NEWS: Halloween Pumpkin Hunt back on Short Heath Playing Fields for fifth year in a row – Saturday 2 November

Words by Ed King

The annual Halloween Pumpkin Hunt comes back to Short Heath Playing Fields on Saturday 2 November – marking the fifth year in a row the popular event has been held on the local park land.

Completely free to attend, and open to adults and children of all ages, the Pumpkin Hunt runs on Short Heath Playing Fields from 5pm until 7pm – with the sign in tent located at the start of the hunt by the entrance on Short Heath Road, next to the number 28 bus stop.

Signs on Short Heath Playing Fields for the Pumpkin Hunt / Ed King

Children are invited to dress up in their scariest Halloween costumes and search for the hidden pumpkins that have been scattered around the playing fields, making a drawing of the individually carved pumpkin faces as they go. The at the end of the hunt all children taking part will get a special Halloween treat.

There will also be a costume competition with prizes for the best dress boy, girl, child under five, and adult.

Refreshments are also available and served by the Short Heath Wombles, a community group made up of local residents who keep the park free of litter and help support the site’s regular sporting events.

Pumpkin Hunt drawings in the sign-in tent / Ed King

Organised every year by Short Heath Fields Trust (SHFT), and held on the green space the Trust fought to save, the Halloween Pumpkin Hunt attracts families from across the Erdington constituency – from Kingstanding to Castle Vale.

Ahead of the Pumpkin Hunt on Saturday 2 November, a spokesperson from SHFT told Erdington Local: “The Pumpkin Hunt is a really important part if our calendar and something we look forward to each year.

“It’s great to see families come back each year to support us.”

Short Heath Fields Trust members and children from Pumpkin Hunt 2023 / Ed King

They added: “We see people from all along the 28 bus route so it’s important to us we make sure it’s free to all those that attend.

“This will be our fifth Pumkin Hunt and we can’t wait to see familiar faces return, as well as newcomers.”

Known for its spooky secrets, outlandish costumes, and welcoming SHFT members (even if they are dressed as scary clowns or plague doctors), the annual event has become a badge of community spirit with organisers saying it helps prove the value of retaining green spaces in an urban setting.

Running for half a decade, the popular family event has always been free to attend with every child attending going home with something special.

Short Heath Fields Trust members and children at Pumpkin Hunt sign-in tent / Ed King

However, this year SHFT were almost force to cancel the Pumpkin Hunt as squatters had left significant rubbish in the neighbouring Bleak Hill Park, including tents and even a microwave, which the Trust had been petitioning Birmingham City Council (BCC) for months to remove.

Erdington Local has been shown communication from SHFT confirming BCC had promised to clear the refuse by 28 August, and more emails dating back to the beginning of September as the Trust continue to chase local councillors and the Council to make good on their promise.

Decoration from Pumpkin Hunt 2023 / Ed King

SHFT have confirmed to Erdington Local the area is now cordoned off ahead of the Pumkin Hunt and will be staffed throughout the event to ensure no one can gain access, with appropriate Halloween messages warning people away.

Short Heath Fields Trust’s Halloween Pumpkin Hunt will be held from 5pm to 7pm at Short Heath Playing Fields on Saturday 2 November, accessible through the entrance on Short Heath Road.

The Pumkin Hunt is free to attend and open to children of all ages.

For more on the Short Heath Fields Trust Halloween Pumpkin Hunt visit www.facebook.com/events/1307785603535839

For more on Short Heath Fields Trust visit www.shortheathfieldstrust.godaddysites.com

NEWS: Operation Skybridge officers arrest three men in Erdington for possession with intent to supply and seize “a stash of drugs and haul of cash”

Words by Ed King

Officers from Operation Skybridge / West Midlands Police

Officers from the recently formed special police unit Operation Skybridge have arrested three men in the Erdington constituency and charged them with possession with intent to supply, after seizing Class A drugs and money.

After stopping a car on Jackdaw Road, Perry Common, in the early hours of Friday 25 October, two men were found to be holding what police described as “a stash of drugs and haul of cash.”

Shaun Williams, aged 35, of no fixed address, and Daniel Griffiths, aged 31 from Erdington, were arrested and charged with possessing drugs with intent to supply.

Jacdaw Road, Perry Common / Google Maps

The pair were then processed and appeared at Birmingham Magistrates Court the following weekend, with a date set for their case to be heard at Birmingham Crown Court on 25 November.

Preceding the arrests, and acting on information gained, officers from Operation Skybridge were able to apprehend and charge another suspected local drug dealer.

Rielle Forbes-Brown, aged 23 from Erdington, was arrested for possession with intent to supply after being found with drugs, money, and “multiple mobile phones” in a car on Chudleigh Road, Erdington, on Thursday 24 October.

Mr Forbes-Brown has been remanded in custody until his day at Birmingham Crown Court on 22 November.

Chudleigh Road, Erdington / Google Maps

Following all the arrests and the suspects being processed into the courts, a spokesperson from West Midlands Police told: “We’ve seized Class A drugs and secured charges after our proactive crime team swooped on vehicles in Erdington.

“Officers from the Op Skybridge team stopped a car in Jackdaw Road during the early hours of last Friday (25 October) and recovered a stash of drugs and haul of cash.

“We arrested two people who have since been charged with possessing drugs with intent to supply.”

They added: “We detained another man after acting on information and stopping a vehicle in Chudleigh Road on Thursday [24 Oct] morning.

“We found drugs, multiple mobile phones and a quantity of cash.”

Cocaine / Adobe Stock Images

As defined by the Misuse of Dugs Act 1971, narcotics in the UK that fall under Class A include cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, crystal meth, LSD, and magic mushrooms.

Jail time for possession with intent to supply Class A drugs can vary depending on the amount seized, and the perceived role the offender plays in the distribution of the drugs.

The lowest level offender can be let off with a high level community order, but most will be looking at a minimum of around two years behind bars – with the most serious facing life imprisonment.

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.

A spokesperson from WMP added: “Our Op Skybridge team is made up of plain clothed and uniformed officers who target areas where information is received about crime that affects our communities.

“This includes those believed to be involved in robbery, burglary and drug crime.

“If you have any information about crime in your area then please call us on 101 quoting #OpSkybridge. The intelligence we receive will be considered and acted upon.”

Members of the public have also been invited to contact West Midlands Police though the Live Chat facility on their website, or by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

For more on West Midlands Police visit www.westmidlands.police.uk

For more on Crimestoppers visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org

NEWS: ‘The Game’s Afoot’ as The Erdington Players present award winning murder mystery play

 Words by Ed King / Pics supplied by The Erdington Players

Local amateur dramatics company, The Erdington Players, is set to return to the stage this November with their production of Ken Ludwig’s award winning murder mystery play The Game’s Afoot (Holmes for the Holidays).

Running from 13-16 November at the United Reformed Church (URC) on Holly Lane, tickets will be priced at £9 (adults) and £7 (children under 16). Performances will be held at 7:30pm from Wednesday to Friday, with a 2:30pm matinee rounding up the run on the Saturday.

For direct links to online ticket sales for The Erdington Players’ upcoming production of The Game’s Afoot tickets, click here.

The Erdington Players, which has operated since 1963, has pervious performed family friendly plays and musicals including Goodnight Mister Tom, Peter Pan, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and Grease, and is committed to bringing “affordable theatre to the heart of the community.”

The Erdington Players rehearse The Game’s Afoot by Ken Ludwig

Written by renowned American playwright, Ken Ludwig, The Game’s Afoot has kept audiences guessing on both sides of the Atlantic since premiering at the Cleveland Playhouse, Ohio, on 25 November 2011.

The murder mystery tells the story of a famed 1930’s actor, William Gillette, housing a Christmas Eve party for his Sherlock Holmes cast members. But as life imitates art, not all of his festive guests will make it through the night – with Gillette assuming the persona of his on stage detective to solve the case.

The Game’s Afoot was nominated for and won the Edgar Allen Poe Award for ‘Best Play’ following its initial run, with The Erdington Players bringing it across the pond nearly 13 years later to the day.

The show’s director, Colin Bridle, said: “The cast and crew are working hard to deliver The Game’s Afoot, and it’s a fantastic challenge for us to bring such a strong, critically acclaimed script to life.”

The Erdington Players cast of The Game’s Afoot by Ken Ledwig

He added: “This is a show that combines a genuinely gripping ‘whodunnit’ with laugh-out-loud slapstick elements, and we’re sure that our audiences will enjoy watching it as much as we’re enjoying making it.”

While The Erdington Players focus on the upcoming performance, the group has also issued an appeal to the community for help as it looks to recruit new members.

Founded over 60 years ago, The Erdington Players is one of the longest running amateur dramatics companies in the city and want to build both cast and crew to support their aims of two annual productions.

James Cresswell, chairman of The Erdington Players, said: “Delivering quality, affordable community theatre for more than 60 years is a legacy that we’re immensely proud of, and something that we’re keen to continue to offer.

“Our latest production owes everything to the small, passionate group of volunteers that make up our group today.”

He added: “The reality is, however, that we must increase our numbers in order to deliver shows going forward.

“Therefore, we would encourage anyone who would like to join us, whether as a performer, backstage hand, or as a member of our front-of-house team, to get in touch.”

The Erdington Players present The Game’s Afoot at the Erdington United Reformed Church, Holly Lane, from 13-16 November. For a direct link to online ticke sales visit www.ticketsource.co.uk/erdington-the-players

For more on The Erdington Players visit www.facebook.com/urcplayers

NEWS: Castle Vale councillor calls for “urgent meeting” to keep Neighbourhood Police Team on the estate

Words by Ed King 

Ripped police tape on Castle Vale High Street / Pic by Ed King

Councillor Ray Goodwin (Castel Vale, Labour) has called for an “urgent meeting” with West Midlands Police after multiple sources warn the Tyburn Neighbourhood Police Team (NPT) currently based on the estate could be moved to Erdington Town Centre.

For several weeks, stakeholders and individuals across Castle Vale have been told the Tyburn NPT are being relocated to the constituency’s main station on Sutton New Road – leaving their current base at The Greenhouse, office premises owned by The Pioneer Group, based on Castle Vale.

Following requests for information by both Erdington Local and Cllr Goodwin, at the time of writing West Midlands Police (WMP) and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPPC) – the two organisations responsible for community policing across the region – have not given any compatible statements confirming or denying a possible move, leaving many concerned about the future of community policing on the estate.

With increasing concerns that Castle Vale, an area which depends on a visible police presence for public safety, could lose its community police officers, Cllr Goodwin has demanded clarity from both WMP and the Police and Crime Commissioner and promised to “challenge” any decision that could see less visible community policing on the North Birmingham estate.

Cllr Ray Goodwin (Castle Vale, Labour) / Pic supplied by Birmingham Labour

In a statement made to Erdington Local, Cllr Ray Goodwin told: “I am deeply concerned to have spoken to a number of stakeholders who have had it confirmed [that there will be] the withdrawal of the Neighbourhood Policing Team from Castle Vale – despite receiving assurances from West Midlands Police… there are no plans, at this point, to relocate.

He added: “Yet two weeks later we have been told the [Tyburn Neighbourhood Police Team] officers will be moved out in three weeks. I will, alongside other partners, be seeking an urgent meeting with West Midlands Police to challenge this decision on behalf of the community in Castle Vale.”

Erdington Local first contacted both West Midlands Police and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner about the issue on 25 September.

WMP stated all “all enquiries regarding Estates is dealt with by the [O]PCC” and promptly referred the enquiry to the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.

On 26 October, the OPPC responded by saying: “there are no plans, at this point, to relocate [the Tyburn NPT]” but added “if operational requirements change, our estates team will be on hand to deliver an appropriate solution.”

Police invetsigating reports of gunshots and violent disorder on Castle Vale / Pic supplied by local resident

After continuing confirmation from sources on Castle Vale that the Tyburn NPT are indeed relocating, with Erdington Police Station on Sutton New Road cited as the new location, the OPPC then responded on 9 October saying it was “an operational policing matter” and not one for the Police and Crime Commissioner.

With the ball bouncing back to WMP, a spokesperson for the Force confirmed on 17 October the Tyburn NPT currently “remain at their Castle Vale base” – but crucially did not confirm or deny any possible plans to relocate them in the future.

Police invetsigating reports of gunshots and violent disorder on Castle Vale / Pic supplied by local resident

The Tyburn Neighbourhood Police Team, which operates community policing on a patch stretching from Bromford and Castle Vale to Gravelly Hill and up to parts of Pype Hayes, have been based at The Greenhouse since the closure of the Castle Vale Police Station in 2017.

On 3 April 2023, West Midlands Police launched a new Neighbourhood Policing Strategy, led by Chief Constable Craig Guildford, which planned to make officers responding to crime “more local to provide a better service”.

Supporting the new strategy, the West Midlands Police Federation stated: “We are going to be more visible, we are going to be engaging more with the public and we are going to start talking with our partners again. It will be much better for the public.”

Chief Constable Guildford, who came into post in December 2022, added: “The new local policing model will help us to get better at solving local issues and preventing and solving crime by working in partnership with communities to deliver justice and keep people safe across the West Midlands.”

Castle Vale statue outside Chivenor Primary School / Pic by Ed King

In a statement issued by the OPPC in October 2023, addressing changes to local police teams and stations, it was confirmed that for Castle Vale: “Neighbourhood Policing Teams are currently co-located within a partner building (The Greenhouse). This will continue.”

Stakeholders on the Castle Vale estate are continuing to be told the Tyburn Neighbourhood Police Team will be relocated.

Erdington Local has asked both WMP and the OPPC for further comment about any existing or future plans around the location of the Tyburn NPT.

For more on the Tyburn Neighbourhood Police Team, visit: www.westmidlands.police.uk/area/your-area/west-midlands/birmingham/tyburn/about-us/top-reported-crimes-in-this-area

NEWS: Hundreds attend Black History Month Expo event at Erdington Academy

Pics by Gary Phelps Communications

Black History Month Expo at Erdington Academy / Gary Phelps Communications

On 3 October, students, staff, and hundreds of members of the local community packed into Erdington Academy to enjoy an ambitious Expo event celebrating Black History Month – with music, food, art, and poetry.

More than 300 people flooded into the Kingsbury Road academy for an evening of cultural celebration, performances, events, and to enjoy fresh cuisine spanning a diverse range of African and Caribbean cultures.

The special Expo event created so much enthusiasm from parents, carers, and locals, staff at Erdington Academy, which is part of the Fairfax Multi Academy Trust, had to turn away dozens of people as they had already reached capacity.

Black History Month is a global programme of events and activities to celebrate the African Diaspora and Black culture, as well as to educate and inform people about Black history. It runs throughout October every year and is observed in many countries across the world, from Brazil to Britain.

Black History Month Expo at Erdington Academy / Gary Phelps Communications

Teacher of Food at Erdington Academy, Kerrian Folkes, who helped organise the school’s Black History Month Expo, supported by a committee of staff members, said: “We had a huge turnout – it was amazing to see how enthusiastic people were.

“The community wanted to see what we were doing, and it was great showing them how we embrace culture and foster a sense of belonging here at Erdington Academy.”

Staff on the academy’s Black History Month Event Committee spent September arranging the night of festivities, alongside activities which involved every faculty in the school.

Among the events were poetry writing in the English department, art inspired by Black culture in the Design and Performance faculty, cultural modelling led by Modern Foreign Languages staff, themed productions in Drama, maths competitions, and cultural food preparation in the Food faculty.

Black History Month Expo at Erdington Academy / Gary Phelps Communications

The students then displayed many of their creations and skills learned during lessons and extracurricular activities on the night of the Expo.

Stellar musical performances were delivered by the Year 7 choir, the Erdington Guitar Ensemble, the Year 8 R&B band, and Patrick Ugochukwa and Isabel Cooper – whose piano pieces moved the audience.

Students recited poetry they had written, including Isabella Budiana; and KS3 and KS4 drama students hit the stage with thought-provoking acting performances.

Then, during the interval, attendees were treated to delicious African and Caribbean foods prepared by the students themselves. The mouth-watering menu included jerk chicken, curry goat, vegetable curry, salt fish fritters, jollof rice, and dumplings.

Black History Month Expo at Erdington Academy / Gary Phelps Communications

Ms Folkes added: “Every single member of staff was involved in some way, from the Head to the support staff, hence the success we had.”

The celebration ended with brilliant final appearances by bands from across the West Midlands, which had staff, parents, and students on their feet.

Kioko took to the stage first, followed by fellow reggae band Big Ship Alliance. B’Spoke played many familiar soul and R&B classics, and Soul Town finished the night by playing until every last attendee had left.

Ms Folkes said: “The bands were brilliant. Everyone was out of their seat rocking to African, St Lucian and Jamaican music – the atmosphere was incredible.”

Black History Month Expo at Erdington Academy / Gary Phelps Communications

The Expo and the wider calendar of activities were aligned with the nationwide theme for Black History Month 2024: Black inventors.

Ms Folkes explained that showcasing potential and encouraging ambition was central to the team’s vision.

She said: “Because we’re such a multicultural school, we wanted to show all the things our students could have aspiration towards. Sometimes you would hear students doubt what they could accomplish because of their background – we wanted to show them they could achieve anything.

“The students were surprised to hear that so many everyday things we take for granted were invented by Black people – traffic lights, electric doors, dryers and electric rollercoasters seemed to particularly shock them!”

Black History Month Expo at Erdington Academy / Gary Phelps Communications

The Event Committee, consisting of staff members Ms Folkes, Gabbi Benain, Alan Daniel, Emma Deeney, Amy Love, Ian Haughton, Marcua Wheatley, Mat Broughton, Danny Francis, Natalie Charley, Carissa Bulman and Kymeish Dixon-Bookal, were thrilled with the success of the Expo.

Ms Folkes said: “As a diverse school, we wanted to show the importance of appreciating other cultures, so we made the Expo a celebratory event.

“Sometimes Black History Month can focus on the negative a little too much, teaching about slavery and racism for example. While those aspects of Black history are obviously important to remember, we didn’t want them to be our sole focus. We wanted to engage with the community and embrace our beautiful range of cultures.

“The calibre of talent on display from our staff and students really reflect our academy’s pride.”

Principal Simon Mallett added: “A huge amount of work went into our Black History [Month] Expo, which really paid off on a memorable night when we welcomed the community into the school to share the richness of our diversity.

“I would like to thank everyone who work so hard to put it together and the wider school community for embracing an event which I think inspired our students.”

PICTURE GALLERY: Black History Month Expo at Erdington Academy / Pics by Gary Phelps Communications

For more on Erdington Academy visit www.erdingtonacademy.bham.sch.uk

Black History Month runs from 1-31 October. To learn more about Black History Month in Birmingham, and to find events and activities in the area, visit www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk/listings/region/west-midlands/birmingham

NEWS: Online release of ‘Odeington’ celebrates the modern day achievements from Kingstanding to Castle Vale

Words by Ed King / Pics by Grant Archer – with screenshots from the film by Chris Neophytou

‘Odeington’ / Screenshot from film by Chris Neophytou

(Ed’s note – the Oct/Nov printed edition of Erdington Local has a cover story interview with Joe Cook, giving you a one on one insight into the inspiration behind the ‘Odeington’ poem. To be the first to get our monthly newspaper through your door email: [email protected])

Erdington born poet and spoken word artist, Joe Cook, has penned a special poem celebrating the modern day lives and achievements of people from Kingstanding to Castle Vale.

Now set to music with a specially commissioned video, ‘Odeington’ gets its online release on 17 October – available to steam on YouTube and other online media platforms.

The video to ‘Odeington’ was shot by Erdington artist, photographer, and filmmaker Chris Neophytou, making the creative collaboration a very local love letter to the place the people behind it call home.

Challenging the too often held view that Erdington is “all kind of hot spot here, think it’s just gun shot here, police line do not cross here”, Cook uses razor sharp rhyme to champion the litany of success stories that have come – and continue to come – from in and around the B23 and B24 postcodes.

Image by Grant Archer

But first, Cook gives Erdington’s array of international cuisine a roll call of appreciation, from the “smell of jerk chicken rice and pea, drifting through the air of B23” to the “Pane and Vino family, favourite dish of Pavarotti” that run an intimate restaurant on Gravelly Lane.

MMA champion Leon ‘Rocky’ Edwards gets a few verses of recognition, for his “jab from Jamaica, a back hand from Brum” and inspirational career that saw him crowned UFC Welterweight Championship in 2022.

Erdington’s own international clothing brand Hoodrich, who’s founder Jay Williams went from designing and selling just 30 t-shirts to “a fabric mantra” worn across the world, is another local success story Cook is keen to remind us of. Hoodrich celebrates it’s 10 year anniversary in 2024 and is now sold in over 1000 outlets across 24 countries.

Kingstanding’s Jilted Royalty clothing label, launched by local lad Jay Read with sales stretching across the Atlantic, also gets celebrated – with Cook sporting one of the B44 born limited edition t-shirts in the ‘Odeington’ video.

‘Odeington’ / Screenshot from film by Chris Neophytou

And whilst no homage to Erdington would be complete without a look back at the rock legends who cut their teeth at the renowned Mothers music club, Cook is quick to remind us to look forward too – listing the modern musicians who are putting Erdington on the international map.

Lady Sanity, Mist, Ashley Allen, Rueben Reynolds… as Cook warns and champions, “we can’t spend our days spinning soundtracks, throwbacks, staring at blue plaques, we’ve got to welcome the next acts.”

Born and raised in Stockland Green, Joe Cook’s family represent the diaspora that has made so many UK towns and cities rich and diverse, with his lineage hailing from Britian, Malta, and Ireland.

Commissioned by Ceol Agency to pen a poem that celebrates Erdington, as part of the St Barnabas Church bicentennial celebration, Joe Cook wanted to use his creative talents to champion the constituency in a modern context – tired of the “Erdington expats” who attack the area from outside.

‘Odeington’ / Screenshot from film by Chris Neophytou

Joe Cook is a celebrated local creative who has also worked on many arts and community engagement projects, including The GAP Arts Project, City of Colours, and Soundlounge with B:Music.

Ahead of the online release of ‘Odeington’, Cook told Erdington Local: “I think the idea of being a laureate, or in the West African tradition of a griot, or folk music, it’s all about that localisation and communities – and art should try and serve the community as best as possible. And these are the best kind of examples of what poetry should be, to me.

“From my experience of work on a grassroots level in the community, I’m most proud of are the little everyday things, like people helping people on the school run. Or people checking in on their neighbours, bringing the food round when they’re struggling.”

Image by Grant Archer

He adds: “I think North Birmingham is forgotten about in a lot of ways, economically and whatever, and I think one of the amazing things about Erdington is that people do have each other’s back and do try and help each other. And that’s what I’d want to shout about more.

“We haven’t got this big infrastructure, we haven’t got these big community hubs. But there’s these little pockets of grassroots activities that make a big impact on people’s lives. And that’s what I’d want to shout about more.”

‘Odeington’ – written and performed by Joe Cook, film by Chris Neophytou

For more on Joe Cook visit www.jcrhythmandpoetry.bandcamp.com or follow him on Instagram at www.instagram.com/joecook349

For more form Chris Neophytou visit www.linktr.ee/chris_neophytou

NEWS: 59 year old man arrested for series of distraction burglaries that left an 88 year old Erdington woman in hospital

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.”

NEWS: Police arrest early morning suspected burglar on Jerry’s Lane as part of Operation Skybridge

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.”

NEWS: Police release name of wanted man after burglary leaves elderly Erdington woman in “serious condition” in hospital

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

NEWS: West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner to attend Kingstanding Crime Conference on 3 October

Words by Ed King / Pics by Ed King, Google Maps, and supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP

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.”

To book your free place at the Kingstanding Crime Conference, visit: www.eventbrite.com/e/kingstanding-crime-conference-tickets

For more on the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner visit www.westmidlands-pcc.gov.uk

For more on Erdington MP Paulette Hamilton visit www.paulettehamilton.org