessed the reported assault, told Erdington Local how after a verbal altercation between two men, one man took an empty bottle of Dragon Stout from a rubbish bin and used it to attack the other man.
Broken pieces of Dragons Stout beer bottle found behind police tape at crime scene on Erdingotn High Street / Photograph supplied by Erdington Local
Erdington Local could see broken parts of a Dragons Stout bottle – a high percentage beer that is mainly sold in off-licences and not in any of the neighbouring licenced premises – on the ground next to a small pool of what looked like drying blood.
People in the area further informed our reporter that before the fight they had seen the attacker sitting on a small wall in between the Borch Electrical store and The Swan pub – where the rubbish bin is located.
Neither businesses have been implicated in the incident by any emergency service.
The bin had been put there by local volunteers to help tackle the rising rubbish, including empty bottles and fast-food packaging, around the growing hotspot for street drinking and visible drug taking.
Several local residents and businesses vocalised to Erdington Local they believe the area is becoming troublesome in part after anti-social behaviour has been displaced from other areas of the Town Centre by the recent police initiative, Operation Fearless.
Area between The Swan and Borch Electrical store known to be used by street drinkers / Photograph supplied by Erdington Local
The sunny weather is also cited as a potentially exacerbating factor, although people are known to gather in the area during all conditions.
A spokesperson for the Erdington Business Improvement District (BID), which is supported by local retailers and pays for the Street Wardens, confirmed the area has been highlighted to local law enforcement who took the situation “very seriously” and had promised to address concerns over criminality there.
Only a few days previously, on Tuesday 24 June, police had responded to reports of another “disorder” in the area, where officers confirmed they “arrested two men aged 32 and 39, and recovered two knives” – adding that “thankfully, no-one was seriously injured.”
Area covered by the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) in a around Erdingotn Town Centre / Image supplied by West Midlands Police
The High Street around the Village Green falls inside the ‘restricted zone’ of the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO), that covers Erdington Town Centre and some of the surrounding streets.
A PSPO is a widely used law enforcement tool, which gives local police more powers to tackle anti-social behaviour and to remove repeat offenders from the designated area.
Erdington Local has asked West Midlands for any updates or developments surrounding the incident on Wednesday 2 July.
Operation Fearless has set out the national debate around high street policing, after being presented as the centrepiece of a sitting in a Westminster Hall to discuss the issues of crime and anti-social behaviour affecting retail hubs across the country.
Raised by Erdington MP Paulette Hamilton on Thursday 5 June, and chaired by MP for Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough Gill Furniss, the committee heard how Operation Fearless had provided “a proven model” for community policing in retail areas – and how the achievements of the policing initiative had introduced “a new era… for Erdington High Street.”
Operation Fearless was announced in January 2025, supported by £880,000 from the Police and Crime Commissioner to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in hotspots across the city – with a dedicated police force working in partnership with local stakeholders and retailers.
Westminster Hall debate into high street policing – as raised by Erdington MP Paulette Hamilton / Image taken from Parliament.tv live feed
Launched in Erdington Town Centre, Operation Fearless made over 140 arrests in its first few months and seized hundreds of thousands of pounds worth off illegal drugs and contraband from incidents on and around the High Street – alongside an arsenal of offensive weapons.
In a wider operation to tackle knife crime in the area, the Polce and Crime Commissioner’s office further reported “a total of 415 weapons were deposited in a single [weapons amnesty] bin” outside the New Testament Church of God on Goosemoor Lane from January to March 2025.
Addressing the Westminster Hall Backbend Business Committee on 5 June, the Erdington Member of Parliament also celebrated the “incredible leadership” of both the Operation Fearless Lead, Detective Superintendent Jim Munro, and local Inspector Shameem Ahmed – who worked alongside DS Munro during Operation Fearless and continues to oversee policing across Erdington.
Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster by weapons amnesty bin / Photograph supplied by the OPCC
Paulette Hamilton MP further explained how “the lesson of Operation Fearless is clear” and the “Erdington’s story proves that change is possible”.
Positioning the Erdington launched policing initiative as a blueprint for combatting a nationwide crime crisis, she added: “But let’s be clear, this is not just about one high street. It’s about every community fighting for safety and pride.
“It’s about recognising that policing must be visible, proactive, and rooted in partnership.”
Since Operation Fearless has wound down its work in Erdington Town Centre, as the core team move to tackle crime in Birmingham City Centre’s Southside, Erdington High Street has welcomed the introduction of a dedicated police team to support the retail hub.
Operation Fearless team on Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police
Led by Seargent Gray Grove, the Erdington High Street Police team are now working alongside the Neighbourhood Police Team, Erdington Business Improvement District (BID), and the Erdington Street Wardens to maintain effective police presence and community support in the Town Centre.
After establishing the High Street team Sgt Grove previous told Erdington Local: “Since taking over at the start of April, we’ve had a strong start, making more than 17 arrests for various offences, executing warrants, and seizing illegal items.
“Our vehicle stops have led to the discovery of cash and drugs, while stop and searches have helped us remove dangerous weapons and knives from the streets.”
He added: “We know these issues matter to the community, so we’ll be taking strong action to stop them.
“You’ll see us on patrol, listening to the community and acting on intelligence. We’re here to help and if you see us out and about, please do say hello.”
Sgt Grove and the Erdington High Street police team, with Erdington BID Street Wardens on Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by Erdington BID
A spokesperson for the Erdington BID added: “There has been a remarkable improvement in Erdington Town Centre, and the levels of crime have dropped significantly – but we must stay vigilant.
“Our Street Wardens have been standing on the front line against violent shoplifters and anti-social behaviour for years. But following Operation Fearless, and with Sgt Grove and his High Street Police Team now in place, there is a real show of force in and around Erdington Town Centre.
“And with some great family friendly street parties and events planned for across the summer, Erdington High Street moving away from the problems of its past and looking towards a much brighter future.”
Erdington BID are hosting the first in a series of Summer Fun Days on Saturday 21 June, held outside the entrance to Wilton Market on Erdington High Street – with free children’s games and activities.
Two men from the Yardley constituency have been charged with firearms offences and other crimes, following an alleged shooting at Kenrick Croft, Castle Vale, on the morning of Sunday 1 June.
In a statement issued by West Midlands Police (WMP), following an investigation after the incident was reported in the early hours, the force confirmed: “Detectives from our Major Crime Unit have now charged Elliot Foley, aged 40, and Abid Khan, 43, with violent disorder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.”
Castle Vale Local pressed the police to confirm the home addresses given by those charged, with a WMP spokesperson quickly confirming Elliot Foley was from Stoney Lane and Abid Khan was from Berkeley Road.
Both addresses are from the Yardley constituency in Birmingham and are about a 15 minute drive from Kenrick Croft on the Castle Vale estate.
Blue and white police tape / Photograph by Ed King
West Midlands Police further confirmed: “The disorder happened on Kenrick Croft, Castle Vale, at around 2am on Sunday.
“As well as the firearm, we recovered a quantity of shotgun ammunition, a number of bullets and a knuckle duster from an address in Birmingham as part of the investigation following the disorder.
“[Abid] Khan has also been charged with possession of prohibited weapon, possession of ammunition without a certificate and possession of an offensive weapon in a private place.
“[Elliot] Foley has also been charged with assault by beating of a police officer. Both were remanded in custody to appear before city magistrates today (Tuesday).”
Castle Vale statue by Chivenor Primary School / Photograph by Ed King
West Midlands Police also stated that a 41 year old woman had been treated for “shotgun injuries”, and whilst being arrested had been released on bail without charge.
Castle Vale Councillor Ray Goodwin (Labour) was also quick on the scene following the reports made on Sunday morning, and has promised to establish a “multi agency taskforce” to stand up to crime on the estate.
Soon after another violent incident on Castle Vale last year, were four men were seen brandishing machetes and residents reported gunfire, Cllr Goodwin organised a Community Crime and Safety Summit at Greenwood Academy – bringing the Police and Crime Commissioner to address concerns from people across the estate.
After the most recent statement from West Midlands Police regarding the Kenrick Croft arrests, Cllr Goodwin told Castle Vale Local: “Having received an update from West Midlands Police confirming the two individuals charged with firearms offensives were not from Castle Vale, I am relieved to know those currently in custody are not from our estate.”
“But we must double down and do everything we can to protect this amazing community from these acts of violence – which have no place on Castle Vale.”
Castle Vale Councillor Ray Goodwin / Photgraph supplied by Birmingham Labour
He added: “Whether it was an isolated incident or not, it has reportedly involved a firearm and people have been charged with intent to endanger life. This is not acceptable.”
“I will not rest, and as previously promised I will be organising a muti agency taskforce to look at what more can be done to protect our residents and the amazing Castle Vale community moving forward.”
West Midlands Police confirmed the investigation is ongoing and officers have been “examining CCTV and mobile phone footage, and speaking to witnesses”.
Police have asked anyone with information that may be able to support their investigation to contact them by calling 101 and quoting log 446 of 1 June.
Alternatively, people can contact the West Midlands Police via the Live Chat facility at www.westmidlands.police.uk or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
West Midlands Police have arrested three people, after starting an investigation into reports of shots being fired in Kenrick Croft on Castle Vale in the early hours of Sunday morning.
According to local residents and people who were in the area at the time, an altercation occurred on the street in the early hours – followed by a car arriving at the scene, and a man releasing “three or four” gunshots.
After the shots were fired, according to local residents the car sped off but got lost in the roads that connect the Kendrick Croft to the wider estate – raising question that those involved were not familiar with Castle Vale.
Blue and white police tape / Photograph by Ed King
Emergency services attended the scene, with local residents celebrating the police for arriving “very quickly” after the incident was reported.
Police immediately began knocking on doors and gathering eyewitness accounts and local knowledge about the incident, with a forensic team arriving later and cordoning off Kendrick Croft whilst the began searching for clues.
Blue and white police tape cordoned off Kendrick Croft until mid morning on Sunday 1 June, with cars being blocked from entering or exiting the roads whilst the police investigation was underway.
West Midlands Police have been able to confirm that no one was serious injured in the attack, and that three individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident.
Castle Vale Councillor Ray Goodwin was also quick to arrive at the scene, to support both investigating officers and the local community, and has committed to establishing a special task force to challenge violent crime on the estate.
Police cars parked on Farnborough Road / Photograph taken by Ed King
After the incident, a spokesperson form West Midlands police told: “We’re investigating after disorder where gunshots were fired in Kenrick Croft, Castle Vale, at around 2am today (1 June).
“It’s understood a group were involved in a melee, but no-one was present when officers arrived. At this stage, no-one is understood to have sustained gunshot injuries.”
They added: “Following enquiries we later arrested three people on suspicion of being connected to the disorder.
“A 40-year-old man and 41-year-old woman have been detained on suspicion of violent disorder and possession of a firearm. They’re currently in custody for questioning.”
“Another man, aged 43, has also been arrested on suspicion of the same offences. He’s currently in hospital and will be questioned in due course.
“We’re carrying out extensive enquiries in and around the area to establish the full circumstances and who was involved. We’ve also stepped up reassurance patrols.”
Councillor Ray Goodwin further told Castle Vale Local: ““I am concerned to hear from local residents this morning there was an incident in Avery Croft and Kendrick Croft – where it seems firearms where discharged.
“I can confirm forensics have been at the scene and West Midlands Police are working on an investigation.
“I am pleased that no one has been seriously injured. However, we must double down on dealing with the perpetrators of crime and I will be working with all agencies to set up a task force – to look at what has happened, and how we can pull in resources to support the community and to stop these crimes from happening again.”
Castle Vale Councillor Ray Goodwin / Photgraph supplied by Birmingham Labour
He added: “Castle Vale is an amazing community; one I am proud to be a part of and proud to represent. But isolated incidents like this put Castle Vale in the news for the wrong reasons.
“I am sorry the wider community – who have done nothing wrong – and are pulled into the wrongdoing by people who, from what I hear in this incident, don’t live on the estate.
“I will do everything in my power to stop these issues from happening again and to support the amazing Castle Vale community.”
West Midlands Police have asked anyone with information that may be able to support their investigation to contact them by calling 101 and quoting log 446 of 1/6/25.
Alternatively, people can contact the police via the Live Chat facility on the West Midlands Police website at www.westmidlands.police.uk
