Tag: West Midlands Police

Posted on

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

Posted on

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

 

Posted on

NEWS: Police confirm no one “seriously injured” in five vehicle collision on Chester Road that caused widespread traffic gridlock

Police responding to gridlock on Chester Road and surrounding areas / Photograph by Tracy Fisher

Words by Ed King

West Midlands Police have confirmed the rush hour chaos and widespread traffic gridlock on Chester Road and surrounding areas earlier today was caused by “a collision involving five vehicles”.

The local force also confirmed that despite the number of vehicles involved, and the busy location in which the incident occurred, none of those involved were “seriously injured”.

Reports came in early this afternoon after traffic on Chester Road was brought to a standstill following an incident – suspected to be near the M6 motorway interchange – that was creating widespread disruption across the area.

At around 5pm traffic was still at an absolute standstill, trapping hundreds of drivers trying to make their way across Northeast Birmingham on a Friday afternoon.

Incident causing major tailbacks and widespread gridlock on Chester Road and surrounding areas / Photograph by Tracy Fisher

Vehicles travelling along Fort Parkway, Chester Road, and leaving the Castle Vale estate were ground to a halt – as police tried to keep frustrated drivers calm and deal with the situation.

A spokesperson for West Midlands Police told: “We were called to reports of a collision involving five vehicles on Chester Road, Birmingham, just before 3pm.

“Thankfully, no one was reported to have been seriously injured.”

They added: “Anyone who witnessed the collision can contact us via Live Chat on our website or by calling 101 quoting log 3109 of 21 November.”

Incident causing major tailbacks and widespread gridlock on Chester Road and surrounding areas / Photograph by Tracy Fisher

Castle Vale reporter Tracy Fisher, who spoke to officers at the scene, told how much of the uniformed police presence was involved in talking to drivers who were becoming “increasingly frustrated” at the gridlock.

Castle Vale Councillor Ray Goodwin was also at the scene and told Erdington/Castle Vale Local that he witnessed a BT Open Reach van likely involved in the collision, that was “a bit dented”, but that by around 6:30pm police were successfully moving the traffic and the congestion was starting to ease.

Cllr Goodwin also noted other drivers who were becoming distracted by the incident and putting themselves and potentially others at risk.

Police responding to gridlock on Chester Road and surrounding areas / Photograph by Tracy Fisher

Early this evening, whilst still at the scene, Cllr Goodwin told Erdington/Castle Vale Local: “There has been a road traffic incident [on Chester Road] and people should stay away from the Chester Road area whilst police deal with this incident and keep people safe.”

He added: “The traffic is starting to move, but not a quick as you would normally see. Can people please drive safely as well, as it could cause another accident.”

Posted on

NEWS: Incident sends rush hour traffic into chaos on Chester Road and puts hundreds of drivers in “gridlock”

Incident causing major tailbacks and widespread gridlock on Chester Road and surrounding areas / Photograph by Tracy Fisher

Words by Ed King and Tracy Fisher

An incident has sent the rush hour traffic into chaos on and around the Chester Road by Spitfire Island and up to the M6 motorway interchange – putting hundreds of drivers in “gridlock”.

Cars and vehicles are currently locked bumper to bumper on large parts of the Chester Road, from the Tyburn Road roundabout right up to the M6.

The incident has also created equal congestion on Fort Parkway, with drivers leaving the City Centre now forced into a standstill.

Traffic coming off the Castle Vale estate is also backed up with pictures on social media showing lines of stationary cars up Farnborough Road and Tangmere Drive.

Incident causing major tailbacks and widespread gridlock on Chester Road and surrounding areas / Photograph by Tracy Fisher

Erdington/Castle Vale Local reporter Tracy Fisher was at the scene and has taken a series of photos showing just how bad the traffic jam has become.

According to her report, traffic was in complete “gridlock” and drivers were becoming “increasingly frustrated” and irate – with some “honking their horns” and shouting.

Tracy tells that police attending were talking to drivers to try and temper their frustration, but there seemed to be little movement or improvement to the standstill

She was also told by emergency services at the scene there had been an incident near the M6 interchange but there had been “no serious injuries.”

Police responding to gridlock on Chester Road and surrounding areas / Photograph by Tracy Fisher

Castle Vale Councillor Ray Goodwin told Erdington/Castle Vale Local: “I would advise everybody to stay at home and avoid both the Chester Road and the surrounding areas as there has been an incident which has now caused gridlock – on the estate and surround roads.

“Please avoid leaving the estate unless you really need to, as emergency services deal with the ongoing incident. And our thoughts are with anyone who may have been involved in the incident.”

Erdington/Castle Vale Local has reached out to all emergency services for an update.

Incident causes gridlock on Chester Road and surrounding areas / Photgraphs by Tracy Fisher

Posted on

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

 

Posted on

NEWS: Police appeal for witnesses as woman suffers “life threatening injuries” after being hit by car on Marsh Lane

Police tape cordoning off road whilst officers conduct an enquiry / Photograph by Ed King

Words by Ed King

West Midlands Police (WMP) have appealed for witnesses after a woman suffered “life threatening injuries” following a road traffic collision on Marsh Lane, on Tuesday 23 September.

Emergency services were called to the scene at around 5:15pm yesterday evening, after reports that a car had struck a pedestrian.

West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) reached the scene minutes after being called, sending an ambulance crew – with a paramedic officer – and a MERIT trauma doctor with a critical care paramedic.

Close up of MERIT badge on emergency response vehicle / Photograph supplied by WMAS

According to WMAS woman was found with “serious injuries” and emergency crews administered “specialist trauma care” at the scene before moving her to Queen Elizabeth Hospital for further treatment.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman told: “On arrival, crews found the pedestrian, a woman, had suffered serious injuries.

“She received specialist trauma care from ambulance staff before being taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital with MERIT travelling on board to continue treatment.

They added: “There were no other patients.”

Rear view of ambulence in transit / Photograph supplied by Adobe Stock Images

The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene and has been helping police with their enquiries, who are now calling on any members of the public for further information.

Specially trained officers have also been supporting the woman’s family.

A statement issued from WMP confirmed: “We’re appealing for the public’s help after a serious collision that has left a victim with life-threatening injuries.

“We were called to Marsh Lane, Erdington, at 5.25pm, yesterday (23 Sept), after a collision between a car and a pedestrian. The pedestrian, a woman in her 20s, was taken to hospital and remains in a serious condition.”

They added: “Our Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) are currently working to establish exactly what’s happened and are appealing for anyone with any doorbell footage, or anyone who may have witnessed the incident to get in touch.”

Anyone with any information is asked to call West Midlands Police on 101, quoting incident number 4152 of 23 August.

Alternatively, anonymous reports can also be made through Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.

 

Posted on

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

Posted on

ERDINGTON POLICE: A Message from Sargeant Gary Grove

Sergeant Gary Grove standing by police vehicle on Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police

Words by Sgt Gary Grove – Erdington High Street police team

We’re so grateful for the help and support we get from our volunteers in Erdington, that I wanted to explain more about how we work in partnership with them to keep the area safe.

Our StreetWatch volunteers regularly head out with officers, chatting with residents and offering a reassuring presence. Just recently, they stepped in to help someone during a medical emergency – staying with them until help arrived. That kind of care really shows the heart of our community.

We also have SpeedWatch groups made up of local residents who work with us to tackle speeding. We’ve invested in new equipment to support them, and if speeding is something you’re worried about in your area, please do get in touch so we can look to address it.

If you’ve ever thought about volunteering and can spare just a couple of hours a week, we’d love to hear from you. You can drop us a line at [email protected]

Meanwhile, our neighbourhood team is continuing to act on what matters most to you. We’ve recently arrested a suspected drug dealer in The Gardens and seized cannabis from a vehicle linked to drugs.

We’re also working closely with Operation Fearless and Trading Standards to crack down on illegal goods being sold on the High Street – seizing several items as part of our ongoing efforts.

As always, if there’s anything you’re worried about or if you have any information to share, please feel free to contact us.

Stay safe,

Sergeant Gary Grove

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

You can also follow the Erdington police team on Twitter www.x.com/ErdingtonWMP

Posted on

ERDINGTON POLICE: A Message from Sargeant Gary Grove

Sgt Gary Grove standing by patrol vehicle on Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police

Words by Sgt Gary Grove

It’s a busy time for our dedicated Erdington officers as we continue to work hard to make the area as safe as possible.

I’d previously updated you on our new Community Engagement Hub at the heart of the High Street, which was formally opened by Operation Fearless, alongside Paulette Hamilton MP and our community partners.

As ever, we’re welcoming your feedback and thoughts on any issues in the area and how we can work together to tackle them – and the hub should be a place for you to speak to dedicated officers about any concerns.

We’re targeting those looking to cause harm in the area, and we recently arrested a man after seizing several dangerous weapons, another wanted for a serious assault, and two more who were wanted on recall to prison.

We’re also aware of reports of anti-social behaviour in The Feldings, and we’re actively patrolling there as we look to disrupt it. Again, if you have any reports or information about ASB – please do let us know.

We’ve also had complaints from residents about problem vehicles and I’m pleased to say our team recently recovered one van which shouldn’t have been on the road, and recovered another which had been stolen.

Our patrols will continue as we support the Safer Streets Summer campaign, and it’s always a pleasure to join partners and our dedicated Street Watch volunteers. If you’re interested in joining us – please get in touch.

Stay safe.

Sgt Gary Grove.

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

You can also follow the Erdington police team on Twitter www.x.com/ErdingtonWMP

Posted on

OPINION: A View from the Vale – a message from Castle Vale Councillor Ray Goodwin

Cllr Ray Goodwin on Castle Vale High Street / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Labour

Words by Cllr Ray Goodwin

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been reminded—again and again—why I’m so proud to represent Castle Vale.

Our community is full of everyday heroes. From the volunteers in our foodbanks, to the youth workers creating safe spaces, to the neighbours looking out for one another – you are the heartbeat of this estate. It’s not about politics, it’s about people.

I’ve been out and about, listening to your concerns and working with local partners to tackle the things that matter most: rising living costs, mental health support, youth engagement, and the need for decent, affordable housing. One issue I know has been a major concern is dangerous street racing.

Thanks to pressure from residents and our work alongside West Midlands Police and the City Council, we’ve have seen enforcement action take place.

I’ve also raised the issue directly with highways and community safety teams to push for longer-term solutions – because our roads should be safe for everyone, day and night.

I want to thank everyone who’s taken time to speak with me at community events, clean-up days, forums, or even just out on the street. Your voices guide the work I do. I’m not here to make promises I can’t keep – I’m here to listen, to act, and to stand alongside you.

Castle Vale is strong because you are strong. And as your councillor, I’ll continue doing everything I can to support a community that believes in fairness, compassion, and opportunity for all.

We are Castle Vale – and together, we are stronger.

For more on Cllr Ray Goodwin www.facebook.com/thisiscastlevale