Tag: Erdington Business Improvement District

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NEWS: Erdington launched Operation Fearless sets out national debate on high street policing

Erdington MP Paulette Hamilton opens a Westminster Hall debate into high street policing / Image taken from Parliament.tv live feed

Words by Ed King

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.

Click here to watch the live Westminster Hall debate about high street policing, as raised by Erdington MP Paulette Hamilton.

For more on the local police in the Erdington visit www.westmidlands.police.uk/area/your-area/west-midlands/birmingham/erdington

 

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NEWS: Join the ‘Love Your Local Community’ litter pick on Erdington High Street – Saturday 7 June

Volunteers picking up litter / Photograph taken from Adobe Stock Images

Words by Erdington Local editorial team

Erdington Business Improvement District (BID) is calling out for local volunteers to join their ‘Love Your Local Community’ litter pick on Erdington High Street – on Saturday 7 June.

With the litter pick itself running from 1pm until 3pm, volunteers are invited to meet at Oikos Café from 12:30pm – allowing some time for teas and coffees, paid for by the Erdington BID, before heading out across the High Street.

The ‘Love Your Local Community’ litter pick on Saturday 7 June will be focusing on the areas around the Village Green and the entrance to Wilton Market, with pickers also heading up to the shops on Erdington High Street towards St Barnabas Church.

Erdington Town Centre sign with rainbow splash / Photograph by Ed King

All equipment will be provided by the Erdington BID, with all ages welcomed – although younger people and those under 16 should be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Anyone interested in joining the ‘Love Your Local Community’ litter pick has been asked to email the Erdington BID in advance at: erdingtonhighstreet@hotmail.co.uk

Volunteers can also turn up to support the litter pick at Oikos Café from 12:30pm on Saturday 7 June – although equipment cannot be guaranteed for anyone who has not given advance notice.

Once the litter pick has finished, all the volunteers who took part will be invited back to Oikos Café for some well-earned refreshments and to enjoy some social time together – as a thank you gesture from the Erdington BID for their time, help, and support.

Erdington Litter Busters on Slade Road, Erdington (Photograph by Ed King)

Active volunteers and members of local community groups, including the Erdington Walking Group and Erdington Litter Busters, have already shown their support – with organisers looking for more proactive people who can help clean up the High Street on Saturday 7 June.

A spokesperson for the Erdington BID told: “Our High Street needs a bit of a spring clean, and we’re looking for some positive and proactive litter pickers to come and join us for a couple of hours on Saturday 7 June.

“There will be time to socialise too, with some drinks and refreshments at Okos Café for anyone who can help out and get involved.”

The special Town Centre tidy up is being organised as part of the Erdington BID’s ‘Love Your Local Community’ campaign, which is encouraging people to take positive action to support Erdington High Street – as supported by Erdington Local.

The BID spokesperson added: “We know there are challenges to High Streets across the city, with the problems in Erdington Town Centre sadly also facing many communities around Birmingham and beyond.

“But Erdington has a community of active volunteers and passionate local residents that you don’t see elsewhere – and we’re looking to use that incredible people power to make some real and positive changes to Erdington High Street.

“There has been too much focus on the negatives, and we want to turn that tide and do something wholeheartedly positive.

“So come down, get involved, and Love Your Local Community with us. Be part of the change and part of Erdington’s future.”

Sign in one of the green spaces cared for by Erdington Litter Busters (Photograph by Ed King)

The BID is also organising a series of Summer Fun Days on Erdington High Street, giving local families a chance to enjoy some free children’s games and activities over the coming months.

The first Sumer Fun Day will be held on Saturday 21 June, with more planned on Saturday 19 July and Saturday 23 August. Erdington BID is looking for volunteers to help support the family friendly events and the wider ‘Love Your Local Community’ campaign.

Erdington BID is funded by annual levies from local retailers and business in the Town Centre, and further supported by external funding, grants, and donations.

Anyone wanting more information about the Erdington High Street litter pick on Saturday 7 June, or the wider ‘Love Your Local Community’ campaign, please email the Erdington BID at erdingtonhighstreet@hotmail.co.uk

For more information on Oikos Café, including contact details and location, visit www.oikoscafe.co.uk

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NEWS: Free family summer fun days on Erdington High Street – Saturday 21 June, 19 July, 23 August

A group of children playing in a bouncy castle / Photograph taken from Adobe Stock Images

Words by Erdington Local editorial team

A series of free family summer fun days are being held on Erdington High Street, to help promote the Town Centre and give local families some free activities over the coming months.

Taking place on the third or fourth Saturday of each month, the first event will be held on Saturday 21 June – running from 12noon until 5pm, outside the entrance to Wilton Market.

(N.B. This event was originally planned for 31 May but has been moved due to uncertain weather conditions.)

The summer fun days will be completely free to attend and suitable for children and adults of all ages.

Children with animals face painting / Photograph taken from Adobe Stock Images

Organises have told there will be a variety of family friendly games and activities taking place across the afternoon – including a bouncy castle, animal facepainting, street sports, live music, and arts and crafts for young people.

Local community groups and support agencies will also have stalls at the events, informing local people about the activities and services in their area – as well as looking for new volunteers.

There will also be food and drink available, although these will cost depending on the individual stall holders.

Following the first event on Saturday 21 June, further summer fun days will be held on Saturday 19 July and Saturday 23 August.

Live music and familles on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King

Weather permitting, all the events will take place on the pedestrianised area in between Wilton Market and the old Coop Supermarket – which will soon be reopened as a large B&M store.

A ‘wet weather plan’ will also be in place to move suitable activities to a sheltered location, if the weather takes a turn for the worse.

Completely free to attend, the events are being organised by the Erdington Business Improvement District (BID) as part of their ‘Love Your Local Community’ campaign – which hopes to encourage people to celebrate all the positive changes in Erdington Town Centre.

Young people and familles enjoying arts and crafts on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King

The Erdington BID is also organising other ‘Love Your Local Community’ events to help support the Town Centre – including a special High Street Community Litter Pick on 7 June.

A spokesperson for the Erdington BID told: “These events are a thank you to all the local people who support the High Street, and an invitation to come and enjoy an afternoon in the Town Centre.

“We love Erdington High Street and want to celebrate all the positive things about our Town Centre.”

“With all the extra police attention Erdington High Street has recently had, and continues to have, crime and anti-social behaviour have dropped massively in the Town Centre.”

Young people and familles enjoying arts and crafts on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King

They added: “Erdington has a big heart and a bright future, and whilst we recognise there have been challenges, we’re asking people to focus more on the positives rather than repeat the old negative narratives.

“Now is our chance to ‘Love Your Local Community’ and bring some fun back to the High Street.”

Erdington BID is also on the lookout for volunteers who want to help support the activities in and around the Town Centre, working alongside the Town Centre Manager, Street Wardens, and High Street Police team.

Stalls on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King

For more information on the summer fun days look out for updates on the Erdington Local website, social media, and within the monthly newspaper.

To find out more about volunteering with Erdington BID, and supporting the activities in and around the Town Centre, please email: erdingtonhighstreet@hotmail.com – or click on the logo below.

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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: erdingtonhighstreet@hotmail.com

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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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/

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NEWS: From shoplifting to armed carjacking – Operation Fearless makes arrests across Erdington

Words by Ed King

Operation Fearless officers on patrol on Erdington High Street / Pic by Joe Marchant

Since officially launching on Tuesday 7 January, officers from Operation Fearless have been making a raft of arrests across Erdington – apprehending criminals from shoplifters to armed carjackers.

The Op Fearless team have also seized weapons from suspects on the street, raided the address of a suspected drug dealer, and used “community intelligence” to catch wanted and violent criminals and send them to court.

In a brief breakdown of some of the arrests made by the Operation Fearless team so far, prolific and agressive shoplifters on Erdington High Street have been caught, charged, and processed on 17 Jan, 19 Jan, and 21 Jan.

Officers have seized weapons, including knives and bats, from individuals on the streets on 12 Jan and 20 Jan.

Operation Fearless officers and dog patrol unit on Erdington High Street / Pic by Joe Marchant

On 14 January, Operation Fearless and local police raided the home address of a suspected drug dealer – breaking down their front door on Derrydown Close and finding 50 wraps of drugs and a zombie knife.

On 17 January, after being alerted by staff at a local pub, Operation Fearless police apprehended a man after he smashed windows at the premises – further finding a knife, and that the man was previously wanted for robbery.

On the launch day itself, 7 January, arrests were made for sexual offences and failure to attend a previous court hearing.

But perhaps some of the most audacious arrests for the Operation Fearless team were made after receiving reports of an armed carjacking, taking place mid-afternoon on Saturday 18 January.

Partnering with police in the traffic and firearms teams, Operation Fearless cops tracked the stolen Kia car – which had been taken from a motorist on Short Heath Road at knife point – and gave chase.

Kia car stolen at knife point stopped by Operation Fearless officers, working with traffic and firearms police teams / Pics supplied by West Midlands Polcie

After refusing to stop and even ramming two police vehicles, the fugitives were finally corned and forced to surrender. Three people in their thirties were later charged with robbery, possession of a knife in a public place, aggravated vehicle taking, dangerous driving, and other driving offences.

Operation Fearless have been funded by the Police and Crime Commissioner and will see 20 officers and £880,000 invested into Erdington Town Centre.

The initiative follows on from Operation Skybridge which was launched last autumn, and saw the police deploy extra resources to tackle crime across the wider Erdington constituency.

With an increase in “high-visibility patrols” and “targeted operations”, West Midlands Police state they introduced the special policing initiative to tackle crime on and around Erdington High Street – an area that has been a “hotspot” of crime and anti-social behaviour.

Operation Fearless lead Detective Superintendent Jim Munro on Erdington High Street / Pic by Joe Marchant

Leading Operation Fearless, Detective Superintendent Jim Munro told Erdington Local: “We’ve got problems here and now, there’s no two ways about that; we’ve listened to the community. Theft, anti-social behaviour, open drug dealing or drug taking… all key things that, quite rightly, concern the community.

“So those are the things we need to address straight away, and we need to look at those issues and how we look to deter offending. And how we look to reduce that and put people through the criminal process if appropriate.”

He added: “[Operation Fearless} will continue to work here in Erdington as long as necessary to hand it into a place, where we feel, it is sustainable to look at regeneration.”

(l-r) Erdington Ward Councillors Gareth Moore and Robert Alden / Pic supplied by Cllr Alden

Funded until March 2026, Operation Fearless are encouraging Erdington local businesses and residents to report any and all crimes they see, using both the improved 111 and 999 services and by talking to bobbies on the beat around the High Street and other areas.

Erdington Ward Councillor Robert Alden (Conservative), who sits as Director of the Erdington Business Improvement District, reiterated this call to arms to report and fight crime.

He told Erdington Local: “It’s vital that businesses and residents report any crime they see; it might be a partial numberplate, it might be a partial description, but feed it in directly to the police – or to Crimestoppers if you [want to do this anonymously].”

He added: “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.”

Operation Fearless police team raid address of suspected drug dealer on Derrydown Close

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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OPINION: Operation Fearless – launch success as partners pledge to work together for Erdington

Words by West Midlands Police

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

Arrests, vehicle and drug seizures and £500,000 of counterfeit goods recovered – Operation Fearless has officially arrived in Erdington.

Tuesday 7 January marked the formal launch of Fearless, a major new initiative to drive down crime and improve life in Erdington with a combination of high-profile visible activity and work with partners such as Birmingham City Council (BCC).

Around 150 people gathered at Villa Park to hear from Chief Constable Craig Guildford, Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster, and others about the ambitious plans to make Erdington a safer and better place to live.

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

In the afternoon, the Fearless team got to work in Erdington, supported by colleagues with dogs, drones, knife detecting equipment and even horses from Thames Valley Police.

The operation saw:

  • One man wanted on suspicion of burglary in the West Mercia area was arrested in an operation targeting criminals using the bus network to travel into Erdington
  • One man was arrested for failing to appear at court
  • Two vehicles were seized – one because it was being used in crime, and another because it was being driven without insurance
  • Six men were arrested for conspiracy to defraud over the seizure of £500,000 of counterfeit and illicit goods, including cigarettes, vapes, and prescription medication, in a joint operation with BCC’s Trading Standards team

The work of the Fearless team, made up of uniformed and plain clothes officers as well as detectives and other teams, will continue over the weeks to come, and will move into other areas, while working with partners to ensure that the improvements made in Erdington are not undone.

Detective Superintendent Jim Munro taking to media at Operation Fearless launch on Erdington High Street / Pic by Joe Marchant

Det Supt Jim Munro, who leads the Fearless team, said: “[7 January] was a fantastic launch and the support by partners from across the region, from the council to Transport for West Midlands, to immigration and children’s services has been phenomenal.

“We backed up our words with real action… making arrests and removing counterfeit goods from the High Street.

“Fearless will only succeed with the support of people in Erdington though. When you see our officers, chat to them about what concerns you have and where you think we should be directing our work. That will make a real difference.”

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