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.
(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]
Bins and bin bags uncolllected on Mason Road, Erdington / PIc by Ed King
On 11 March 2025, hundreds of council refuse workers took industrial action, joining the Unite the Union picket line and effectively halting the collection of household rubbish and recycling across the city.
The issues were similar to those Unite members voted to strike on in June 2017, September 2017, December 2018, and February 2019, as was the media fallout that followed – with pictures of rubbish piling up on city streets and reports of “rats the size of cats” in the national press.
Erdington Local takes a look at the history behind the revolving door bin strikes that have come back to haunt, and taunt, Birmingham City Council, and asks – what keeps going wrong with Birmingham’s Waste Management Service?
‘Cat-sized rats are attacking our cars’, ran the BBC headline, framing an article published on 26 February this year.
Two weeks later and a reported 350 Birmingham City Council (BCC) refuse workers would go on strike, leaving bin bags to pile up on city streets and vermin of all shapes and sizes to burrow their way into the conversation.
“The rats are huge,” explained one local resident, when quizzed further by the BBC reporter, “they are like small cats and their tails are really chunky.”
A media monster is born. Or reborn. And the Labour run council is once again at war with Unite the Union. But why is Birmingham back in crisis over its bin collections? And why is one of the largest trade unions in the UK, and a onetime close Labour ally and donor, now bringing the city to its knees? Again.
Bins and bin bags uncolllected on Mason Road, Erdington / PIc by Ed King
The answer to this immediate problem can be found from looking through the last decade of how Birmingham City Council has wrestled with Unite – the union who represent the majority of council employers working in the Waste Management Service.
The Birmingham bin strikes are viewed by many as a case of history repeating itself, and in order to successfully to navigate a future path the council must learn from its mistakes of the past.
In 2017 it was the threat of losing 107 Grade 3 Leading Hands roles from the waste collection trucks, workers with a safety brief who were paid more than their counter parts, and today it’s the Waste Recycling and Collection Officer (WRCO) role.
The Leader of Birmingham City Council has changed too, but it is the actions of Birmingham Labour a decade ago that lie at the root of this dispute.
According to one senior member of Unite the Union’s West Midlands branch, commenting anonymously for fear of reprisals, the rot began to set in when Sir Abert Bore was replaced by Cllr John Clancy as Council Leader in 2015 – seeing a man The Birmingham Post once dubbed a “leftwing firebrand” handing the reigns to a Mancunian lawyer turned Brummie councillor.
According to our source, Unite top brass were rattled by the new tone of Clancey’s Cabinet, and the “dominance in Birmingham” the union had previously enjoyed was perceivably under threat. Whereas in the salad days of Sir Bore’s administration Unite could “just [go] to him and we’d have got what we wanted” they now faced elected officials who would not “bow to that pressure.”
Birmingham’s a big patch for many civic partners and showing strength in the face of administrative action is an important vertebra in the backbone of any West Midlands union official. Especially if your workforce is employed by the council.
At the time of the first bin strike in 2017, Unite had brought in Howard Beckett as Regional Director, who our source explains had been “sent to the West Midlands to make a name for himself”. The then General Secretary, Len McCluskey, was set to step down and top tier Unite members had their eyes on the job. And for Beckett, argues our source, the Birmingham bin strike “was his baby.”
So, when in spring 2017 a proposed restructuring of the Waste Management Service – in an effort to save £5m in operational costs – called for the redundancy of 107 Grade 3 Leading Hands roles, Unite, led by Beckett, went on the attack.
Birmingham City Council argued they had to restructure, as they still do today, over concerns of equal pay – with potential liabilities across the 12000 strong Council workforce a dangerous thundercloud on the horizon.
(That burst on 5 September 2023, bringing with it unprecedented cuts to Council services, sales of public assets, and a near 20% rise in Council Tax over two years.)
And whilst back in 2017 BCC claimed they were offering equivalent roles or severance packages to anyone made redundant, as again they still do today, Unite stuck to their stance the redundancies were unlawful. The Council disagreed, so Unite the Union members working in Waste Management were balloted over industrial action and went on strike starting 30 June 2017.
Initially Cllr Clancey attempted to placate Unite with the now infamous ‘beer and sandwiches’ deal, where he met with union officials through the national Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) on 15 August 2017 to sign off a settlement.
But without official Cabinet support, BCC’S then interim Chief Executive, Stella Manzie, called on the Leader to “‘not progress the proposal” and return to the negotiating table.
Fostering a direct relationship with Unite, Cllr Clancy candidly informed Howard Beckett via text that he was “working most of every day to outflank inappropriate [city] officers” and how “a pincer manoeuvre from others will help specifically to do this”.
Then on 31 August 2017, John Clancy texts Howard Beckett again, explaining “the mood [in Birmingham Labour] has changed drastically” and it is “inevitable” that the “redundancies will have to go ahead straight away”. A curious division of loyalties that would begin the corrosion of the senior council officials, elected or not, and send the city further into bin collection chaos.
On 1 September, Unite the Union members working in Waste Management went on strike.
Ten days later, on 11 September, John Clancey resigned as Leader of Birmingham City Council.
Birmingham City Council Town House / Image from Adobe Stock
BCC and Unite would end up arguing it out in the High Court – where one judge commented in September 2017, after the redundancies were eventually blocked: “How a public body with 12,000 employees can operate sensibly with this degree of chaos between its senior personnel is remarkable.”
And it is here the game of cat and mouse, or perhaps rat, would repeat over the next two administrations.
Erdington MP Paullette Hamilton sat on Clancey’s Cabinet at the time. She explains: “You have to understand, formally, nothing was passed by cabinet. John Clancy went into a meeting… with the unions, [and] decisions were taken at the time. But the other members of the cabinet were not there.”
She adds: “The point was [John Clancey] didn’t understand what a Cabinet structure meant. He felt being the Leader he could go away and do what he felt was right and the Cabinet would just fall in line. And unfortunately, that didn’t happen.”
Jump forward to today’s widely reported on rubbish and the argument over restructuring the city’s Waste Management Service remains much the same, as does the outcome of such a service deadlock. Piles of black plastic bins on the pavement and the circling folklore of vermin big enough to bite your pet Poodle.
Unite is now run by Sharon Graham, who was elected as General Secretary in 2021 and – in an open letter to Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner – has stated the “current escalation [in the dispute] increasingly looks like a declaration of war on these [Birmingham City Council Waste Management] workers”. Tough but consistent rhetoric.
There are some more positive noises being made today, however, with Birmingham City Council declaring the situation a “major incident’ and “public health crisis’ – paving the way for BCC to instigate contingency plans and bring in external help to literally clean up the mess.
Rubbish and waste increasing, uncollected due to workers strike UK / Image from Adobe Stock
This also allows Birmingham City Council to seek support from central government, and, as some around the campfire predict, take a more aggressive stance against the union who has blocked them over Waste Management reform for the last decade.
And this has been mirrored recently in Westminster. Following reports striking workers were blocking the waste collection trucks leaving a plant in Tyseley, the Health Minister, Wes Streeting, told: “I understand industrial disputes happen. I understand people have the right to withdraw their labour. That’s part and parcel of industrial relations in our country. But what is not acceptable is allowing these sorts of… unsanitary conditions… to occur on people’s streets.”
But one thing’s for sure, the bin strike debate is keeping our local Council Chamber full of fireworks and festivities – with one plucky member of the public dressing up in a full body rat costume to ask their question about taxes on pest control at the Full Council meeting on 8 April.
Shots were fired over strategy too, with Birmingham Conservatives Leader Cllr Robert Alden (Erdington Ward) challenging the current Birmingham Labour Leader, Cllr John Cotton (Glebe Farm and Tile Hill Ward) over his management of the crisis.
In a barbed exchange in the Council Chamber, Cllr Alden quizzed when there are “over 21000 tonnes of uncollected rubbish [on Birmingham streets] and pest control experts… warning the city could face a rat epidemic” why weren’t opposition leaders being brought in to help find a solution.
Cllr Robert Alden in exchange with Cllr John Cotton over waste managemnet startegy at Full Council meeting on 8 April / Image taken from BCC webcast
After initially responding it was “absolutely appropriate” the Gold Command – a special taskforce set up to tackle the issue – were “reporting into the political leadership of this council at regular intervals”, Cllr Cotton became visibly more irate at the “heated rhetoric” coming from his Conservative counterpart.
In a curt and final riposte, Cllr Cotton quipped he was “not going to get involved in… party banter and nonsense” and that “the priority here is to reach a resolution to this dispute.” A possibly welcome tough line as wider negotiations continue both in and outside the Town House.
There are signs the end will come, and BCC have been using the public health agenda to bring in temporary support whilst the strike continues. So bins are being emptied.
But whilst the Cabinet Member for Digital, Culture, Heritage, and Tourism – Cllr Sulaman (Hall Green North, Labour) – is confident Birmingham will still be seen as “a clean, welcoming, and exciting destination,” the embarrassing media cycle continues.
Cllr John Cotton in exchange with Cllr Robert Alden over waste managemnet startegy at Full Council meeting on 8 April / Image taken from BCC webcast
Over in Erdington, however, people have been showing the national press a positive display of community in the face of adversity – as those living in the B24 and B23 postcodes so clearly showed in another recent time of crisis.
In a visit to a mobile rubbish collection point on Grange Road, as piles of rubbish are being set alight in other areas of the city, the BBC reported how in Erdington “the scene is all very well-mannered”. All this North Birmingham constituency needs now is a Vera Lynn song on repeat and a good stock of tinned food.
And the “120 new vehicles with state of the art technology that will truly modernise the service” promised by the Council Leader, if they have a spare afternoon.
Paulette Hamilton MP with police on Erdington High Street / Pic supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP
Three years ago, when I was first elected, I made a promise, to tackle the crime and antisocial behaviour plaguing Erdington High Street.
Today, I’m proud to report that Operation Fearless, launched in January with £880,000 in funding from the Proceeds of Crime Fund, is delivering incredible results.
At my latest High Street meeting, Inspector Shameem Ahmed provided a detailed update on multiple arrests and seizures – proof that our community’s persistence is paying off.
Traders who once lived in fear now speak of real transformation, something I saw firsthand during my walkabout with Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster and DS Jim Munro last week.
Paulette Hamilton MP with Inspector Shameem Ahmed at a meeting about crime on Erdington High Street, held at St Barnabas Church / Pic supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP
But while we celebrate progress, we cannot ignore the recent knife attack in Kingstanding. My heart goes out to the victim, and I pray they make a speedy recovery.
As someone who has recently spoken in Parliament about rising knife crime and as an aunt whose own family has felt its devastating pain, I’m calling for action. That means tougher measures and longer-term, sustainable funding for initiatives like our Violence Reduction Partnership.
Beyond crime, as Chair of the Hospices APPG, I’m also fighting for dignity in dying. Places like John Taylor Hospice in Erdington provide incredible care, yet rely too heavily on charity. They deserve long-term funding, and I’m determined to keep pushing to make that happen.
Erdington, Kingstanding, Castle Vale, and South Oscott are stronger when we stand together. We’ve already shown what we can achieve, so let’s keep pushing forward.
Paulette Hamilton MP by the Houses of Parliament / Pic supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP
The first duty of any government is to keep its citizens safe. That’s why I’m proud this Labour Government is increasing defence investment 2.5% of GDP by 2027, the biggest sustained boost since the Cold War.
This commitment strengthens national security and ensures we have the capabilities to protect the UK and our allies.
But security isn’t just about national defence, it’s about keeping our communities safe too. After 14 years of Conservative neglect, our armed forces are stretched thin, and crime and anti-social behaviour are rising. Undoing the damage of the past will take time, but Labour is committed to rebuilding Britain and delivering for our communities.
Locally, I took a firm stand against an HMO application on Mason Road, leading a campaign backed by 386 residents. Birmingham City Council rejected the application, sending a clear message that enough is enough.
HMOs bring increased crime, put pressure on local services, and undermine initiatives like Operation Fearless, which aims to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.
I joined West Midlands Police for an all-out day on Erdington High Street. With a new Public Spaces Protection Order in place and Operation Fearless making an impact, traders and shoppers are seeing a real difference.
I also held a coffee morning in Kingstanding, where residents raised crime and anti-social behaviour as top concerns. I’ll keep working with the police and local partners to tackle these issues.
From community campaigns to coffee mornings, I will keep fighting for a safer Erdington, Kingstanding, Castle Vale, and South Oscott.
DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the contributors – as identified against each article – and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent, or the view or positions of Erdington Local.
If you wish to contact Erdington Local about any comments or contributions made, please email: [email protected]
(l-r) Paulette Hamilton MP with Andrew Goodacre of the British Independent Retailers Association on Erdington High Street / Pic supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP
It’s always a pleasure to update you on the work I’m doing to make Erdington, Kingstanding, Castle Vale, and South Oscott even better places to live, work, and raise a family.
This month, I’ve been focused on standing up for our neighbourhoods. I have written to local residents about the proposed five-bed HMO on Mason Road, which could bring significant challenges to our community.
I will be objecting to the application in the strongest terms and urging the council to reject it. If you haven’t already, please sign my petition to put a stop to this.
I also joined Simon Foster, our Police and Crime Commissioner, on Erdington High Street to hear about the impact of Operation Fearless. This initiative has already led to major arrests and the seizure of drugs and weapons, making our high street safer.
Our community deserves to feel secure, and I’ll continue pushing for the resources needed to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour.
Supporting local businesses is also a priority. That’s why I recently met with Andrew Goodacre of the British Independent Retailers Association and walked along the High Street to discuss efforts to revitalise our town centre.
Our independent businesses are the backbone of our community, and I’ll keep working to ensure they thrive.
On a brighter note, I was delighted to join Marsh Hill Primary School in Stockland Green for the opening of their new security gates. It’s fantastic to see investment in school safety, ensuring children can learn and grow in a secure environment.
Paulette Hamilton MP at the official launch of Operation Feareless at Villa Park / Pic supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP
I’m thrilled to kick off the new year by sharing some exciting updates about our amazing communities across Erdington, Kingstanding, Castle Vale, and South Oscott.
After years of relentless campaigning, I’m proud to announce that we’ve secured £880,000 for Operation Fearless through the proceeds of crime funding, headed up by Simon Foster, Labour’s Police and Crime Commissioner.
This initiative is a game-changer for tackling crime and anti-social behaviour, breathing new life into Erdington High Street – the beating heart of our community. Leading this campaign has been an absolute honour, and working with local residents, traders, the police, and the council has truly shown what we can achieve when we work together.
While this funding is a major step forward, it’s just the start of our journey to transform the high street. I remain committed to making our high streets a safe, welcoming, and inspiring place for everyone.
Paulette Hamilton MP and young people with Labour’s Minister for the Department for Work and Pensions, Alison McGovern MP, at Witton Lodge Community Association / Pic supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP
Another highlight was welcoming Alison McGovern MP, Labour’s Minister for the Department for Work and Pensions, to Erdington. During her visit, she engaged with young people at the Witton Lodge Community Association and joined discussions with the North Birmingham Economic Recovery Board, which I proudly chair.
We also visited the Erdington Jobcentre to hear from work coaches about their experiences in helping local residents into employment.
Erdington is truly making its mark, attracting vital funding and national attention. These achievements reflect the strength of our community and our shared determination to create a better and safer future for all.
Operation Fearless team on Erdington High Street / Pic supplied by West Midlands Police
Erdington High Street has been known as a crime hotspot for several years, with endemic shoplifting underpinning broad daylight drug dealing and a rouges gallery of anti-social behaviour.
But it used to be different, very different. It used to be known as one of Birmingham’s most vibrant retail hubs, with thousands of confident shoppers and respected national brands clamouring for frontage.
Now West Midlands Police have launched Operation Fearless and are set to invest over 20 new officers and £880,000 to tackle criminality on and around Erdington High Steet.
Erdington Local attended the maiden voyage of this ambitious new policing strategy, asking just what impact it hopes to make in the once proud and prominent Erdington Town Centre.
Chief Constable Craig GUildford outside official launch of Operation Fearless at Villa Park / Pic by Ed King
“We’ve only been up and running since the end of November and we’ve already banned two prolific shoplifters,” explains West Midlands Police Chief Constable Craig Guildford, standing on the sun warmed steps of Villa Park at the official launch of Operation Fearless – a slow tide of media and local partners drifting into the conference room below.
“It’s already working quite well and on the back of the prosecutions, with the support of the Crown Prosecution Service, we’ve got a court order which bans [the shoplifters] from the High Street. Now that’s a really good success.”
Chief Constable Guildford is a no-nonsense copper, with a calm and authoritative air, and a look that would not be out of place in a Sergio Leone Western. After becoming the region’s top police officer he reportedly broke up a fight on Bearwood High Street whilst off duty getting a coffee.
Guildford was brought into post in December 2022, appointed by Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster, with a mandate to bring back robust community policing, and terms like ‘working with local partners’ and ‘local police presence’ have peppered documents that have come from his office ever since.
Promotional flyers for Operation Fearless / Pic by Ed King
Indeed, the first-person introduction to the West Midlands Police Neighbourhood Policing Ambition strategy, which sets the local operations aims until 2026, states how ‘affinity and pride in local teams helps us tackle criminality’ before confirming they will ‘listen to and work with the public, partners, voluntary groups… to protect local people and places.’
But Erdington High Street has been arguably a failed case study in community cohesion, with revolving door Sergeants and stripped back public patrols doing little to quell the growing frustration of both local residents and business. And even less to reduce the crime statistics, which UKCrimeStats places at one of the worst in Birmingham – beaten only by Ladywood, Hodge Hill, and Perry Barr.
And the apathy in reporting crimes, especially from the frustrated at best and frightened at worst retailers on the High Street, could nudge these numbers even higher, with many calling for the reopening of the Erdington Police Station front desk and giving up on their unanswered calls to the 101 and 999 emergency numbers.
Promotional vehicles at official launch of Operation Fearless / Pic by Ed King
It’s a problem across the region, and Chief Constable Guildford admits when he took on his role West Midlands Police were “very poor at answering the telephone, compared to lots of police forces.” Around the same time, prominent Erdington retailers were reporting being on hold for up to an hour when trying to report crimes by calling 101.
Thankfully, the average response time for WMP call handlers has dramatically improved, with 101 at 10 seconds and an almost immediate pick up for 999 emergency calls.
Proud of this “radical shift”, Chief Constable Guildford further urges people to “get the phone picked up, let us know, or stop one of the bobbies that are walking past.” The equation is simple, he says: “We need to know what’s happening to be able to act on it; we’ve got the resources to do it, and we want to be doing it more and more.”
“But first and foremost,” he continues, when quizzed about the arrest to prosecution ratio many retailers feel has also waned on Erdington High Street, “there has to be a consequence; if you prolifically shoplift, you need to be going to court, and the courts need to be determining your future.” And cue the quote used in our headline.
Police car with Operation Skybridge branding parked opposite Erdington Train Station / Pic by Ed King
Operation Fearless officially launched on Tuesday 7 January, but it’s team of 20 officers – who have been recruited, according to WMP, for their “very diverse skill set” – have been operating for several weeks. Indeed, the Sutton Coldfield and Erdington Chief Inspector, Shameem Ahmed, was seconded to give the new policing initiative some valuable local knowledge.
But why now, and why Erdington? “I think it’s probably fair to say I’ve been to Erdington High Street more than any other high street in the entirety of the West Midlands,” tells Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster, mirroring a point Erdington Local is often quick to make too.
“I’ve attended resident’s meetings, I’ve been on Erdington High Street with the Street Pastors, with West Midlands Police, with [Erdington Local], and attended numerous resident’s meetings. So, I’ve listened; I’ve heard about the challenges and the impact that the crime and anti-social behaviour on Erdington High Street has had and today is about taking the action that is necessary to address those issues.”
But really, why now? What has been the tipping point to push for this extra policing attention in Erdington Town Centre?
Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster outside official launch of Operation Fearless at Villa Park / Pic by Ed King
“In terms of ensuring we can launch Operation Fearless immediately I am investing nearly a million pounds of proceeds of crime – seized from criminals,” explains Foster, identifying the curious irony of modern day police funding, that raids made from one end of the High Street will fuel patrols at the other. And if the proceeds of crime cookie jar was always within reach, are we not a little late with our sticky fingers?
But as Erdington MP Paulette Hamilton states at the opening of her speech, to a room of around 150 delegates from local community groups, stakeholders, referral agencies, and citywide partners, “Thank God. We’ve got a New Year [and] we’ve finally got some [police] work going on in Erdington that is so, so, so overdue… high streets are the heartbeats of communities, and if we don’t have our high street, we lose our community.”
And about three miles north of the high-ranking officials and back slapping hyperbole, sits Erdington High Street – the wounded animal stuck in a poacher’s trap.
Police and Operation Fearless branded van on Erdington High Street / Pic by Joe Marchant
For those of you who don’t know, and to remind those may find it hard to remember, Erdington Town Centre was once one of the busiest retail hubs in Birmingham – boasting national brands from Woolworth to Marks and Spencer and thousands of confident shoppers. A fall from grace that makes today an even sadder reality.
But since October last year, when Operation Skybridge set the foundations for Operation Fearless to build on, the High Street both looks and feels better. And areas where you could once buy everything from weed to crack, in the doorway of a family supermarket, are now empty, with the dealers not just moved but gone completely.
“I have noticed the difference so much it’s unbelievable” tells Averil Keatley, who volunteers at St Barnabas Church where many of the aforementioned drug deals (and indeed drug use) would take place. “You could go over to the bookies and you’d get stoned as you’d walk past. But that’s cleared up now.”
She adds: “I do not feel as intimidated. I haven’t noticed as many syringes either (in the St Barnabas churchyard).”
Erdington local resident Averil Keatley outside St Barnabas Church on Erdington High Street / PIc by Ed King
Further down the High Street, Elaine from Everyone Erdington is leaving the library and heading out into the Town Centre. “They’re really putting a lot of effort in,” she exclaims, also acknowledging an increase in police presence over recent months, “and they’ve arrested a lot of people for drug dealing.”
Her friend, Pauline, from Erdington Lunar Society, quickly mirrors the most noticeable change. “Somebody’s just said to me how they’re happy to shop at Iceland again now,” she tells, “because the drug dealers outside there have now gone.”
Extra police presence and working with partners seem to be working, and these simple yet effective first steps are now turning to strides on Erdington High Street. But fanfare can soon become cacophony, with most negative comments about Operation Fearless being veiled concerns as to how it will make any real and lasting impact.
(l-r) Cllr Gareth Moores and Cllr Robert Alden next to Operation Fearless branded van on Erdington High Street / Pic supplied by Cllr Alden
“Hopefully [Operation Fearless] can crack down on the serious anti-social behaviour and crime that’s been taking place on the High Street,” tells Erdington Ward Councillor Robert Alden, who lives with his young family near Erdington Town Centre, sits as Chair of the Erdington Business Improvement District, and has spearheaded the area’s repeated campaigns for a Public Space Protection Order.
“And the key thing is now there’s all these additional officers here is making sure both businesses and residents report any crime that they see… because there are the officers here now to deal with them.”
He adds: “It might be a partial numberplate, it might be a partial description, but [people need to report] it in directly to the police. Because that information will get used and pooled together with other intelligence and enable [the police] to carry out raids, to get warrants, and put people behind bars.”
Sign identifying the boundaries of the Public Space Protection Order in Erdington Town Centre / Pic by Ed King
“Regeneration is key too,” explains Erdington Ward Councillor Gareth Moore, who sits on Birmingham City Council’s Planning Committee and watches communities expand and decline across the city. “Because you want businesses to come and invest, to create jobs and a good local economy and thriving local centre – and they’re not going to do that if people don’t feel safe.”
And borrowing some rhetoric from those with less direct knowledge of what Erdington was, is, and could be again, Cllr Moore concludes: “It’s really important we get the crime issues addressed… we don’t want it to be a ‘no-go area for residents’, we want it to be a no-go area for crime.”
Official launch of Operation Fearless at Villa Park and on Erdington High Street 07.01.25 / Pics by Joe Marchant, Ed King, West Midlands Police
Words supplied by Witton Lodge Community Association
Minister of State for Employment McGovern & Paulette Hamilton MP meet young people at Witton Lodge / Pic supplied by Witton Lodge Community Association
On Thursday 9 January, the Minister of State for Employment Alison McGovern MP attended a special event at Witton Lodge Community Association to discuss plans for reform of employment and skills in the UK.
The visit included a roundtable discussion with the North Birmingham Economic Recovery (NBER) Board as well as hearing directly from local young people about their experiences of looking for work.
Roundtable discussion on Labour reform
Minister McGovern engaged in a productive roundtable discussion with the NBER board including Chair and Erdington MP, Paulette Hamilton who shared their work to boost the local economy in North Birmingham by connecting local businesses and residents with sustainable opportunities.
This collaborative session highlighted the critical importance of community-led approaches in shaping effective employment policies, harnessing economic growth and securing investments, creating employment opportunities and connecting these to local communities.
During the roundtable, the Minister expressed interest in the successes and lessons learned from the partnership, highlighting the importance of place-based partnerships that offer essential wrap-around support. She also discussed effective ways to assist individuals facing significant challenges in securing employment, emphasising the role of local partner organisations in providing support and strategies for their successful integration into the workforce.
Afzal Hussain, Chief Officer of Witton Lodge Community Association, remarked: “We’re thrilled to welcome Minister McGovern and showcase our youth-focused initiatives at Witton Lodge and the progress of the North Birmingham Economic Recovery Board.
“Our community-driven strategy is creating opportunities for young people, addressing the critical challenges of youth unemployment in our area. Through collaborative efforts, we’re developing sustainable pathways to connect local young people with meaningful job prospects and skills development programmes, ensuring a brighter economic future for our next generation.”
Minister of State for Employment McGovern and Erdington MP Paulette Hamilton meet NBER Board Witton Lodge / Pic supplied by Witton Lodge Community Association
Youth employment and skills workshop
Following the roundtable, the Minister actively participated in a busy employment and skills workshop with local young people, organised by Witton Lodge Community Association. This session provided key insights into employment and career opportunities for young people in our local area, aligning with NBER’s commitment to creating jobs and enhancing training opportunities tailored to community needs.
This hands-on session provided a unique opportunity for Minister McGovern to directly engage with local young people and hear their firsthand experiences and ideas about employment and career prospects.
During the session the participants provided key insights into employment and career opportunities for young people in our local area, revealing concerns about inadequate careers advice, lack of work experience opportunities, and challenges in securing employment due to insufficient childcare provision. It also highlighted the need for more accessible and user-friendly alternatives to traditional job centres that sometimes fall short in providing tailored support for young people.
During the workshop, the Minister listened intently as young participants shared their perspectives on the challenges, they face in the job market and shared some of the government’s plans for improving career opportunities for youth employment.
Minister for Employment Alison McGovern said: “The fantastic work being done here at Witton Lodge Community Association to support young people into employment is exactly what our Get Britain Working Plan is all about.
“As part of these reforms, we will be launching a Youth Guarantee trailblazer in the West Midlands to ensure all 18-21-years-olds are earning or learning. At the same time, we are transforming Jobcentres and connecting local work, health and skills services to boost employment, drive up opportunity and spread prosperity here in Erdington and across the country.”
Erdington MP Paulette Hamilton welcomes Minister for Employment Alison McGovern to Witton Lodge Community Association
Witton Lodge Community Association is a key partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.
Words by Ed King / Pics by Joe Marchant, Ed King, and supplied by West Midlands Police
Operation Fearless team on Erdington High Street / Pic supplied by West Midlands Police
On Tuesday 7 January, West Midlands Police (WMP) launched Operation Fearless with an afternoon of strong police presence on Erdington High Steet – in “a major new drive to bring down crime” across the troubled retail hub.
Starting with a special event at Villa Park, WMP invited Erdington local stakeholders and representatives of community groups to hear from Chief Constable Craig Guildford and Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster about their ambitions to make Erdington High Street a safer place to live, shop, and visit.
Following their presentations, Erdington MP Paulette Hamilton (Labour) expressed her relief and gratitude at the extra police attention, telling around 150 delegates “Thank God, we finally have some [extra police] work going on in Erdington” which she further expressed was “so, so, so overdue.”
Chief Constable Craig Guildford adress delegates at Operation Fearless launch, Villa Park / Pic supplied by West Midlands Police)
The Erdington Ward elected officials, Cllr Robert Alden (Conservative) and Cllr Gareth Moore (Conservative), were also present at the launch and further expressed their appreciation of the increased police activity – having campaigned for years to increase patrols and uniformed presence in Erdington Town Centre.
Operation Fearless states it will work with citywide and hyperlocal partners to reduce crime in the area, including “Birmingham City Council and other agencies such as immigration, bus and rail companies.”
Moving up to the High Street itself, the new police team came out in force for the afternoon – establishing a knife wand and detector pole at Erdington Police Station, and bringing sniffer dogs, drones, horse mounted patrols, and extended foot patrols in a significant show of police presence in the Town Centre.
Officers with knife wand at Erdington Train Station / Pic by Ed King
Following on from Operation Skybridge that launched – again on Erdington High Street – last October, Operation Fearless will see a dedicated team of 20 new officers working in Erdington Town Centre tackling crimes from drug dealing and shoplifting to anti-social behaviour and assault.
Headed by Detective Superintendent Jim Munro, who is known for his work on WMP’s Homicide team, Operation Fearless has so far arrested several people in connection with crimes including drug dealing and burglary.
The special initiative also recently arrested six men for conspiracy to defraud, following a joint operation with Birmingham City Council’s Trading Standards team where over half a million pound worth of counterfeit and illicit goods were seized form the High Street. The £500,000 plus haul included cigarettes, vapes, and unregulated prescription medication.
Detective Superintendent Jim Munro taking to media at Operation Fearless launch on Erdington High Street / Pic by Joe Marchant
Whilst out with the Operation Fearless police team on Tuesday 7 January, Detective Superintendent Jim Munro told Erdington Local: “We’ve got problems here and now, there’s no two ways about that. Theft, anti-social behaviour, open drug dealing or drug taking… all key things that, quite rightly, concern the community. We know that [Erdington High Street] has also been a hotspot previously for youth violence.
“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: “But in terms of bringing back Erdington High Street to the village that it was, we’ve got to work with wider partnerships. It’s wider than the Council. We’ve got to encourage people to reinvest in this area and, quite rightly, people will be reluctant to do that if they feel the area is blighted by anti-social behaviour and crime.
“So our view will be that we will continue to work here in Erdington as long as necessary to hand it into a place, where we feel, it is sustainable.”
Official launch of Operation Fearless at Villa Park and on Erdington High Street 07.01.25
