Tag: Inspector Hayley Thompson

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ERDINGTON POLICE: A positive start to 2026 in Erdington – a message from Inspector Hayley Thompson

Inspector Hayley Thompson / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police

Words by Inspector Hayley Thompson, Erdington Neighbourhood Police Team

As 2026 gets underway, I wanted to share a few positive updates from your local policing team and let you know what we’ve been focusing on.

Firstly, Erdington has a new Sergeant. Claire Millard has recently joined the team and is keen to get out, meet residents, talk to businesses, and connect with local community groups. If you see her while you’re out and about, please do stop and say hello.

We’ve also been busy planning for the year ahead. Before Christmas, we met with many of our fantastic volunteers, including StreetWatch, Speed Watch, Neighbourhood Watch and Street Pastors. These volunteers play a vital role as extra eyes and ears in the community, helping us spot issues early and keep neighbourhoods safe.

If you’re looking for something new this year, enjoy getting out for a walk and want to meet people locally, volunteering could be a great option. You’ll go out with our PCSOs, help report concerns and tackle anti‑social behaviour and we’re always happy to welcome new volunteers.

Police officers on patrol on Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police

January also marks one year since Operation Fearless launched in Erdington. Over the past year, officers have made more than 300 arrests and carried out over 500 stop and searches across Erdington and Southside areas of Birmingham.

Most importantly, this work has contributed to an 80 per cent reduction in knife crime and a 60 per cent drop in serious youth violence locally.

There’s always more to do, but these results show what’s possible when police, partners, and the community work together.

If you have any concerns or want to speak to the team, please get in touch.

Inspector Hayley Thompson.

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

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ERDINGTON POLICE: Keeping Erdington safe this Winter – a message from Inspector Hayley Thompson

Police involved in Operation Skybridge in Erdington / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police

Words by Inspector Hayley Thompson – Erdington Neighbourhood Police Team

It’s been another busy month for the Erdington neighbourhood team. As the darker nights draw in, burglary and car crime often see an increase, so our officers are stepping up patrols in key areas, acting on your information, and working closely with partners to prevent crime and protect people.

If you’re heading out, take a few simple steps to keep your home and vehicle secure. Lock windows, doors, and porches. Remove valuables from your car, lock it properly, and store your keys in a safe place.

Inside your home, keep laptops, phones, jewellery, wallets, and car keys out of sight from windows and doors.

Patrol car with Operation Skybridge in Erdington / Photograph by Ed King, Erdington Local

We’re pleased to share that Operation Skybridge is returning to Erdington and Stockland Green areas this month. Expect to see more officers on the streets over the next few weeks, working hard to crack down on burglary, robbery, vehicle and drug crime.

Erdington has seen significant investment from West Midlands Police over the past year, with two major initiatives launched: Operation Skybridge in October 2024 and Operation Fearless in January 2025.

Both teams have made great progress in reducing crime and helping residents feel safer and we’re determined to keep that momentum going.

Inspector Hayley Thompson from the Erdington and Sutton Coldfield Neighbourhood Police Teams / Photograph supplied by WMP

We’ll also be hosting more police surgeries from our community engagement hub, located outside B&M. Pop down, meet the team, and share any concerns.

Dates for your diary: Saturday 22 November (4:00pm – 5:00pm), Thursday 27 November (11:00am – 12:00pm), Sunday 30 November (4:00pm – 5:00pm).

There will also be a Spring Lane Speed Watch/Parking meeting on Monday 8 December (7:00pm – 8:00pm) at Erdington RFC, Spring Lane Playing Fields, Kingsbury Rd, Erdington, Birmingham.

Inspector Hayley Thompson

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

 

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ERDINGTON POLICE: Keeping Erdington safe – A message from Inspector Hayley Thompson

Inspector Hayley Thompson (photograph supplied by WMP)

Words by Inspector Hayley Thompson – Erdington Neighbourhood Police Team

(**Ed’s note… this column was first published on Friday 17 October in the Erdington Local print edition.)

It’s been another busy month for the Erdington neighbourhood team, as we wrapped up September with a successful All Out Day.

It was fantastic to be out on the High Street, meeting so many of you alongside my colleagues, and new Chief Inspector, Chanelle Whitney.

We spent time speaking with local residents and businesses, listening to concerns around issues like shop theft and drug use, both of which we’re actively working to address. Your feedback is invaluable and helps shape our priorities moving forward.

We’re incredibly grateful for the continued support from our partners, including Birmingham Community Safety Partnership, North LCSP, Erdington BID, and many others.

The presence of Fearless officers on the High Street has become a reassuring sight for many residents and businesses and their weekly patrols are making a real impact.

We’ve charged a man with a string of shop thefts on Erdington High Street, after he was arrested by Fearless officers on 1 October.

Erdington Neighbourhood Police Team and Birmingham City Council Safety Enforcement Offciers on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King

The 24-year-old was charged with seven theft offences from several different stores, including on the High Street.

Among those also arrested this week were individuals wanted for domestic harassment, drink driving, and failing to comply with a community order.

Looking ahead, we’ve got several community open events happening this month at our Engagement Hub, located outside B&M. These are a great opportunity to speak directly with officers, get crime prevention advice, and have a friendly chat.

We hope to see you there.

Inspector Hayley Thompson

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

 

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ERDINGTON POLICE: A message from Inspector Hayley Thompson

Inspector Hayley Thompson (photograph supplied by WMP)

Words by Inspector Hayley Thompson

Hello, I’ve recently taken over as the new Inspector for Birmingham East, covering Erdington and surrounding areas. I’ve taken over from Inspector Christian Forder, who has done a fantastic job leading the team here and I’m proud to be building on the strong foundations he’s laid.

It’s only my first week, but I’ve already been out and about, meeting the teams and getting stuck into conversations about what really matters to our local communities.

I’ve spent over 20 years in policing, most recently as a Response and Neighbourhood Inspector across Solihull and Birmingham and I’m bringing all of that experience with me into this new role.

I know that shop theft and antisocial behaviour on the High Street remain key concerns. These are priorities for us too, and we’re committed to making the area safer and more welcoming for everyone.

Last week, Operation Fearless returned to the High Street for a day of action. With support from student officers, the team detained two men wanted for theft and enforced the Public Space Protection Order. They also spent time engaging with residents and local businesses — a great example of partnership in action.

I know trust in policing is built through consistent action and honest conversations. That’s what I’m here to do. I want to listen, learn, and work with you to make Erdington a place we’re all proud of.

Thank you for your continued support. I’m looking forward to what we can achieve together.

Stay safe.

Inspector Hayley Thompson

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