Tag: crime

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NEWS: Two men from Yardley charged with firearms offences following alleged shooting at Kenrick Croft

The entrance to Kenrick Croft from Cadbury Road, on the Castle Vale estate / Image taken from Google Maps

Words by Ed King

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.

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NEWS: Arrests made after police start investigation following shots fired on Kenrick Croft in Castle Vale

The entrance to Kendrick Croft from Cadbury Road, on the Castle Vale estate / Image taken from Google Maps

Words by Tracy Fisher and Ed King

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

 

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ERDINGTON HIGH STREET POLICE: Keeping Erdington High Street safe – A message from Sargeant Gary Grove

Sgt Gary Grove from the Erdington High Street police team / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police

Words by Sgt Gary Grove – Erdington High Street police team

For those of you who haven’t met me yet, I’m Sgt Gary Grove, your new High Street policing team Sergeant. It’s my pleasure to introduce myself and share how we’re working hard to keep our community safe.

With the Op Fearless team relocating to Southside, we’re focused on building on their success and making sure Erdington remains a safe place to live, work, and visit.

Their work led to more than 140 arrests, acting directly on concerns from residents and businesses. Fearless will return to Erdington from time to time to work with us, but now it’s our job to keep up momentum.

Sgt Grove talking to Erdington BID Street Wardens / Photograph supplied by Erdington BID

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.

This month, we’ll be out engaging with local businesses alongside partner agencies, ensuring the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) is enforced by tackling street drinking and anti-social behaviour.

We know these issues matter to the community, so we’ll be taking strong action to stop them.

Sgt Grove, the High Street police team, and Erdington BID Street Wardens / Photograph supplied by Erdington BID

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.

I look forward to keeping you updated on our progress, successes, and future initiatives.

Stay safe, Sgt Gary Grove

For more on the local 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

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FEATURE: Operation Fearless – introducing a dedicated High Street police team after over 140 arrests made in and around Erdington Town Centre

Operation Fearless team on Erdington High Street / Pic supplied by Operation Fearless

Operation Fearless has made a significant impact on Erdington High Street since it launched in January this year, with 140 people arrested so far and the seizure of dangerous weapons and hard drugs from in and around Erdington Town Centre.

West Midlands Police have also now established a dedicated Erdington High Street police team, with a Sergeant leading six officers focused on crime and anti-social behaviour in the retail and shopping hub.

Giving Erdington Local readers the latest information on the special policing initiative, Detective Superintendent Jim Munro – the officer leading the Operation Fearless team – has a direct update for Erdington locals and residents.

Words by DSI Jim Munro / Pics supplied by Operation Fearless

Operation Fearless lead Detective – Detective Superintendent Jim Munro / Pic supplied by West Midlands Police

“We’ve made a really big step in making Erdington High Street a safer place. Since January, we’ve arrested over 140 people. This is a huge number and shows that we’re really listening to what you’ve been telling us.

“You were worried, and rightly so, about feeling unsafe walking down the High Street. You told us about shops being targeted, about drugs causing problems, and about the fear of violence. We heard you loud and clear.

“We’ve also taken dangerous weapons off the streets of Erdington before they could do any harm, seizing a live firearm, a zombie knife and multiple other weapons in separate incidents.

“We’ve arrested dangerous individuals for a whole range of offences including – robbery, burglary, assault, shop theft and much more. Other successful arrests saw one man arrested for child sex offences, and another for domestic kidnap.

Officers talking to members of the public on Erdington High Street / Photograhp taken by Ed King

“This success isn’t just because of the police. It’s because of you, the people who live here in Erdington.

“You called us when you saw something suspicious, you shared information with us, and you trusted us to do our jobs. Without your help, without you being our eyes and ears on the ground, we couldn’t have achieved this. We’re so thankful for all your support.

“And the good news doesn’t stop there. We’re hearing from you that things are changing. You’re telling us you feel safer in the area and businesses are noticing a real difference too. That’s exactly the kind of change we wanted to see.

“But we know we can’t stop now. We need to keep this momentum going, keep pushing for a safer Erdington. That’s why we’re putting a dedicated High Street team in place.

DSI Munro, PCC Simon Foster, Paulette Hamilton MP talking to staff in Iceland on Erdington High Street / Pic supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP

“At the end of March, I had the privilege of walking the High Street with MP Paulette Hamilton and the Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster. We discussed the progress and future plans for Op Fearless.

“We all agree that while we’ve made strides, there’s still more to be done. Regeneration takes time, and we’re committed to tackling crime and making Erdington a place where everyone feels safe and proud.

“I’m optimistic about the future, especially with the collaboration we’re building between the new High Street team, the council, BID, and our security partners.

Erdington Police Station on Sutton New Road / Photgraph by Ed King

“The new team, consisting of six officers and a Sergeant, will be a constant presence on the High Street. They’ll be walking the streets daily, engaging with residents, and ensuring a visible and reassuring presence. Their focus will be on building relationships and maintaining a safe environment for everyone.

“As the Fearless team prepares to move to its next location at the end of this month, please know that our commitment to Erdington remains strong.

“While the team will be physically moving, we’ll continue to provide support and resources to the new High Street team, ensuring a seamless transition and sustained efforts to reduce crime.

Police tape on Erdington High Street as officers conduct investigation / Photograph by Ed King

“We know how important it is for you to stay informed about what’s happening in your community. That’s why we’re changing things up a bit. We want to keep that line of communication open and strong. So, from now on, you’ll be hearing directly from the person leading the charge on the High Street.

“I’m delighted to announce that I’ll be handing over this column to Sergeant Gary Grove, who will be heading up the new High Street team. They’ll be your go to source for updates on the work being done in the area.

“I encourage you all to engage with Sergeant Grove and their team. Share your feedback, voice your concerns, and continue to be an active part of making Erdington better.

“Thank you for your continued support.”

For more on Operation Fearless direct from West Midlands Police visit www.westmidlands.police.uk/police-forces/west-midlands-police/areas/campaigns/campaigns/operation-fearless

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Erdington drug dealer jailed for possession with intent to supply thousands of pounds worth of crack cocaine and heroin

Words by Ed King

(Left) Drugs seized by officers during search of Kenyjah James car and residential address, (right) Kenyjah James following arrest for possession with intent to supply / Pics supplied by West Midlands Police

An Erdington drug dealer has been jailed for possession with intent to supply Class A narcotics including crack cocaine and heroin, taking thousands of pounds of dangerous drugs off the streets.

The arrest and processing through the courts comes as the Operation Fearless policing initiative continues to clampdown on crime in Erdington Town Centre – working alongside the recently introduced Erdington High Street police team and local partners.

Appearing before Birmingham Crown Court on Thursday 10 April, Kenyjah James, aged 25, pleaded guilty to the charges against him and was sentenced to four years in prison – avoiding a longer term for a crime that could have seen him face life imprisonment, based on the amount of drugs and his role within the supply chain.

Officers on patrol on Erdington High Street / Pic supplied by West Midlands Police

Operation Fearless and High Street officers apprehended James after responding to reports of criminal damage and anti-social behaviour on Tuesday 25 February, after the police were alerted to a man damaging a car park gate.

Whilst attending the scene, officers detained James and searched his vehicle – discovering around 190 ‘wraps’ of both cocaine and heroin and two mobile phones, with potential links to a drug dealing operation.

Following a further search of his home address, police officers discovered yet more Class A and Class B narcotics and charged James with possession and intent to supply a controlled substance.

Sign outside Birmingham Crown Court / Photgraph by Ed King

After sentencing, a spokesperson from West Midlands Polcie confirmed: “A man [has] been jailed for drug offences after he was arrested by our Operation Fearless officers in Erdington.

“Kenyjah James, aged 25, was sentenced to four years in prison when appeared at Birmingham Crown Court last Thursday (10 April).”

They added: “He had pleaded guilty to two charges of possessing Class A drugs including crack cocaine and heroin, with intent to supply.

“The drugs were… confirmed as being approximately 190 wraps of cocaine and heroin, with an estimated value of around £2,000.”

Operation Fearless has been in action across Erdington Town Centre since January 2025, making over 140 arrests (at the time of writing) and stamping down on crime and anti-social behaviour in the once troubled retail district.

Operation Fearless team on Erdington High Street / Pic supplied by West Midlands Police

Handing over from the main Operation Fearless team, as they begin to deploy officers in other hot spots across the city, Erdington High Street has also welcomed a dedicated police team – including a Seargent and six uniformed officers that will focus on crime in and around the Town Centre.

The Erdington Business Improvement District (BID) is also “beefing up” their High Street security and leading a High Street Community Team of local partners and community groups, to further support the incoming High Street police team and retail hub.

A spokesperson from the Erdington BID told: “The extra policing we’ve seen this year, under Operation Fearless and now with the new High Street police team, has made a significant impact on the crime in Erdington Town Centre – but it needs our support to make it last.

Rainbow falls on Erdington Town Centre sign by Six Ways Island / Photograph by Ed King

“We will be beefing up our High Street security, who have a strong relationship with the retail community here and know many of the repeat offenders – and who can directly support both the Operation Fearless and new High Street police team through joint patrols and intelligence sharing.

“We will also be establishing a High Street Community Team, made up of local community groups and volunteers – to help with everything from supporting a series of family friendly events on the High Street, to litter picking and looking after the green spaces.”

They added: “Erdington High Street was once one of the busiest in the city, and whilst many businesses have moved online we still want a Town Centre that is a vibrant and family friendly place to shop and socialise.

“Following in the footsteps of Operation Fearless, the new dedicated High Street police team – supported by our Street Wardens and local community groups – gives us a chance to break the cycle of crime and make a real and lasting change in the heart of Erdington.”

To find out more about working with the Erdington Business Improvement District to support the High Street and Town Centre email: [email protected]

For more on Operation Fearless direct from West Midlands Police visit www.westmidlands.police.uk/police-forces/west-midlands-police/areas/campaigns/campaigns/operation-fearless

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NEWS: Erdington High Street gets dedicated police team in a “sustained effort to reduce crime” alongside Operation Fearless

Words by Ed King

Rainbow reflection on Erdington Town Centre sign near Six Ways Island / Photograph taken by Ed King

Erdington Town Centre has been allocated its own dedicated High Street police team to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in the once troubled retail hotspot.

Working alongside the Operation Fearless policing initiative, the Erdington High Street police team will bring six constables, led by Sergeant Gary Grove, to the Town Centre – creating “a high visibility presence on the High Street to tackle the issues that matter to residents, shoppers and traders”, according to a West Midlands Police spokesperson.

The officers will also work with the Erdington Business Improvement District (BID) Street Wardens, conducting joint patrols on the High Street and sharing intelligence about criminal activity and regular offenders in the area.

Officers on patrol on Erdington High Street as part of Operation Fearless / Pic supplied by West Midlands Police)

The team will also work alongside local partners including Birmingham City Council and Transport for West Midlands, to further tackle crime and anti-social behaviour and build on the work already being delivered by the responsible authorities.

The dedicated Erdington High Street police force, led by Sgt Grove, has been operational since 4 April, working in tandem with the Operation Fearless team to share information and continue the “sustained effort to reduce crime” in the retail hub.

Alongside the 140 arrests made by the Operation Fearless, Sgt Grove’s new High Street police team have made a further 17 arrests in the past few weeks – keeping the pressure on criminals who have operated in the area, including those involved in drug dealing and shoplifting.

Officers talking to members of the public on Erdington High Street / Photograhp taken by Ed King

Sergeant Gary Grove told: “It’s clear to see the difference [Operation] Fearless has made to Erdington, and we’re committed to building on that.

“Myself and my colleagues have experience working as part of the Erdington Impact Area team – and we’re working hard to build on existing relationships around the area.”

Underlining the importance of working with Erdington locals, the business community, and the wider general public visiting the area, Sgt Grove added: “If you’re out and about in Erdington or have any concerns you’d like to discuss, please come and say hello to us.”

The Erdington BID is also currently establishing a High Street Community Support Team to work alongside Sgt Grove and his team – made up of local volunteers and community groups and addressing non-response issues.

The Erdington BID High Street Community Support Team will be investing more into High Street security, and offering help with activities including consumer and visitor advice, litter picking, maintaining the High Street’s green spaces, and helping busy businesses report lower level crimes.

A spokesperson for the Erdington BID, who act as the link between the local police and retail community, told: “Erdington High Street needs a constant, uniformed, public facing police presence – with the power to arrest criminals and process them to the courts – and having a dedicated High Street police team will be a huge support to the local business community.

“We are thrilled to welcome Sergeant Grove and his team to the area and offer our full support.”

They added: “Operation Fearless, and now Sgt Grove and his High Street police team, have given Erdington a real chance to properly challenge the criminal activity in Erdington Town Centre – but we can all help.

“If we want to keep the crime away, and to further deter those repeat offenders who have got away with too much for too long, it should be a team effort. If you live or work in Erdington, or just want to help make a difference to our Town Centre, then please get in touch about joining [the Erdington BID] High Street Community Support Team.”

Operation Fearless team on Erdington High Street / Pic supplied by Operation Fearless

Operation Fearless was launched in January 2025, bringing a dedicated team of 20 officers to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour into Erdington Town Centre.

The initiative was supported by £880,000 from the Proceeds of Crime Fund, as allocated by the Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster – who has been a regular visitor to Erdington Town Centre, meeting with both businesses and the general public on the High Street.

Led by Detective Superintendent Jim Munro, the Operation Fearless team have made over 140 arrests [at the time of writing] and seized an array of contraband off the Erdington streets – including an arsenal of offensive weapons, and illegal drugs worth hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Operation Fearless lead Detective – Detective Superintendent Jim Munro / Pic supplied by West Midlands Police

As the Operation Fearless team start to hand over to Sgt Grove and the High Street police team, alongside the pre-existing Neighbourhood Police Team (NPT) that covers Erdington Town Centre, a WMP spokesperson confirmed: “The [Operation] Fearless team will continue to provide support and resources to the new High Street team, ensuring a seamless transition and sustained effort to reduce crime.”

Detective Superintendent Jim Munro added: “The new dedicated High Street team will be a constant presence in the area, and although Fearless is expanding to a new location – our Fearless officers will be using their impressive local and operational knowledge to support them.”

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NEWS: Evacuated Perry Common residents allowed home after “suspicious items” found during raid on Hastings Road

Words by Ed King

Police car outside residential address on Hastings Road, Perry Common / Pic by Ed King

Perry Common residents have been allowed back home after being evacuated early today, following the discovery of “suspicious items” at a residential address on Hastings Road – just off Witton Lodge Road.

At around 9am on Thursday 20 March, locals living on and around Witton Lodge Road were asked by police to quickly vacate their homes, to make way for a bomb disposal unit which had been brought in to investigate findings of an early morning raid.

Concerns were raised by the police after a “pre-planned warrant” was executed in the early hours and officers found objects that may have been linked to explosive devices.

After cordoning off Witton Lodge Road, from Perry Common Community Hall up to College Road, police at the scene evacuated all residents – with some seeking refuge at Perry Common Hall, whilst others rested at the  popular Jacy’s Café on ‘the ring’ or waited on the central grassy area.

Police searching residential address on Hastings Road, Perry Common / Pic by Ed King

After a few hours, at around 11:15am, the police tape was finally lifted and residents were allowed back to their homes – with some having had to leave so quickly they were still in dressing gowns and pyjamas.

Residents with mobility issue were also asked to move, with police at the scene helping those that needed it to reach a safe place beyond the cordoned off area.

One local resident told Erdington Local: “The police knocked on our door and at first just wanted us to stay indoors, but then they came back not long afterwards and said we had to leave.

“It was still morning, and I hadn’t got dressed yet – it’s just a good thing it’s a nice {sunny] day.”

Police officers remained at the Hastings Road address, after evacuated residents were allowed back to their homes.

And whilst the officers at the scene were able to confirm there was no threat to public safety, the uncertainly about what caused the road closure and mass evacuation remained a mystery for most of those affected – with some residents reporting the army had been drafted in and others stating an old WWII bomb had been discovered.

Police removing bags of items seized from residential address on Hastings Road, Perry Common / Pic by Ed King

Erdington Local saw officers from both the local police teams and specialist units oustide and searching an address at Hastings Road – on the corner of Witton Lodge Road and opposite Story Wood Primary School – and removing several bags of items from the residential address and loading them into the back of unmarked police vehicles.

The neighbour of the Hastings Road address that was the focus of police activity, told Erdington Local: “I don’t know what happened, they just knocked on my door this morning at around 9am and told me I had to leave.

“I wasn’t given any information… [all the residents] were just told we had to leave [our homes].”

She added: “I’m allowed back in now, but they’re still here [and searching the address]. And I still don’t know what’s been going on next door.”

Police outside residential address on Hastings Road, Perry Common / Pic by Ed King

A spokesperson for West Midlands Police confirmed: “A cordon was put in place this morning after suspicious items were discovered during a pre-planned warrant at an address on Hastings Road.

“This cordon has now been lifted after the Army’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team confirmed there was no risk to the wider public.”

They added: “Nearby residents who were evacuated as a precaution have now returned to their homes, and we thank them for their patience.”

Police search a residential address on Hastings Road in Perry Common following mass evacuation

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NEWS: Residents evacuated on Witton Lodge Road amidst reports of bomb squad investigation

Police blocking off entrance to Witton Lodge Road by Perry Common Hall / Pic by Ed King

Words by Ed King

Residents on Witton Lodge Road were evacuated from their homes this morning amidst reports of the army and bomb investigation personnel attending the scene – with the area from Perry Common Hall to College Road cordoned off.

Police cars could be seen blocking the entrance to Witton Lodge Road by Perry Common Hall, with a bomb disposal unit seen further behind the police tape with several officers investigating.

Local residents at the scene told Erdington Local that police had knocked on their doors earlier this morning telling them to stay in their houses, before returning some minutes later to ask they fully evacuate the area.

Police blocking off entrance to Witton Lodge Road by Perry Common Hall / Pic by Ed King

Concerned locals then gathered around the grassy roundabout – colloquially known as The Ring – as well as local cafes and shops. Some residents were reportedly given refuge at Perry Common Hall as police and investigating officials conducted a search of a residential address.

“I had a knock on the door this morning,” told a resident from Witton Lodge Road, “with the police telling me to stay inside – then after a while they came back and told us to leave. I hope my cats are OK.”

Another family were also turned out of their house without knowing why, with one member still in their dressing gown as they stood behind the police cordon.

“I was heading to work at about 8:45am and I saw a few police,” confirmed one woman. “Then by the time I’d got back the whole road [from The Rin to College Road] had been asked to leave their houses.

Jacy’s Cafe on Witton Lodge Road / Pic by Ed King

Jacy’s Café on Witton Lodge Road housed several residents as they waited to be allowed back home, with many taking the time to grab a breakfast and check out if friends and neighbours were OK. Staff at the café, a popular local eatery, had not been told much information by local law enforcement but were keeping concerned residents safe and well fed.

Whilst Erdington Local were at the scene, at around 11:15am, police started taking down the blue and white tape and letting residents back into their homes – with officers at the scene stating there was no threat to public safety.

Police removing cordon and letting residents on Witton Lodge Road return home / Pic by Ed King

A spokesperson from West Midlands Polcie confirmed to Erdington Local: “We’re currently dealing with an incident at Witton Lodge Road. We will provide more details as soon as we can.”

Erdington Local has asked West Midlands Polcie for any further information they can release.

At the time of writing, all police cordons had been lifted on Witton Lodge Road and residents had returned to their homes

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FEATURE: Update on Operation Fearless – tackling crime and anti-social behaviour in Erdington Town Centre

Operation Fearless team on Erdington High Street / Pic supplied by West Midlands Police

Operation Fearless officially launched on 7 January, bringing a specially recruited police taskforce to Erdington High Street to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in and around the Town Centre.

So far, the team behind Operation Fearless have made a raft of arrests from drug dealing and shoplifting and taken both offensive weapons and violent offenders off the streets – with those arrested sent to answer for their crimes in court.

A month after the official launch of the policing initiative, the officer leading the Operation Fearless team – Detective Superintendent Jim Munro – has a special update message for Erdington locals and residents.

Detective Superintendent Jim Munro on Erdington High Street / Pic supplied by West Midlands Police

“It’s hard to believe it’s already been a month since we launched Operation Fearless in Erdington. I’m really pleased to say we’re already seeing some real improvements on the High Street and in the surrounding area.

“You’ve probably noticed the increased police presence – more officers patrolling and we’ve been making more arrests too.

“A huge part of this success is down to some fantastic partnership work. My team has been working closely with the Council, immigration services, HMRC, and Transport for West Midlands. It really shows how much we can achieve when we all pull together.

“The support and feedback from local residents has been fantastic. We know people haven’t been feeling safe on the High Street, and some have even told us they’ve been avoiding the area altogether because of drug dealing and anti-social behaviour. We’ve also been talking to local businesses who have been hit hard by shoplifting – it’s been a real struggle for them.

“Since we boosted the police presence on the High Street, the difference has been noticeable. The community and business owners have told us they feel much safer. There are fewer suspicious characters hanging around, and the increased police presence has been really reassuring. Businesses are also reporting a decrease in shoplifting, and some of the most prolific offenders seem to have disappeared – which is excellent news.

Operation Fearless officers patrolling Erdington High Street / Pic supplied by West Midlands Police

“We’ve had some great results this past month. We’ve made over 36 arrests, with 16 charged and remanded, including some persistent shoplifters and people in possession of knives. We also carried out 60 stop searches, with 15 positive outcomes – that’s a 25% positive outcome rate. On top of that, we’ve executed eight warrants, recovering drugs and dangerous weapons from our streets.

“I know you, Erdington Local readers, and the wider community, will be pleased to hear about these results. I want to reassure everyone that we’re not taking our foot off the gas. We’re committed to tackling the criminals who pose a danger to our communities. I’ll be providing regular updates like this, so you can keep track of our progress.

And finally, if you see our officers out and about, please stop and have a chat. We’re always keen to hear your feedback and work with you to make the community even safer.”

Official launch of Operation Fearless at Villa Park and on Erdington High Street 07.01.25

For more on Operation Fearless direct from West Midlands Police visit www.westmidlands.police.uk/police-forces/west-midlands-police/areas/campaigns/campaigns/operation-fearless

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NEWS: Operation Fearless team seize “thousands of pounds” worth of drugs and weapons in series of arrests

Words by Ed King

Drugs seized by Operation Fearless after man arrested on Erdington High Street / Pic supplied by West Midlands Police

Police from Operation Fearless have seized “thousands of pounds” worth of drugs and weapons in a series of arrests and early morning raids across Erdington.

Acting on intelligence from the local community, the Op Fearless team bust down the door to a residential address on 31 January – uncovering an illegal cannabis grow and “several weapons” at the Erdington home.

As confirmed by West Midlands Police, one man was arrested and processed on “suspicion of drug offences” with an investigation continuing after the further discovery of weapons.

Two further addresses were also raided with two more men arrested, with both wanted by police for a recall to prison – meaning they had broken previous parole conditions and would be sent back into custody.

Operation Fearless in early morning raid on residential address in Erdington / Pic supplied by West Midlands Police

Studies have shown cannabis plants can each yield around 10-15 ounces of the Class B drug, with a street sale value of up to £3000. It is unconfirmed how many plants were discovered at the Erdington address but a cannabis factory can potentially squeeze hundreds of plants into a residential home.

Operation Fearless were also cracking down on crime on Erdington High Street and arrested a man on 3 February who the police confirmed “was spotted on the High Street in possession of cannabis.”

Shoppers and businesses alike have reported people on Erdington High Street taking and selling drugs openly, seemingly without fear of reprisal.

Following the initial arrest, Operation Fearless then raided the man’s home addresses in Erdington with West Midlands Police further confirming they “recovered thousands of pounds worth of drugs” – as pictured at the top of this article.

Cannabis plants found by Operation Fearless in early morning raid on residential address in Erdington / Pic supplied by West Midlands Police

Whilst the image taken of the illegal drugs haul shows the police had mainly found what is suspected to be cannabis flower and cannabis resin in the raid, which are both rated as Class B by the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, it also shows several bags of white and green powder that may be a Class A drug such as cocaine, crack cocaine, or methamphetamine (crystal meth).

Criminals charged for possession with intent to supply or distribute Class B drugs can face up to 14 years behind bars, as can those responsible for growing cannabis at home.

Possession with intent to supply Class A drugs can result in over seven years behind bars or even life imprisonment.

Operation Fearless Lead Detective Superintendent Jim Munro talking to media on Erdington High Street / Pic by Joe Marchant

Detective Superintendent Jim Munro, leading Operation Fearless, said: “We’re continuing to focus on crimes we know matter most to people living in Erdington.

“Local residents tell us they’re concerned about drug-related offences around the High Street and our officers are conducting specific operations to target this.”

He added: “Working in partnership with other policing teams, the council, and community groups – we will not let up in trying to make Erdington a safer place to live, work, and visit.”

Operation Fearless was officially launched on 7 January 2025, following Operation Skybridge, bringing a specially recruited team of officers to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour on Erdington High Street and around the Town Centre.

Supported by an investment of £880,000 from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC0), with the funds taken from proceeds of crime, the special policing initiative is being launched in Erdington before moving on to other areas across the city.

Operation Fearless team in group photo on Erdington High Street / Pic supplied by West Midlands Police

DCI Jim Munro previously confirmed to Erdington Local the Op Fearless team “will continue to work here in Erdington as long as necessary” to hand the High Street safely back to local partners and the Erdington Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT).

Erdington Ward Councillor Robert Alden, who sits as Director of the Erdington Business Improvement District (EBID), also told: “Hopefully [Operation Fearless] can crack down on the serious anti-social behaviour and crime that’s been taking place on the High Street.

“Residents and businesses have been really concerned about that over the last few years, and we’ve been raising this with the police.”

He added: “And the key thing is, now there are all these additional officers here, is making sure both businesses and residents report any crime that they see.

“Because that information will get used and pooled together with other intelligence that other people submit and then enable [the police] to carry out raids, and to get warrants, and put people behind bars.”

For more on Operation Fearless direct from West Midlands Police visit www.westmidlands.police.uk/police-forces/west-midlands-police/areas/campaigns/campaigns/operation-fearless/