Dramatic moment gunman chased through Birmingham city centre by firearms officers West Midlands Police 2026-09-21 | Dramatic moment gunman chased through Birmingham city centre by firearms officers
New Aldridge police base opens West Midlands Police 2025-09-29 | Chief Constable Craig Guildford has officially opened Aldridge’s new police base.Located in the town’s fire station, the facility is home to the Aldridge and Brownhills neighbourhood policing teams. The new base on Northgate keeps officers in the heart of the communities they serve, while moving them closer to the part of the town which has higher demand for their services.Opening the facility, Chief Constable Guildford was joined by chief fire officers.Officers moved into the station on 1 September following the disposal of their old base on Anchor Road. Aldridge police base has been listed for closure since 2018 when the Police and Crime Commissioner agreed to the Chief Constable’s recommendation to dispose of the site. That decision was carefully scrutinised in a public meeting and the plans openly communicated.Cash from the sale of the building has paid for the move and changes inside the fire station to make it suitable for police use. The remaining funds have been reinvested into policing.Bloxwich police station remains the borough’s policing headquarters. It includes a public contact office where people can talk to us face-to face. The majority of people prefer to get advice and report crime 24/7 via our website or by calling us on 101. To keep up to date about policing in your area, sign up to WMNow, our free messaging service. Visit: wmnow.co.uk
See inside our 24/7 fight against gun crime West Midlands Police 2025-09-26 | Armed policing never stops. Our firearms officers are out on the streets 24/7, pursuing serious and organised criminals and keeping the West Midlands safe.In the last week alone, they have been deployed to 44 incidents where their specialist capabilities were needed to make arrests and prevent harm.That’s in addition to the pre-planned raids to target those involved in armed criminality.This video snapshot shows a brief glimpse of the work our firearms officers have carried out in the last week alone.They’re ready to respond instantly and use high-performance marked and unmarked vehicles to get where they’re needed quickly and safely.They support the work of our investigators and intelligence specialists, who also work 24/7 to build a picture of those involved in gun crime, and to disrupt, arrest and bring them to justice.We’ve seized 244 firearms across the region since April, including those held legally by people who no longer want them.In the last week alone, 10 weapons have been taken off the streets.It’s all part of Operation Target – our 24/7 mission to tackle those involved in serious and organised crime.Search ‘WMP Op Target’ to find out more.
Watch: Three guns seized from Audi as more armed criminals jailed West Midlands Police 2025-09-26 | This is the moment we recovered three guns from a car which had been stopped as its driver tried to flee from armed police.The shotgun, as well as a loaded revolver and loaded pistol were hidden in a bag in the front passenger footwell of the Audi.Just after 10pm on 24 January last year, Adam Sajjad was spotted by officers handing a bag from a Ford Fiesta to his cousin Sikander Farooq, who was sat in a dark blue Audi S3 which was also parked on Wychbold Crescent in Shard End.Farooq drove away from the scene and was intercepted by firearms officers on Flaxley Road, Stechford.Farooq was detained after being tasered. The car was examined and in a Mickey Mouse bag, officers found more bags containing a Smith & Wesson revolver, loaded with three rounds, a Beretta sawn-off shotgun and a Walther pistol with 9 rounds of ammunition. Four shotgun shells and two other bullets were also found.Farooq, aged 29, of Fellbrook Close, Stechford, and Sajjad, 19, of Wychbold Crescent, Shard End, admitted possession of firearms and ammunition and yesterday were each jailed for five years.The success is part of Operation Target, which is our ongoing fight against serious and organised crime in the West Midlands.We’re relentlessly targeting those involved in guns, drugs, money laundering and exploitation.Supt Ryan Chambers, of our Major Crime Proactive Team, said: “To take three live guns off the streets of the West Midlands in one go is rare, but a great result.“These guns could have caused death, injury and untold damage to communities in the West Midlands, and their removal, and the jailing of the two men who were handling them, has made the region safer.”Our local policing model means specialist major crime detectives work more closely with neighbourhood officers to build intelligence and bring criminals to justice.We’ve invested more in the examination of CCTV and of analysis of digital media such as mobile phones, to help us bring more offenders before the courts. If you’ve got information on those involved in gun crime in your area, get in touch on 101 or via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.Search 'WMP Op Target' to find out more
More illegal e-bikes seized in Birmingham city centre West Midlands Police 2025-09-25 | We’ve seized more illegal e-bikes from riders in Birmingham city centre, as we continue to work to make the streets safer for everyone.Our city centre officers have been stopping riders, issuing them with tickets, and sending the bikes to be crushed.Our clampdown on the dangerous vehicles started in June, in response to concerns raised by businesses and visitors to the city centre, and has seen more than 20 seized so far, including several seized last Monday alone.While e-bikes themselves are not illegal, many in the city centre have been modified to reach speeds far higher than intended – 68mph in one case.The motor in an e-bike must have a ‘continuous rated power’ output of no more than 250 watts and must not be able to propel the bike when it’s travelling at more than 15.5mph.Sgt Jonathan Humphries, from our city centre policing team, said: “The operation has been a big success, and people are telling us there’s been a real reduction in the number of illegal bikes operating in the city centre.“The message is getting through to people – we won’t tolerate bikes that put the riders themselves and pedestrians at risk.“We’re going to keep up the pressure with more operations in the coming weeks, and they’ll be happening in other parts of Birmingham and the West Midlands as well.“We’ve been working with forces around the country who are keen to learn from the success of our operation, as we know that this is not an issue that’s confined to the West Midlands.”Pete Ash, operations manager at the Central Business Improvement District, said: “Since the launch of the operation, there has been a significant reduction in the number of illegal bikes in and around the city centre. “This is clear evidence that the police response is having a meaningful impact in tackling this issue.“Businesses have responded positively, welcoming the action as it helps to safeguard their reputations while ensuring the safety of staff, customers, and visitors. “While we fully support the legitimate use of electric bikes for deliveries, we cannot and will not tolerate the reckless and illegal use of bikes that endanger the public and undermine business confidence.“We would like to thank Jon, the police, and the wider team from Digbeth for the dedication they have shown in making the city centre a safer and more welcoming place for everyone.”
Cannabis grow uncovered as officers bash down door West Midlands Police 2025-09-23 | A cannabis grow has been unearthed at a house in #Dudley following an early morning warrant. The Dudley North Specialists Neighbourhood Team bashed down the door of an address in Cross, Place, Sedgley, on Friday (19 Sept). Acting on intelligence, the team quickly gained entry and discovered the grow of mature plants and found the electricity to be illegally bypassed to power the grow.An estimated 70 plants were found across two rooms, alongside grow equipment. Sergeant Ross Treacy, of the Dudley North Team, said: “This was a good result for the community and for us as the grow has been dismantled and we’ve disrupted the drugs supply in the area.“Cannabis grows like this can have a devastating impact on the local community and residents.“By bypassing electricity, it can lead to catastrophic house fires for that property and the surrounding houses, along with having a knock-on effect for ASB and other crimes in the area.“We’ll continue to carry out investigations and warrants like this, but we need your help to report any concerns so we can act on them.”No one was present in the property at the time, but our enquiries are continuing, so we would ask anyone with information to contact us and quote incident number 542 of 19 September. If you are concerned about this kind of activity happening where you live, or have any information that could help our officers, call us and report it.Call us on 101, or use the Live Chat option on our website. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.Report crime, get prevention advice, and see the latest news on our website http://www.westmidlands.police.ukYou can get in touch with us via Live Chat at westmidlands.police.uk, via 101, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Operation Advance: Success in Sandwell West Midlands Police 2025-09-22 | More than 20 people were arrested, 15 vehicles were seized and drugs were recovered as we worked with partners as part of Operation Advance in Sandwell last week.Our existing local policing teams in Sandwell were supported by extra force resources such as our Traffic Unit, Dogs Unit, Firearms, Off-road Bike team, Road Harm Prevention team and Drones. We also worked closely alongside our partners to carry out targeted activity across the borough. The day kicked off with an early morning raid at an address in West Bromwich. We recovered a quantity of drugs and a man was arrested. A second man was also arrested from an associated address. Mid-morning, a briefing was held with local councillors to continue our established partnership working to solve any issues in the community. As part of a multi-agency road safety operation held in Oldbury, around 28 traffic offices were identified and seven vehicles were seized. Three people were arrested which included a man who was brought into custody on suspicion of burglary. Two men were arrested and two bikes were seized during an off-road bike operation covering hotpot areas. An estimated £20,000 to £30,000 of goods were seized during a partnership warrant with Sandwell Council’s Trading Standards team in Cradley.Across the 24 hours, 23 arrests were made as part of Op Advance which contributed to a total of 226 arrests made across the force in that time period.It was not just about enforcement, as we were involved in school inputs, engagement within our local communities and intelligence gathering. An engagement stand was located in Wednesbury where officers spoke to dozens of residents. Chief Inspector Imran Mirza from Sandwell Police, said: “This was a successful day of visible and reassuring activity, using resources from all over the force.“Our main aim is to keep Sandwell safe and welcoming for everyone but our message is clear – we do not tolerate any criminal behaviour in the borough.“We will be holding local days of action in the future, following on from the success of Op Advance. “If you have concerns or issues please talk to us. Remember, always call 999 in an emergency.”Sandwell Council Leader councillor Kerrie Carmichael said: “We welcome this intensive day of action, which builds on the partnership work that happens day in, day out across Sandwell to tackle crime and keep people safe.“Council teams have supported the police on a range of Op Advance activities, responding to issues that people have told us are a concern for them – from road safety to anti-social behaviour.“We were also pleased to welcome the Chief Constable Craig Guildford to Sandwell, giving us an opportunity to discuss our community safety priorities and highlight how we are all working together to tackle the issues that matter most to residents and businesses here in Sandwell.”Operation Advance allows us to carry out intensive activity and build on work which is going on every day of the year to make Sandwell a great place to live and work. We'll always be here for you 24/7.
Chief Constable Craig Guildford thanks police dog volunteers West Midlands Police 2025-09-20 | Our Chief Constable thanked volunteers at our Dog Unit in Balsall Common last week for all the work they do with our puppies. Our puppy walkers give up their homes and spare time to help look after and raise our police puppies as they grow into some of the best police dogs in the country. Last weekend, our volunteers came together to socialise and train the pups. It also gave us a chance to say thank you to them for all of their efforts.Chief Constable Craig Guildford thanked the volunteers for their incredible support to the dog unit this year, including at events such as Crufts and the National Police Dog Trials. Some of our volunteers have been puppy walking for more than 20 years and have helped hundreds of pups grow into some of the best police dogs in the country. It’s no surprise that they won a national award recognising their hard-working efforts! Chief Constable Craig Guildford thanks police dog volunteersDog Unit Inspector, Rachel Crump said: "Our volunteers are so important to us and the work we do."They have helped raise some incredible police dogs by giving up their homes and time to care for and nurture them. "Our volunteers and their families play a very important role in the dog’s life, exposing them to different environments and social surroundings in the most crucial parts of their lives."It would be impossible to do this without them. I want to say a big thank you for their continued support."For more information about volunteering as a puppy walker, email breedscheme@westmidlands.police.uk.
Safer nights out in the West Midlands West Midlands Police 2025-09-17 | Our #SaferNights operations happen regularly across the West Midlands, making sure that people can have a great night out, in the knowledge that police and partners are working together to make our pubs, bars and clubs welcoming and safe for everyone.For more information visit: westmidlands.police.uk/police-forces/west-midlands-police/areas/campaigns/campaigns/safer-nights-outReport crime, get prevention advice, and see the latest news on our website http://www.westmidlands.police.ukYou can get in touch with us via Live Chat at westmidlands.police.uk, via 101, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Man and woman face jail after shots fired in Oldbury West Midlands Police 2025-09-15 | Report crime, get prevention advice, and see the latest news on our website http://www.westmidlands.police.ukYou can get in touch with us via Live Chat at westmidlands.police.uk, via 101, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
How were keeping you safe on nights out West Midlands Police 2025-09-15 | We're working hard to make sure everyone has a safe and enjoyable time when they're out and about 🌃Officers patrol hot spot areas to keep a look out and respond quickly to incidents.Our Licensing team also work closely with local venues and partners to make sure they have robust security measures in place and that staff know how to report concerns to police 🚔Keep watching to find out how we're working together to make sure you have a night out to remember - for the right reasons.⚠️ If you ever feel unsafe or need help on a night out, report it to police or security right away.
Three teenagers jailed over murder of Reuben Higgins in Marston Green West Midlands Police 2025-09-15 | Report crime, get prevention advice, and see the latest news on our website http://www.westmidlands.police.ukYou can get in touch with us via Live Chat at westmidlands.police.uk, via 101, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Walsall Police keeping your roads safe West Midlands Police 2025-09-13 | We have been working with our partners to take action against drivers flouting the law as we carried out a Multi-Agency Road Safety Operation (MARSO) in Walsall. These operations are led by our dedicated Road Harm Prevention Team within the Roads Policing Unit and bring together a wide range of partners who all share the same goal – keeping our region’s roads safe. The team carried out a MARSO at Sainsbury’s, situated on Reedswood Way, on Wednesday (10 September) from 10am until the early afternoon. Neighbourhood officers from our Blakenall and Willenhall teams joined special constables for the operation. Our partners on the day included representatives from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and enforcement officers from Walsall Council. During the operation we made three arrests, two men were arrested for immigration issues and a third for possession of a knife. In total 34 vehicles were stopped with 27 traffic offences reported. These included nine motorists reported for illegal tints and a further four for having dangerous tints. There were seven people who face prosecution for dangerous loads and four for number plate offences. Six vehicles were handed prohibition notices by the DVSA for defect and weight offences. Six taxis were inspected and four were reported to the DVLA for illegal number plates. During the operation our officers also offered advice to motorists on how to stay within the law. Officers also carried out patrols around Sainsbury’s to offer reassurance as we look to combat business crime and shop thefts and issues surrounding anti-social behaviour.
Senior investigator interview about the murder of Harold Monk West Midlands Police 2025-09-11 | Report crime, get prevention advice, and see the latest news on our website http://www.westmidlands.police.ukYou can get in touch with us via Live Chat at westmidlands.police.uk, via 101, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
New police public contact office opens for Coventry West Midlands Police 2025-09-10 | Willenhall police station’s public contact office has reopened today (Wednesday 10 September) a decade after it closed. The decision – made personally by West Midlands Police Chief Constable Craig Guildford – means that people can now speak to officers face-to-face at the police station on Chace Avenue. Willenhall police station is home to hundreds of police officers including emergency response, neighbourhood and intelligence teams as well as detectives, specialist offender managers and senior police officers. In September 2024 the station, which opened in 1995, officially became Coventry Police’s headquarters following a refurbishment which increased capacity at the site. Its custody suite was refurbished earlier this year with new cells added to cope with increased arrest rates across the city. “Public contact offices are a key component of our large operational police stations”, said Chief Constable Craig Guildford. “While it is people and not bricks which keep neighbourhoods safe, I recognise their iconic status within communities - they make people feel reassured. “It is a fact that most people prefer to call us or go online these days. There are some transactions which remain face-to-face and some are often sensitive depending on need. That said our Contact staff are adaptable and undertake many other duties such as answering 101 calls, as well as seeing people at the desk. “Willenhall public contact office will open 9am-5pm seven days a week. Within minutes of the doors opening we’ve had people collecting property that we’re recovered as part of our investigations and visits from people we needed to interview.” Willenhall police station’s public office closed on 31 May 2015. In May this year, a new police base opened on Bow Court in Canley. Local emergency response and neighbourhood officers now operate from the site. Coventry Central police station will retain a public contact office and locally based neighbourhood teams. According to official statistics, in the year ending September 2024 Coventry’s crime rate was lower than the average crime rate across similar areas of the country, and lower than average for the West Midlands.Chief Superintendent Paul Joyce, responsible for policing across the whole of Coventry, showed the Chief Constable around the new facility. He said: “This is the first time the station and public contact office have been refurbished in 30 years. “We've been without the front office for several years and it's an absolute pleasure now to be reopening that facility to enable the public to come and talk to us face-to-face.”The reopening of Willenhall brings the total of public contact offices across the West Midlands to 11. To keep up to date about policing in your area, sign up to WMNow, West Midlands Police’s free messaging service. Visit: wmnow.co.uk
Facial recognition software helps us identify knife attacker West Midlands Police 2025-09-03 | A knife attacker has been jailed for more than five years after being arrested thanks to advanced facial recognition techniques used by detectives in Birmingham.The victim, aged 33, was on a scooter when he was confronted by Jalen Denny on the corner of Bristol Road and North Road, Selly Oak.Denny was then seen on CCTV being chased by the rider onto North Street, before Denny pulled out a knife and attacked the rider.He was left with wounds to his shoulder and stomach, and rushed to hospital where he had emergency surgery twice and was placed in an induced coma.CCTV recovered from the scene showed a clear image of the attacker’s face.We used facial recognition to compare the image to those of suspects on the Police National Database. It found several matches to images held of Denny, aged 27, of Pershore Road, Selly Oak.Denny was arrested less than 48 hours later a short time later after further work which linked his phone to the area of the attack at the time it happened. The motive for the attack, which happened at around 8.30pm on 1 June last year, remains unknown. The victim survived the attack.Denny was charged with attempted murder, but went on to admit wounding with intent and was jailed on Friday (29 August) at Birmingham Crown Court.He was handed a jail sentence of five years and 10 months, but told he must spend a further five years on licence after he’s released.PC Zach Bilili, from our Major Crime Unit, said: “Facial recognition helped lead us to Denny really quickly, and we were able to locate and arrest him within two days of this really violent attack.“The victim is lucky to be alive – the injuries were really severe and this could very easily have become a murder investigation.”The conviction is part of Operation Target – our ongoing mission to target serious and organised crime in the West Midlands.Our officers work around the clock to disrupt and arrest those involved in guns, drugs, violence and exploitation.Search 'WMP Op Target' to find out more.
Two illegal off-road bikes turned to scrap after being seized West Midlands Police 2025-09-02 | Two illegal bikes have been turned into scrap after we seized them last month. The Dudley North Neighbourhood Team 🚔 headed out for an off-road bike operation at the beginning of July when they seized the bikes which have now been crushed. The two bikes which are now classed as police property 🚫🏍️ were this morning (2 Sept), crushed after the owners were found to be breaking the law and riding illegally in public areas. Both bikes were seized for being ridden with no insurance during the operation that saw the neighbourhood team, traffic unit, our off-road bike team, and colleagues at Dudley Council join forces to target activity in hotspot areas.The bikes were seized from Tipton Road and Parkes Hall Road in Dudley.We know the use of off-road bikes is a concern in our communities and we regularly hold operations to clamp down on those breaking the rules of the road and placing themselves and others in danger, as well as causing a nuisance for residents. Our work to tackle off-road bikes won’t stop, and we have planned operations taking place over the coming months. We would ask you to please get in touch and make a report if you spot an illegal bike and anti-social behaviour in your area. Your information is vital in helping us crack down on this kind of crime. You can make a report via our website, use Live Chat to speak to a call handler, or call 101.Remember if it’s an emergency always dial 999. Head to our website for more info 👉westmidlands.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/asb/asb/antisocial-behaviour/vehicle-nuisance-involving-cars-bikes-and-mopedsReport crime, get prevention advice, and see the latest news on our website http://www.westmidlands.police.ukYou can get in touch with us via Live Chat at westmidlands.police.uk, via 101, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Cards are marked at illegal gambling dens in Birmingham West Midlands Police 2025-09-01 | We’re issuing a warning about illegal gambling dens in Birmingham, as we continue our work to dismantle them. Officers from the Birmingham Serious Organised Crime and Exploitation Team (SOCEX) and Operation Fearless are working hard to deal with the dens, which are unregulated and often linked to wider criminal activity – potentially posing serious risk to anyone visiting them. Not only that, but our officers have found those attending gambling nights at such premises are at risk of exploitation and further financial harm. Specifically, we have found evidence that victims are being targeted by a covert infrared camera, monitoring specially marked cards on the poker table (pictured). That information is then relayed to somebody at the table, in order to cheat people out of cash. We are continuing to investigate this using a range of tactics.Unfortunately we know that overseas students are often targeted by organised criminals who gain influence over them through illegal gambling nights, sometimes coercing them into other criminal activities. We’re taking action. Our evidence has led us to enforce at four illegal gambling dens so far this year, and our thorough investigations are continuing. One building housing a gambling den on Bishop Street (pictured) was closed entirely by West Midlands Fire Service due to the dangerous conditions fire officers found inside. At another, on Ladywell Walk, officers seized large amounts of cash, class A and B drugs, weapons, as well as two gaming machines. But, we know that illicit gambling nights exist in a variety of premises, and those attending may not always be aware of the risks around them. Both SOCEX and Op Fearless are working closely with city centre partners and other agencies as we seek to identify those profiting from this type of activity, and safeguard anyone being exploited by it.In order to keep dismantling these operations, we need your help. We’re asking residents and businesses to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity to us by calling 101.You can also speak to Crimestoppers completely anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Operation Skybridge: Small Heath vehicle sweep #birmingham #community #police West Midlands Police 2025-08-23 | Report crime, get prevention advice, and see the latest news on our website http://www.westmidlands.police.ukYou can get in touch with us via Live Chat at westmidlands.police.uk, via 101, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Teenager injured in hit and run reconnects with officers West Midlands Police 2025-08-20 | Teenager injured in hit and run reconnects with officers to explore #forensics career. Two years after surviving a devastating hit-and-run in #Birmingham, 16-year-old Caitlin Hodgetts returned to meet the officers who investigated her case - this time, not as a victim, but as a curious young mind exploring a future in forensics. Caitlin, her mum Sarah and dad Dave visited our forensic services headquarters at Ridgepoint House in Birmingham earlier this month. The visit was arranged by our Family Liaison Officer, PC Jay Moore, and Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Sergeant Paul Hughes, from our Serious Collision Investigation Unit. They both supported Caitlin and her family throughout the investigation and learned of her growing interest in forensics. Caitlin was just 13 when she was struck by a speeding car while walking home with friends in Erdington in May 2023. She was so badly hurt that she had to relearn how to walk and talk and lost the sight in one eye. The driver, travelling at twice the legal speed limit, fled the scene without offering help. Thanks to witness appeals and CCTV enquiries, officers were able to identify the vehicle and arrest the driver, who later pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He was sentenced to three years in prison in May this year. Now, Caitlin is focused on rebuilding her life and looking ahead. Her interest in forensics was sparked during the investigation and PC Moore and DS Hughes were determined to nurture that spark. Once the legal proceedings were complete, they invited Caitlin and her family to visit our forensics department and learn more about the science behind collision investigations. The visit marked a full circle moment for Caitlin, who has turned a traumatic experience into a source of inspiration and purpose. She hopes to join our Forensics department one day.You can read more stories like this and get crime prevention advice on our website 👉 http://www.westmidlands.police.ukYou can get in touch with us via Live Chat at westmidlands.police.uk, via 101, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.#police #crime #news #latestnews #policeofficer #westmidlandspolice #policecar #video
Operation Fearless:Southside team make 100th arrest as we work to make Birmingham city centre safer West Midlands Police 2025-08-16 | We’ve made more than 100 arrests as Operation Fearless officers make major inroads in the fight against organised crime, drugs, weapons and violence in the heart of the Second City.Operation Fearless officers got to work in the southside area of the city in April, and have now reached the arrest milestone – locking up suspects for slavery, controlling prostitution, drugs supply and carrying knives.The team are a high-profile presence in the city centre, offering reassurance to people who live, work and visit the area, while making life as difficult as possible for criminals.Report crime, get prevention advice, and see the latest news on our website http://www.westmidlands.police.ukYou can get in touch with us via Live Chat at westmidlands.police.uk, via 101, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
US woman guilty of conspiracy to murder man in Birmingham West Midlands Police 2025-08-12 | Report crime, get prevention advice, and see the latest news on our website http://www.westmidlands.police.ukYou can get in touch with us via Live Chat at westmidlands.police.uk, via 101, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Update from the Retail Crime Team in Sandwell West Midlands Police 2025-08-10 | Report crime, get prevention advice, and see the latest news on our website http://www.westmidlands.police.ukYou can get in touch with us via Live Chat at westmidlands.police.uk, via 101, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Listen to cash machine raiders WhatsApp boast days before we brought down his £700k burglary gang West Midlands Police 2025-08-09 | A gang of thieves who stole nearly £700,000 in a series of raids on cash machines at banks and shops across the country are facing years behind bars today.They struck nine times using specialist equipment including angle grinders and the jaws of life, which are used by firefighters to rescue people trapped in cars, in a spree lasting nearly a year.They chose stolen high-performance cars, using multiple fake number plates each time, to use in their getaways.The gang even used a flatbed truck, which was reinforced so that they could ram their way into the businesses.
#knifecrime has fallen in the West Midlands West Midlands Police 2025-08-01 | We’re continuing to see a knife crime fall across the West Midlands, as our intensive work to arrest offenders and educate young people on the dangers of carrying a weapon shows positive results.Crime involving under-25s where a knife has been used to threaten or hurt someone has fallen by 15 per cent since April 1. That’s on top of an 18 per cent reduction throughout the whole of 2024/5.And we’re also seeing success in reducing the number of robberies where knives are used.The Government set up a dedicated police taskforce across seven forces last October to tackle knife robberies.Now, the West Midlands has seen a drop of more than 25 per cent, the biggest drop of all seven forces.In the West Midlands, we have focused our efforts on carrying out repeated patrols in hot spot areas identified by us studying crime trends and intelligence.We have the dedicated Project Guardian Taskforce which has teams across the force carrying out high-visibility policing alongside plain clothes work by officers trained to detect suspicious behaviour in people who may be carrying weapons.The Home Secretary visited Birmingham city centre on Wednesday, where she saw Project Guardian at work, and heard first hand from officers on the frontline.Ms Cooper thanked officers for their efforts and said the force’s results were 'really impressive'.She said: “These are devasting crimes that really destroy families and we need to make sure we keep up this progress.”Chief Constable Craig Guildford: “We’ve seen some impressive reductions in knife crime, which has the real-world impact of fewer lives being lost , and fewer families and communities being torn apart.“While it’s certainly pleasing, there’s still a huge amount of work for policing and wider society to do to tackle this problem.“It’s part of our ongoing commitment to make the West Midlands a safer place for everyone.”It comes as a ban on ninja swords takes effect today (1 Aug) as part of Ronan’s Law, named after Ronan Kanda who was killed in Wolverhampton on 29 June 2022, in a case of mistaken identity, by two teenagers in possession of a ninja sword. Ahead of the ban, at least a thousand deadly weapons have been handed in following the country’s largest weapons surrender scheme to date.Pooja Kanda, knife crime campaigner and mother to Ronan, said: “Ronan was just 16 years old when his life was stolen by a 22-inch ninja sword that should never have been so easy to buy.“Ronan’s Law is not only a step towards justice for my son, but for every parent who wants to see their child come home safely. This law is about saving lives, closing dangerous loopholes, and holding those responsible to account.”While in Birmingham on Wednesday, the Home Secretary also spoke to city centre neighbourhood officers and officers from Operation Fearless, which is targeting everything from anti-social behaviour to serious and organised crime, and heard from officers involved in targeting the illegal use of e-bikes which put pedestrians at risk in the city centre.Report crime, get prevention advice, and see the latest news on our website http://www.westmidlands.police.ukYou can get in touch with us via Live Chat at westmidlands.police.uk, via 101, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Two teenagers have been sentenced after Isaac Brown was fatally stabbed in West Bromwich West Midlands Police 2025-07-31 | Report crime, get prevention advice, and see the latest news on our website http://www.westmidlands.police.ukYou can get in touch with us via Live Chat at westmidlands.police.uk, via 101, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
A man has been arrested after we recovered a firearm and drugs in Oldbury. West Midlands Police 2025-07-30 | Report crime, get prevention advice, and see the latest news on our website http://www.westmidlands.police.ukYou can get in touch with us via Live Chat at westmidlands.police.uk, via 101, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Life changing scheme rolls out across the West Midlands West Midlands Police 2025-07-28 | A new scheme to stop crime and save lives is being rolled out across the West Midlands. Offending to Recovery aims to stop crime, end addiction and transform lives. Its focus is on drug users who fund their addiction by stealing from shops. It is one of the key elements in our work to make town centres safer this summer and beyond.Each scheme is led by a highly experienced police officer who specialises in rehabilitating offenders. They are supported by an addiction professional who can access effective withdrawal treatments such a Buvidal – a monthly injection - not widely available in every area.It is backed by some the biggest businesses in Britain including Next, TK Maxx and B&Q, with top executives of the Co-Op describing the scheme as “unique”.Offending to Recovery is not an alternative to arrest and criminal action. It can - and often does - run alongside regular enforcement like the court system, fines and bans. Taking part in the scheme is entirely voluntary but far from easy, with many describing the process as the hardest thing they’ve ever done in their lives.Those who take part are required to undertake intensive therapy, withdraw from drugs and even face staff from the shops they stole from. Many also provide businesses with security advice with some even going on to gain employment in the stores they stole from. The programme provides structure and stability for people with chaotic lives. Experiences of serious neglect and abuse, unemployment or the death of a loved ones are common triggers for addiction and offending, but none of those taking part see it as an excuse for their past behaviours, for which they take full responsibility.With her dad in jail, Keeley was raised by her grandparents. She was just 13 when she started using drugs after meeting a 21-year-old man who she thought was “amazing”. She quickly turned to shop theft to fund her addiction. Over 29 years, she believes that she has stolen millions of pounds worth of clothing and served around 30 prison sentences. She entered into the offending to recovery program thanks to a security guard at Birmingham’s TK Maxx store.The guard knew about the scheme, and as they waited for the police to come and arrest her after another shoplifting spree, the pair spoke about getting help so that she could reconnect with her long-lost family. “I just wanted to change. I’d had enough of it and couldn’t take any more. Offending to Recovery has not only changed my life, it’s saved my life. If every town had an O2R, there’d be no reason to commit crime.”Stuart Grainger, security manager from Coventry’s Business Improvement District, is one of those who supports the scheme. He said: “Shop theft is an under reported crime and we are working to change that. Shop theft is not a victimless crime. Many crimes involve violence against shop staff who are just trying to do their job and earn a living.”Offending to Recovery was developed in Birmingham back in 2018 by PC Stuart Toogood. The experienced officer was sick and tired of arresting the same people again and again only for them to go to prison, get released, and reoffend as soon as they came out because their addiction to drugs and the issues which caused that, had never been tackled. Stuart knew there had to be a better way so he worked with the specialist charities and businesses on his Erdington beat to develop the program. Gary Chapman, West Midlands Police’s Offending to Recovery manager, said: “I’m pleased that this life-changing and life-saving scheme has now been rolled out across the West Midlands.“Offending to Recovery is backed by some of the biggest names in British business. They recognise that our innovative approach is all about making a long-term difference by addressing the causes of shop theft. But I’s not just their funding which is making a difference. Many of these businesses are giving people who have been through the scheme a job or inviting them in to train their own security staff.“The scheme is not a soft option and many of the people we have supported through the scheme say it’s the hardest thing they’ve ever had to do, especially the 12 week of intensive residential therapy where they have no contact with the outside world and limited access to phones or TV.“The best bit is, anyone can refer someone onto the scheme. As we saw with Keeley, businesses can refer people, police officers, family members or offenders themselves. All they need to do is send us an email and we’ll do the rest.” Last year we arrested 600 more suspects of shop thefts than the year before. The number of repeat suspects has also increased from around 700 in 2022 to 1,500 in 2024.Safer Streets Summer is an initiative is running from 30 June until the end of September 2025, across the West Midlands. It sees West Midlands Police, councils and others, focus on reducing town centre criminality, shop theft, street crime and anti-social behaviour across the UK.
Walsall officers working in partnership to tackle issues in the town centre West Midlands Police 2025-07-25 | As part of the Safer Streets summer initiative, we have been focusing on issues that matter most to you.This activity will increase over the summer holidays, with a particular focus on town centres.Last week in Walsall, we conducted a multi-agency road safety operation at Walsall Arboretum. Led by our dedicated Road Harm prevention team, the day brought together partners including the council and Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency to check vehicles and drivers are safe and legal. We regularly do these checks to reduce the amount of people killed or seriously injured on our roads.We also visited Tesco on an anti-shop theft operation following assaults on shop-workers. Strengthening this relationship with businesses and security companies has led to positive results already.We’ve seen a reduction in anti-social behaviour in the car park since the installation of a new CCTV camera and the removal of a disused car wash unit.Store security staff also use bodyworn cameras to capture evidence which helps us bring criminals to justice.Partnership working is key to reducing crime in Walsall. That’s why we hold regular meetings with the council and Walsall Housing Group to solve issues within the community. Working together we have been able to install CCTV cameras and improved lighting to stop crime in those areas.We attended WOW festival in the Arboretum where officers met local dance groups, schools and families who took part over the weekend.These events give the us an opportunity to listen to the #community and tell them about what we’re doing to keep them safe.This is just a snapshot of what you can expect to see more of from Walsall Police in the coming months. Remember to check our website to find your local police meetings.Report crime, get prevention advice, and see the latest news on our website http://www.westmidlands.police.ukYou can get in touch with us via Live Chat at westmidlands.police.uk, via 101, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Sutton Coldfield’s new police station opens to serve community West Midlands Police 2025-07-22 | Sutton Coldfield’s newly re-developed police station opened today (Tuesday 22 July), to serve the community for years to come. Existing police buildings on the Anchorage Road side of the site, have now been redeveloped with the addition of a former small business property next door. This has created a bespoke new location for neighbourhood teams, emergency response officers, local crime investigators, offender management and other policing functions which were dispersed around the site previously. One of the key developments was the creation of a public contact office where people can talk to us if they prefer face to face over telephone and online options. Cash from the sale of the old site – which will also pay for the new station - will be reinvested into policing, safeguarding officer numbers and services at a time when budgets are under continued pressure locally and nationally. The sale of our surplus buildings on the Lichfield Road side of the site provides good value for the public purse and local people. The old station cost over of £500,000 each year to run, excluding annual maintenance costs and essential upgrades such as those needed to its 66-year-old heating system as well as critical safety and security systems. The decision to close the former station on Lichfield Road was made in March 2018 following careful scrutiny at a public meeting of the Police and Crime Commissioner. As part of that decision, a pledge was made to maintain a police presence in the town. Chief Constable Craig Guildford said: “I’m pleased with the re-development which was delivered on time and to a tight budget, using local businesses employing local people. “The old station was largely vacant due the way we work in the 21st century and my commitment to keep officers out on the streets serving their communities. The building was also very expensive to run. “Instead, we made use of the land and buildings we already had, and thanks to the purchase of an adjoining property, we’ve been able to create good, modern facilities for our officers and a public contact office. “There’s no doubt that the redeveloped footprint is smaller than the old facility but there is no reduction in officer numbers serving the town. It is people with the right skills and equipment which keep people safe, not bricks and expensive empty rooms which cost a fortune to heat and maintain.” The new building benefits from new CCTV, solar panels, electric vehicle charging and LED lights to reduce energy costs. Some officers had already moved into the new space ahead of the official opening. Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster, said: “I am pleased to be delivering on my pledge, that will see the opening of Sutton Coldfield’s newly re-developed police station. It is a facility that is modern, efficient and fit for 21st century policing. It delivers on my commitment to rebuild community policing and ensure an accessible, reassuring and visible police presence in the town. “This new station is a crystal-clear illustration, of my commitment to local people. It provides a base for neighbourhood teams, emergency response officers and investigators, whilst also providing a public contact office, so residents can attend in person and speak to officers face-to-face. “When the decision was made to dispose of the very costly, under-occupied and unfit for purpose Lichfield Road buildings, I pledged that, despite the significant financial pressures on the West Midlands Police budget, as a consequence of years of reckless financial cuts to policing, Sutton Coldfield would retain its police presence – and today, I have delivered on that commitment. “The new police station, is more cost-effective, efficient and sustainable, it provides better value for money for the taxpayer and it also ensures, that officers are better equipped to serve the community. “I will continue to work with the Chief Constable, to ensure that policing in Sutton Coldfield – and across the West Midlands – remains based in our communities, committed and dedicated to preventing and tackling crime and keeping people, families, businesses and local communities safe and secure.” The independent website crimerate.co.uk shows that Sutton Coldfield the safest place in the West Midlands. Current priorities for police in the area include reducing business crime, stopping antisocial behaviour and increasing their visibility. The Police and Crime Commissioner owns all West Midlands Police buildings. The Chief Constable is responsible for how we use those buildings, to enable police officers to keep people safe. The decision to acquire or dispose of sites is made by the PCC, based on operational policing recommendations made by the Chief Constable. The recommendations are fully scrutinised in public meetings with the relevant documents published on the PCC’s website. To keep up to date about policing in your area, sign up to wmnow.co.uk
Appeal for information in Sutton Coldfield investigation West Midlands Police 2025-07-21 | Report crime, get prevention advice, and see the latest news on our website http://www.westmidlands.police.ukYou can get in touch with us via Live Chat at westmidlands.police.uk, via 101, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
PD Dredd wows pupils at Archbishop Ilsley with powerful police dog demo West Midlands Police 2025-07-20 | Earlier this month, pupils at Archbishop Ilsley Catholic School in Acocks Green, Birmingham, were visited by the local neighbourhood team and the dog unit.PC Green, along with the Acocks Green team, organised a very special display of police dogs for years 7, 8, 10 and 10. The display included two dog handlers and four of highly trained dogs – two German Shepherds and two Cocker Spaniels.Throughout the morning, the year groups learnt about what our specialist police dog roles involve, their training, and when they will be deployed to an incident. Our dog handlers explained how police dogs track people, find money, phones, explosives, as an example of some of their capabilities so there is no hiding if you have committed a crime, especially where knife crime is involved. After a display from our sniffer dogs, the team brought out the German Shepherds, including PD Dredd, to demonstrate how the dog acts when an offender is carrying a weapon or evading police capture. In particular, the pupils loved when their Deputy Headteacher volunteered to be captured by PD Dredd!Inspector Jim Carroll, who supported the event, said: “It was great to see all the staff, officers, and pupils get involved and ask lots of questions to our dog handlers. A huge thank you to the team and the school for facilitating this fantastic event.“While this was an entertaining display, we hope the pupils have taken away some important learning from this.“Our police dogs will almost always be deployed to any incidents where someone is carrying a knife or an offensive weapon. We want young people to understand that knife crime, and drug dealing, are very serious offences and will not be taken lightly.“We have specialist units, like the dog unit, as well as drones, traffic, and undercover teams, that will take action against those causing harm to others. We encourage any young person who sees antisocial behaviour, like drug dealing, or knows of someone who is carrying a knife to tell a trusted adult or report to the police immediately.”Assistant Head Teacher Dan Corrigan said: “Pupils from Year 7, 8, 9 and 10 were fortunate enough to observe an exhibition by the West Midlands Police dog unit.“The session educated our young people about all the different roles the dogs play in supporting the police in their daily tasks. There were four dogs on site and they all demonstrated their skill and expertise in detecting different items and then what happens in the event of running away from a police dog and how the dog would react if someone is in possession of a weapon.“The pupils behaved superbly and the staff and pupils had a brilliant morning. Another example of the West Midlands Police and Archbishop Ilsely Catholic School working in partnership. Thank you to the Police for making this possible.”Knife crime affects everyone. We want to stop and reduce serious youth violence on our streets. Tell us what you know on 101, or anonymously through Fearless 0800 555 111.Report crime, get prevention advice, and see the latest news on our website http://www.westmidlands.police.ukYou can get in touch with us via Live Chat at westmidlands.police.uk, via 101, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Virtual reality helping new police officer training West Midlands Police 2025-07-19 | We’re using the latest virtual reality technology to train new police officers and give them an insight into male crimes against women. We've partnered with local training provider Calico, to deliver interactive sessions to all new recruits. The classes are part of a wider input on crimes such as stalking, harassment, rape and domestic abuse, where officers look at the law and actions to take when investigating these serious offences. Wearing the virtual reality headsets, officers get to experience the incident from the victim’s point of view. This develops empathy, encourages officers to share their experiences and helps them to think of the questions they would ask a victim or suspect. And the ones benefit the most from the training are men including new father, PC Aaron Whittingslow. Speaking about the impact the training has had on him, he said: “For me it was an insight that I’ve never had before – I’ve never experienced the world as a woman does. “The session has thrown me into that world through the virtual reality goggles and we’ve had some good discussions with female colleagues. “It’s really made me think about how I'd support victims, how my actions may be perceived and, as a new dad, the kind of world my daughter will grow up in.” West Midlands Police is the first force in the country to work with the company to embed the training which will be delivered to all new recruits until April 2026, totalling around 700 officers. Students at our Tally Ho! training centre wear virtual reality goggles, which places them in the shoes of a woman travelling through Birmingham after dark. The simulation allows officers to make decisions throughout, following four different routes through the city, park, taxi, and bus. In each scene users hear the real voices and lived experiences of community participants, which helps them empathise and fully immerse themselves in the experience. Assistant Chief Constable Jen Mattinson, force lead for VAWG said: “I’m proud to see West Midlands Police leading the way by providing training opportunities like this, in our committed approach to tackling violence against women and girls. “This session is one of many tools that we are investing in as a force, to protect the communities we serve, and we will continually invest time, money and effort to combat VAWG. "We already ensure all colleagues complete a variety of training packages to ensure they can robustly tackle VAWG, as well as making sure that recognising and responding to vulnerability is a focus of all of our work. This session will ensure our newest officers can be better equipped to tackle VAWG, protecting victims and preventing violence when they are out on local policing areas.” Calico is an award-winning social enterprise and Birmingham-based arts and activism company. It is funded by a number of West Midlands organisations, including Birmingham City Council, Solihull Council, and West Midlands Combined Authority. Their mission is to amplify the voices of victims and bridge the gap between communities and public bodies such as the police. Co-Founder and Director of Calico, Daz Scott said: “One in two women feel unsafe walking alone after dark in a busy public space [UK Office of National Statistics, 2021] and it’s everyone’s social responsibility to address this. “We believe that rebuilding trust starts with empathy. That’s why we created this training: to help officers understand the everyday realities of gendered violence from the perspective of those most affected. “West Midlands Police have shown a willingness to listen, learn, and lead on this issue, and we’re proud to work with a force that recognises the urgent need for change and the power of community-led, empathetic training.”
Reanne Coulson: New appeal for witnesses West Midlands Police 2025-07-18 | Officers investigating the murder of Reanne Coulson in Coventry are appealing for information about the day after she died.Reanne’s disappearance led to a major investigation, but her body was sadly found in Binley Woods on 27 June.A 42-year-old man has been charged with her murder, while a second man aged 38 has been charged with assisting an offender. Both men have been remanded in custody.We believe Reanne’s body was taken to Binley Woods on Thursday, 22 May, the day after she died.Detective Inspector Nigel Box, said: “We want to hear from anyone who visits Binley Woods, particularly near Gossett Lane, at the end of the Twelve O’clock Ride, whether you are a dog walker, cyclist or runner. If you visited the woods on 22 May, we need to hear from you.“Please get in touch with us if you were there around 7.30am in the morning but also at any points during the day and noticed anything suspicious.“We believe a fire was ignited at some point in the day and we would like anyone who saw this to contact us.“If you have any dash cam, mobile phone or video footage then please submit it to us via our public portal.”You can do this by clicking this link: mipp.police.uk/operation/20HQ25A53-PO1Alternatively, ring 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.DI Box added: “Our thoughts remain with Reanne’s family and we continue to update and support them throughout out investigation.”
Operation Advance: Enforcement carried out across Birmingham West Midlands Police 2025-07-17 | Report crime, get prevention advice, and see the latest news on our website http://www.westmidlands.police.ukYou can get in touch with us via Live Chat at westmidlands.police.uk, via 101, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Safer Streets Summer: Policing activity across the West Midlands West Midlands Police 2025-07-14 | As part of the national Safer Streets Summer initiative, we have a range of policing activity taking place in town centres across the West Midlands this Summer and beyond.The activity is part of our ongoing commitment to neighbourhood policing and supporting our communities.You’ll see focused activity on retail crime and anti-social behaviour in our town centres as well as the introduction of more neighbourhood officers and dedicated neighbourhood officers for your area, focused on the issues that affect you.Follow your local police Facebook pages for information about local activity.Report crime, get prevention advice, and see the latest news on our website http://www.westmidlands.police.ukYou can get in touch with us via Live Chat at westmidlands.police.uk, via 101, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Good day at the office, lads: Dealer congratulates officers who found £1m of drugs in his boot West Midlands Police 2025-07-14 | This is the moment we opened a car boot to find more than £1m of drugs – after the driver led our officers on a 120mph pursuit on the M5 in the West Midlands.The discovery, one of the biggest of its kind in the region in recent times, was made after officers from our Road Crime Team tried to stop the black Peugeot 3008, which was believed to be linked to drugs.They tried to pull the car over, but driver David Sherratt, aged 48, sped off, hitting speeds of up to 120mph on the southbound stretch of the motorway before heading on to the M42 as it was pursued by our officers and the police helicopter.Sherratt’s vehicle was stung, and lost a tyre, before it was boxed in and Sherratt arrested on the M42 near Alvechurch.In the boot of the car were Sports Direct bags, each carrying 18kg of cocaine. The total wholesale value was up to £1.3m.He told officers that the seizure was “not a bad day.” Sherratt was seen smashing an object against the dashboard.It was later found to be his phone, in an apparent attempt to destroy evidence.But when we examined his phone, messages showed he had been involved in the collection of a further 135kg of drugs – worth up to £5m in total. He would deliver them to customers around the country, earning up to £200 per kilo delivered – and was expecting to earn £20,000 in just six weeks for his work.At Birmingham Crown Court last Monday, Sherratt, of no fixed address, was jailed for 12 years and nine months after admitting being concerned in the supply of cocaine, possessing the drug with into to supply, and dangerous driving.Sherratt has 12 convictions for 19 offences dating back to 1995. He was jailed for six years in 2016 for conspiracy to supply class A drugs, and more than four years in 2020 for further drugs offences.Det Ch Insp Peter Cooke, of the Regional Organised Crime Unit for the West Midlands, said: “This is a major recovery of drugs that would have ultimately been sold on the streets of the UK and caused untold misery.“Sherratt’s attempt to get away from our officers was dangerous and put other road users at risk, but great work by the Road Crime Team meant the pursuit was brought to a safe conclusion.“He played a significant role in the distribution of drugs around the country, but will now be spending years behind bars.”Road Crime Team officers target criminals involved in car key burglaries and other serious and organised crime.They use unmarked, high-performance cars – as well as distinctive Interceptors – to pursue and arrest criminals.They support the work of Operation Target, which is our 24/7 mission to disrupt and arrest those involved in guns, drugs, exploitation and more.Find out more by searching 'Operation Target West Midlands Police'
Dudley Castlegate HQ and new Brierley Hill base West Midlands Police 2025-07-12 | Building work on Dudley Police’s new headquarters is on track, with the site scheduled to open in autumn.Work on the site at Castlegate business park, started in March following the purchase of the former insurance call centre.Plumbers, electricians, bricklayers and other skilled workers are now turning the site into a fully functioning police station, for the hundreds of officers, staff and volunteers who will be based there.One of their priorities is to create a public contact office where people can report crime and get advice in person.Chief Constable Craig Guildford and Police & Crime Commissioner Simon Foster saw for themselves the progress being made in a special visit for local councillors and community representatives, led by Chief Superintendent Anthony Tagg who is responsible for policing across the borough.The creation of the new police station honours our commitment to open a new station in the town, made when the old station closed. It will also replace Brierley Hill police station which currently serves as the Dudley Police’s headquarters.Following their visit to the new station, the Chief Constable, PCC and Ch Supt Tagg visited Cable Plaza where Brierley Hill’s new police base will open in the coming months.The new site, just half a mile from the current police station, will house two neighbourhood policing teams when Brierley Hill police station closes in autumn.Brierley Hill police station has been listed for closure since 2018 when the decision was made following careful public scrutiny of the plan.Speaking about the new Dudley site, Chief Constable Craig Guildford, said: “This is a fantastic development of an iconic building close to the castle.“The building had been completely gutted by local tradespeople. The project has created jobs and putting money into the local economy – just what every responsible public sector organisation should do.“The geographic location of the new police station will help us to respond in an efficient manner while co-locating with the council at Cable Plaza in Brierley Hill is good news for the tax payer and helps us build effective working relationships.”Midlands construction company Speller Metcalfe is renovating the site, providing jobs and training for local people like trainee estimator, Alice.Her apprenticeship means she will earn a salary as she learns new skills and secures formal qualifications.“My role is to support on pricing the project and paying subcontractors. I’ve grown up in Tipton & Dudley so it’s nice be doing something for the community”, she said.“I’m really enjoying working on the project. I’m working for a great company, alongside some amazing people and I’m learning all the time.”Dudley police station will be the second new police station to open in the West Midlands this year. Sutton Coldfield’s police station has also seen lots of redevelopment work on the same site, which will soon be completed too.All our estates work will help to deliver updated, efficient facilities across the force.In November last year, a new police base opened in Copthall House, Stourbridge and another in the Canley area of Coventry this spring.Police and Crime Commissioner Simon foster said: “I have been working hard to deliver on my pledge, that Dudley will have its own new police station and I am pleased to see the progress being made to deliver on my pledge.“The new police station will be fit for 21st century policing and it will become Dudley Police’s HQ.“It will be a base for the local neighbourhood policing teams, for response and it will have a front contact office that the public can attend, speak to a police officer and report crime.“I am also pleased to announce, that we have secured a new police base for the Brierley Hill neighbourhood police teams, that will be fit for 21st century policing.“I am committed to re-building community policing, to prevent and tackle crime and keep people, families, businesses and the local community safe and secure.”Chief Superintendent Anthony Tagg, the commander for Dudley local policing area, said: “It’s pleasing to see work well underway on the new police station and borough headquarters.“We’re all keen to move into our new modern facilities. We’ll be sad to leave the old Brierley Hill station, but the reality is, the site is not fit for purpose and refurbishing does not make economic sense. Our hard-working police officers deserve better and so do the victims and witnesses who come into the building.“The new Castlegate site will have the latest victim care facilities and a new public contact office so that we can get the best possible evidence from people.“Importantly, our new Brierley Hill base is in a fantastic location that strengthens joint working.”
New Dudley Police Station West Midlands Police 2025-07-08 | Building work on Dudley Police’s new headquarters is on track, with the site scheduled to open in autumn. Work on the site at Castlegate business park, started in March following the purchase of the former insurance call centre.Plumbers, electricians, bricklayers and other skilled workers are now turning the site into a fully functioning police station, for the hundreds of officers, staff and volunteers who will be based there. One of their priorities is to create a public contact office where people can report crime and get advice in person. Keep up-to-date about the progress by signing up to WMNow, our free messaging service. Visit: wmnow.co.uk
New Brierley Hill Base at Cable Plaza West Midlands Police 2025-07-08 | We're opening a new police base at Cable Plaza, Dudley.The offices will be home to the neighbourhood police teams who are responsible for the area.The new site is just half a mile from the current police station and will open when Brierley Hill police station closes this autumn. The will share the space with Dudley Council.Brierley Hill police station has been listed for closure since 2018 when the decision was made following careful public scrutiny of the plan.
Kickin It Forward: Education programme sees WMP help develop next generation of footballers West Midlands Police 2025-07-05 | Ahead of England looking to defend their title at the Women’s Euros, our officers have been working alongside the Football Association and Birmingham City Football Club on education sessions with aspiring Lionesses.The ‘Kickin’ It Forward’ programme started back in February with a tournament at Tally Ho! for more than 200 girls aged between 12 and 16 years old. It led to 21 being selected for the six-week long programme combining football coaching and weekly education sessions with police officers. At those sessions, the girls discussed the issues they might face growing up in Birmingham, and got advice and support from our officers on the risks they could encounter and any problems they’re dealing with. To mark the end of the programme, the girls were visited by two special guests: Birmingham City Women’s Technical Director and former England manager Hope Powell CBE, and Superintendent Sam Batey, the highest-ranked black female officer in West Midlands Police. The girls were given the chance to question both Hope and Supt Batey on a number of topics, from starting out in their respective careers to the barriers they’ve faced along the way. Supt Batey, from Birmingham Police, said: “It’s been a real honour to meet the young women involved in Kickin’ It Forward, I’ve loved hearing their stories and taking their questions – as well as seeing some impressive skills on the pitch. “Initiatives like this are so important as we work to improve our relationship with young people across the West Midlands, and we’re grateful to be working in partnership with Birmingham City and the FA.“We know that sometimes young people don’t react positively to seeing police uniforms, and I hope this programme has helped change that mindset.“Some of the young women involved in the programme haven’t had the best start in life, and I found it uplifting to see them speaking so positively with our officers and sharing honest reflections about their struggles, hopes, and dreams.”Before meeting the girls at the session at Ark Victoria Academy in Small Heath, Hope Powell gave Supt Batey a tour of Birmingham City’s Knighthead Performance Centre, before the two spoke candidly about their journeys to getting where they are today.On the Kickin’ It Forward initiative, Hope said: “I played football through the Metropolitan Police when I was younger, and it helped me look at the police in a different light.“When we were approached about this programme to work alongside West Midlands Police, I thought what an opportunity – it just shows the power of football, and how important it is to create opportunities and showcase something different that could lead to something pretty special, which is what it did for my career. The programme culminated with a graduation ceremony at St. Andrews @ Knighthead Park, where the girls received their trophies, medals, and certificates – as well as some Birmingham City tickets and a family day out to the West Midlands Police Museum.Next, the players will help us shape the way we police, by forming a Female Youth Independent Advisory Group, talking to us about things like VAWG (violence against women and girls) and the issues that young women face in our region. They will also have other opportunities to continue playing, as we work with our partners and local clubs to signpost them to teams to continue their development.One of the players has already gone on trial with Birmingham City, while another is looking to continue working with the Birmingham City Foundation to gain her coaching badges. A further player is now involved in the Police Women’s Network, and we are hopeful that this will lead to her exploring a career in policing. The initiative was run by the Birmingham Partnerships team, with Sgt Jo Pritchard, PC Kam Samra, PC Marc Greaves, and PC Vaneesha Sahota. Vaneesha, who set up and led the initiative, said: “We’ve loved seeing the girls develop on the pitch, and we’ve enjoyed our honest conversations off it. “We will keep in regular contact with them and we look forward to continuing to support their journeys.”
Gang jailed for 60 years after armed robberies in Dudley West Midlands Police 2025-07-05 | Report crime, get prevention advice, and see the latest news on our website http://www.westmidlands.police.ukYou can get in touch with us via Live Chat at westmidlands.police.uk, via 101, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Man jailed over fatal hit-and-run in Smethwick West Midlands Police 2025-07-04 | A man has been jailed for more than 15 years after a two-year-old boy died following a hit-and-run collision in Smethwick last year. On 14 December last year Shehbaz Singh was tragically killed after a car struck a red Toyota which he was travelling in with his family.Just before 11pm, a stolen grey Porsche was travelling at speed on Dartmouth Road, near to the junction with Roebuck Lane.The Porsche overtook another vehicle before travelling around a bend. The car lost control, veering onto the opposite side of the road and hit the Toyota. Despite the road being governed by a 30mph speed limit, the Porsche was travelling at around 48mph moments before the collision.The driver of the Porsche then fled the scene. Four members of Shehbaz’s family were also in the Toyota, who all sustained injuries from the collision. Shehbaz’s mother still remains in hospital with severe injuries. Following the collision, we forensically examined the Porsche which revealed several fingerprints and DNA. Checks also revealed the Porsche had been stolen 10 days prior during a Facebook Marketplace sale in Walsall. Officers were then able to identify the driver as Sharjeel Shahzad. The 30-year-old was arrested two days after the collision and consequently charged. At an earlier hearing, Shahzad admitted to causing death by dangerous driving, causing serious injury by dangerous driving, driving whilst disqualified, driving with no insurance and failing to stop after a collision.Today, at Wolverhampton Court, Shahzad of Cooksey Lane, Birmingham has been sentenced to 15 years and four months in prison.Detective Sergeant Paul Hughes from our serious collision investigation unit, said: “Shehbaz lost his life at just two years old, due to the erratic and selfish driving of Shahzad.“Knowing he caused a serious collision, instead of staying to help, Shahzad ran away from the devastation he caused. “However, thanks to the combination of forensics and CCTV enquires we were able to quickly identify Shahzad as the driver.“Shahzad will now face many years behind bars, which hopefully provide some sort of closure to Shehbaz’s family.”
Superintendent Paul Joyce discussed Safer Streets West Midlands Police 2025-07-03 | Report crime, get prevention advice, and see the latest news on our website http://www.westmidlands.police.ukYou can get in touch with us via Live Chat at westmidlands.police.uk, via 101, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
News cells at Willenhall, Coventry West Midlands Police 2025-07-02 | Willenhall police base now has more cells for officers to fill, following a major refurbishment. For the past three months, workers have been extending the original facilities to create: 24 cells; 4 interview rooms; 2 kitchens; 1 biometrics room for finger printing, photography and DNA sampling; 1 CCTV viewing room; 1 drug / alcohol-worker room; 1 Intoxilyzer room for drug and alcohol testing;; and 1 medical room for healthcare professionals.We’re now arresting more people and seeing better outcomes in our investigations. We’re also answering calls for service faster and arriving at incidents sooner, when compared to our performance a few years ago. In June alone, our West Midlands Police officers arrested around 5,000 people. The new cells will help us manage these increased numbers. In 2022, we had just four custody facilities across the region but thanks to our investment and by working differently, we have more operational cells than ever before, across seven sites. The changes to the force’s custody estate is all part of Chief Constable Craig Guildford’s vision of creating a more balanced system focused on supporting frontline officers in making proactive arrests, while ensuring that all the elements of safer detention are sensibly facilitated. Chief Superintendent Paul Joyce, responsible for policing across the whole of Coventry, said: “These changes are more than just about safe and secure cells, it’s about Coventry Police’s total operational effectiveness – the updated facilities will really make a difference. “While good, the facilities are far from luxurious. Custody remains a very challenging environment where we are responsible for many very vulnerable people with very complex needs. “There are also legal requirements for us to provide certain facilities and to protect certain rights of detainees.” Interview rooms have been fitted with the latest digital interview equipment and CCTV - including audio recording - has been upgraded for everyone’s safety. As part of the works, inexpensive adaptations have been made to help children, disabled and neurodivergent people who use the cells or work at the site. These include adjustable lighting, digital clocks in key areas, sight lines painted on walls to help with navigation and murals to help refocus vision and distract thoughts. This is the first refurbishment of the site since it was opened in 1995. During the building works, officers used the cells at Coventry Central and other police stations across the West Midlands.
Teenager with knife chased down and arrested by officers West Midlands Police 2025-06-28 | This is the dramatic moment we chased down a teenager who had fled as he was about to be searched by officers in Birmingham.Marcus O’Garro, 19, was approached by officers on Sutton New Road in Erdington.They told him they wanted to stop and search him because they had information that he was known to carry weapons.As he was told he was being detained, he fled – sparking a chase involving officers in vehicles, on foot and on a bicycle.It came to end a short time later onto New Road, where he admitted he had a knife which officers then pulled from his coat pocket.O’Garro, of Endwood Court Road, Birmingham, was charged with possession of the blade shortly after his arrest, on 19 June.He appeared before city magistrates the following day and was given a nine-month prison sentence after admitting possession of the knife.Three months of it was because a suspended sentence he was given in May for carrying a knife was activated.Officers from our Guardian Taskforce, who are dedicated to tackling serious youth violence including knife crime, arrested O’Gavro.Ch Insp Dave Amos, head of the Guardian Taskforce, said: “This was excellent work by Guardian officers and shows just how effective stop and search can be.“The footage shows just how relentless the team were in pursuing O’Gavro when he fled, and how they were able to relay information about him and his description to colleagues so that the net closed in on him.”Guardian officers carry out a range of operations, from his visibility to plan clothes patrols as they take weapons off the streets.We can’t tackle knife crime on our own – find out how parents, carers and teachers can all help.Search 'Life or Knife' for more
Mother of missing Reanne Coulson: I just want my baby back West Midlands Police 2025-06-26 | The mother of missing Reanne Coulson today pleaded: “I just want my baby back”, as our search for the missing Coventry woman entered a new phase.A third person has now been arrested as part of our investigation into the disappearance of Reanne Coulson, as searches for her begin to focus on a new location.The 38-year-old was detained just before 4pm yesterday in the Coventry area on suspicion of perverting the course of justice and remains in custody today, as does a 42-year-old man arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of her murder.We have until late tomorrow to either release or charge the man who was arrested on Tuesday.Detective Superintendent Jim Munro, from our Major Crime Unit, said: “We are continuing to work flat out to find Reanne, and get the answers that her family so desperately need."I know there are people in Coventry that have information in relation to her whereabouts. "I ask they come forward and speak with police, or look at others channels such as Crimestoppers - who they can speak to completely anonymously. "We ask for any information from them that will allow us to locate Reanne, who we now sadly believe is deceased." We have officers from across a number of teams working round the clock to locate 34-year-old Reanne and have viewed hundreds of hours of CCTV and taken more than 50 statements from potential witnesses as part of the investigation.Today, as a result of information received as part of the investigation, specialist teams including police dogs are searching Binley Woods as well as other areas of land in neighbouring Warwickshire.Reanne was last seen at around 9.46pm on 21 May in Coventry after visiting a food bank at St Mary & Benedict Church on Raglan Street.A man, aged 53, who was previously arrested in connection with her disappearance, has been released on bail with strict conditions while the investigation continues.In a new appeal today, Reanne’s mother Lynne Sparkes said: “Is there anybody out there that knows anything about Reanne’s disappearance?“From one parent to another, you can only imagine how I’m feeling.“Please come forward to give our family some closure.“I just want my baby back.”Report crime, get prevention advice, and see the latest news on our website http://www.westmidlands.police.ukYou can get in touch with us via Live Chat at westmidlands.police.uk, via 101, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Join Special Constable Gidda on a busy night shift West Midlands Police 2025-06-23 | Join Cameron, one of our Super Specials, as we follow him on a busy night shift in Birmingham 🚓Specials are volunteer police officers with the same uniform, powers, and responsibilities as our regular officers and they do it all to help keep communities safe.👮♂️ What’s in it for you? ✔️ Free uniform ✔️ Full training and support ✔️ Police powers & equipment ✔️ Flexible shifts that fit your life ✔️ Boost skills on your CV ✔️ And most importantly - a real chance to make a differenceWe’re recruiting now! 🔍 Search WMP jobs to find out more and apply today.Report crime, get prevention advice, and see the latest news on our website http://www.westmidlands.police.ukYou can get in touch with us via Live Chat at westmidlands.police.uk, via 101, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Eight men jailed for almost 120 years for violent attack involving weapons in Walsall West Midlands Police 2025-06-20 | Eight men have been jailed for almost 120 years following a violent attack involving weapons - including a gun - where a group of men in a car were targeted in Walsall.The men, who are all from Walsall, appeared at Wolverhampton Crown Court for sentencing after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.Amar Shazhad, aged 37, from Victor Street, was jailed for 17 years while 20-year-old Hezar Iyaiz, from Alumwell Road was put behind bars for 17 years. Mohammed Sajid, aged 38, from Exeter Place was told he would serve 16 years while Kamran Moore, aged 22, from Deepmore Avenue, was jailed for 16 years. Shazad Mahmood, aged 34, from Drayton Street, received a sentence of 17 years while Khurum Sajad, aged 23, from Hucker Road was jailed for 16 years. Waheed Ayub, aged 28, from Westbourne Street was imprisoned for 17 years. An eighth man, Umar Saddique, aged 29, was jailed for two years for assisting an offender.The group were involved in a premeditated violent attack which took place on July 31, 2024, shortly before 11.50pm, on Reedswood Lane, Walsall. Five men were sitting in a car when their vehicle was aggressively rammed by two vehicles.A group of men armed with a firearm, machetes, knives, baseball bats and cricket bats launched a ferocious attack on the vehicle. A firearm was also discharged, once at close range into the vehicle, resulting in significant and life-threatening injuries to the victims.The men inside the car managed to drive themselves to Walsall Manor Hospital where they presented with various severe injuries, including slash and gunshot wounds. All of the men sustained serious, life-altering injuries requiring multiple surgeries and one victim was placed in an induced coma due to the severity of their injuries.The violent attack was captured on CCTV and the suspects were arrested after extensive work was carried out by detectives investigating the case including trawling through extensive CCTV to identify the suspects and phone tracking to ascertain the movements of those involved.Detective Inspector Francis Nock, from our major crime team, who led the investigation said: “This was a really shocking outbreak of violence in which weapons were used and a firearm discharged leaving the victims with life-threatening injuries“The men have been told they will serve 118 years in prison in total. This sends out a clear message that we won’t tolerate people who use weapons on our streets and are prepared to carry out such violence as was displayed in this case.”We are looking to trace another man in connection to the incident on Reedswood Lane, on July 31 last year. Amar Khan, aged 40, also goes by the name of Adam Barzini.DI Nock added: “We would appeal to the public to help us find Khan. If you see him don’t approach him but call 999 immediately quoting crime reference number 20/720593/24.”Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
Legia Warsaw: Football thug convicted after kicking officer in back near Villa Park West Midlands Police 2025-06-20 | A thug has admitted kicking an officer in the back outside Villa Park during some of the worst UK football disorder in decades.Masked Dawid Dembler ran up behind the officer, attacked him and then fled.But other officers saw what happened and moved in to arrest Dembler for assault.It happened on a night of shameful scenes before Aston Villa’s UEFA Europa Conference League match against Legia Warsaw in November, 2023.Our officers – along with colleagues from 11 forces – faced 90 minutes of sustained violence, where flares, missiles, and debris were used as weapons by supporters of the Polish football club.During what was described as the ‘worst football violence in decades’, five officers were injured.More than 40 people were arrested, and some 700 hours of body-worn camera footage has been reviewed as part of the investigation.On Wednesday (18 June), Dembler admitted assaulting an emergency worker, on what should have been the first day of his trial at Birmingham Crown Court.The 35-year-old, of Anson Road, Bentley, Walsall, was released on bail ahead of sentence in August.Det Insp Tom Lyons, who has been overseeing the ongoing investigation into the night’s violence, said: “You can see from the footage that this was a cowardly attack on an officer who had his back turned as he worked hard to contain a violent crowd of away fans at the Witton Lane coach park gate“It caused the PC to stumble forward, but thankfully there was no lasting injury and quick work by officers nearby meant Dembler was swiftly identified and arrested.“Because of the volatility of the situation on the ground, we didn’t initially know which officer had been attacked.“It was only when we trawled through hundreds of hours of footage that we were able to identify that it was a West Mercia officer who had been supporting the operation on the night.“The footage showing him jolting forward was matched to other images, and we established that it was Dembler’s kick that had caused it. The officer hadn’t been aware of exactly what had happened.“Although he initially denied the attack, the evidence from the officers and their body worn cameras meant Dembler had no choice but to plead guilty.”Six other men are due to stand trial in June next year charged over the night’s violence.
Major crackdown on illegal e-bikes in Birmingham city centre West Midlands Police 2025-06-17 | We’re taking tough action against riders of illegally modified e-bikes who are putting people at risk as they dart around Birmingham city centre.Officers descended on the city centre this evening (Tuesday) for a pre-planned operation which saw 16 bikes seized and their riders issued with fines.Plain clothes officers worked alongside uniformed city centre colleagues, officers from Operation Fearless and our Road Harm Prevention Team, Safer Travel, British Transport Police, Birmingham Community Safety Partnership and immigration officers.
