Words by Sgt Gary Groves – Erdington High Street police team
(Ed’s note… this column was written the June/July Erdington Local newspaper and first published, in print, on Thursday 12 June.)
Firstly, I hope you’ve all been able to enjoy some time outdoors during the longer days. If you’ve been on the High Street, you’ll have hopefully noticed myself and the team out and about as we work to keep the community safe.
That work’s been bolstered by the arrival of our new Community Engagement Hub, at the heart of the High Street.
Some of you have spoken about the need for a public space to report crime, seek advice, and engage with officers – and we hope the hub will deliver just that.
It’ll serve as a base for police and partners including local authority anti-social behaviour officers, and colleagues from the Business Improvement District.
If you are on the High Street – do pop in to say hello.
The team’s work to protect the community has continued at pace, making 29 arrests since the start of May.
We’ve also been working with Trading Standards to act on intelligence from the community about the supply of illegal vapes, cigarettes, and tobacco in Erdington.
The High Street Team supported Operation Fearless colleagues during a day of activity where an estimated £750,000 of potentially harmful and illegal goods were seized from two shops and vehicles.
Your information and updates can be vital, and we will always listen to what you have to tell us.
Pop in to the hub or come and chat to us when we’re on patrol, and I’ll keep you up to date on our progress.
Stay safe, Sgt Gary Grove.
For more on the police and crime in Erdington visit www.westmidlands.police.uk/area/your-area/west-midlands/birmingham/erdington
You can also follow the Erdington police team on Twitter www.x.com/ErdingtonWMP
