“Operation Fearless: West Midlands Unleashes £880k Initiative to Combat Crime”

Today, the Police and Crime Commissioner together with West Midlands Police is excited to reveal Operation Fearless – a significant new initiative aimed at reducing crime and enhancing the living conditions of individuals in local neighborhoods. 

This is made possible by £880,000 funding from Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster, utilizing funds confiscated from offenders.

The initiative is commencing initially in and around Erdington High Street, with a specialized police unit already actively addressing the issues that impact the community most significantly. 

The initiative is commencing initially in and around Erdington High Street, with a specialized police unit already actively addressing the issues that impact the community most significantly. 

In collaboration with Birmingham City Council and other organizations such as immigration, public transport companies, and local businesses, we are resolved to tackle:  

• Drug-related issues
• Anti-social conduct
• Theft
• Violence
• Shoplifting
• Trade in stolen items
• Exploitation

Erdington is merely the first chapter of the Fearless initiative – additional areas of the region will be set to gain from this in the approaching months. 

Erdington was chosen as the initial zone based on crime statistics, data analysis, and consultations with stakeholders. It is estimated that criminal activity in the area has cost the local economy £7m over the past year. 

Today, over 100 individuals including representatives from various regional partners gathered at Villa Park to kickoff Fearless. 

Although this marked the official launch, the dedicated team has already been working diligently in Erdington. 

Since late November, the Fearless team has:  

• Executed 32 arrests from the High Street for offenses such as wounding, theft, drug possession, possession of knives, and prison recalls
• Made three arrests related to immigration issues
• Confiscated eight bladed items including knives
• Conducted 81 stop and searches, with 28 leading to successful recoveries.
• Executed 18 drug seizures, resulting in two arrests for possession with intent to distribute and 16 referrals to drug support services
• Seized 26,724 items of illegal and counterfeit merchandise worth £1 million, including tobacco and cigarettes
• Confiscated 565 pieces of unlicensed medication
• Obtained two injunctions banning habitual shoplifters from the High Street
• Issued nine warnings to individuals engaging in anti-social behavior
• Collaborated with Immigration, Trading Standards, and HMRC

 
Feedback from locals in Erdington has been overwhelmingly positive, with many already noticing significant changes. 

Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster stated: “I am delighted to share that I am investing nearly £1 million from proceeds of crime retrieved from offenders to combat crime and anti-social behavior.

“Operation Fearless is launching initially in and around Erdington High Street.

“West Midlands Police, alongside partners, will be vigorously addressing the crime and anti-social behavior linked to drugs, theft, violence, trafficking of stolen property, and exploitation.

“I am dedicated to ensuring a reassuring and visible presence on the streets to safeguard individuals, families, businesses, and local communities.”

Det Supt Jim Munro is spearheading the Fearless initiative. 

He remarked: “Every day, residents in Erdington ought to feel secure, but we’ve been hearing community concerns, and we recognize that there is a prevailing sense of insecurity. 

“Thus, we are launching Operation Fearless to guarantee that individuals feel safe while living, working, and shopping in Erdington. 

“Through collaboration with numerous partners, we’ll enhance the safety of this area and address the crimes that are most pertinent to the community. 

“We hear you, we understand your concerns and the issues that matter most to the community. What we need now is your support.” 

Councillor Nicky Brennan, Cabinet Member for Social Justice, Community Safety and Equalities, stated:

“Operation Fearless represents a positive advancement in our ongoing endeavors to counteract criminal behavior and anti-social activities in Erdington. The safety of everyone residing and working there is of utmost importance, and we are committed to working with all our partners to deter crime in the region.

“We’re thrilled that West Midlands Police has initiated the pilot program for Operation Fearless, which adopts a partnership approach to address criminal activities essential for fostering relationships across communities in responding to the escalating challenges posed by crime and anti-social behavior.”

Kerry Blakeman, the head of security and policing at Transport for West Midlands, added: “We are pleased to support Operation Fearless in the Erdington region with dedicated patrols across the transport network, employing our specialized Transport Safety Officers and CCTV to gather information and intelligence to aid prosecutions.

“The transport network plays a crucial role for the public as they conduct their daily affairs, and it is imperative that they feel safe during their travels.”

Follow West Midlands Police on TikTok, Instagram, on X @ErdingtonWMP, on Birmingham Police Facebook, and our dedicated Fearless page here: Operation Fearless | West Midlands Police