How Birmingham residents defeated HMO plans in 2025
A look at how community action led to the rejection of several HMO applications in Birmingham in 2025, from Handsworth to Erdington. Read the success stories.
A look at how community action led to the rejection of several HMO applications in Birmingham in 2025, from Handsworth to Erdington. Read the success stories.
Anora Sharma condemns the 11-year jail term for Diogo Bettencourt, who murdered her brother Anthony in a Birmingham HMO. She says the justice system has failed her family.
Shocking data reveals 76% of UK car thefts were unsolved in 2024, with critics warning the crime is 'effectively decriminalised'. Discover which police forces performed worst and what action is being demanded.
William Free, ringleader of a major South West drugs network, has had his sentence increased to 17 years. His gang was uncovered due to his link to a Birmingham courier, Anthony Cunningham. Read the full investigation details.
Exclusive police data maps Birmingham's most dangerous neighbourhoods. City centre leads with 4,694 violent and sexual offences in a year. See how your area compares.
A pair of brazen shoplifters were caught on CCTV singing 'Santa Baby' while stealing from a Worcestershire family shop. Owners Catherine and Patrick Badham were horrified by the festive theft.
Exclusive analysis of West Midlands Police figures ranks every Birmingham area for violence and sexual offences. See where your neighbourhood stands in the latest crime data.
Birmingham Hospice is opening a new community cafe, Hive In The Park, in the historic Rookery House in Erdington in early 2026. The 'warm and welcoming' space will offer cheap food and drink. Read more and find out how to volunteer.
A new crime severity list ranks Birmingham as the 6th most dangerous area in Britain for violent crime. See where your town ranks and get the latest crime news.
Diogo Bettencourt, one of Birmingham's most mentally unwell men, is jailed for life for murdering neighbour Anthony Sharma. He was on clozapine, a 'last resort' medication.
West Midlands Police's Operation Skybridge team has made a major impact in Erdington, making 10 arrests and seizing over 20 vehicles. Discover how proactive policing is tackling burglary and drug crime.
West Midlands Police made ten arrests and seized over 20 vehicles in Erdington as part of Operation Skybridge. 19 charges were brought following the proactive operation.
Disability charity Scope announces plans to close 77 of its 138 UK stores, including Erdington in Birmingham, to save £4 million. Read the full list of closures and the reasons behind the decision.
West Midlands Police issue a festive warning as criminals monitor forecasts for icy mornings to steal cars left unattended with engines running. Learn how to protect your vehicle.
West Midlands Police's proactive team makes multiple arrests in Sutton Coldfield for burglary, robbery, and drug offences ahead of Christmas. Read the latest on the operation.
West Midlands Police deploy new high-visibility patrols in Streetly, Sutton Coldfield, following a sharp rise in vehicle thefts from driveways. Officers urge residents to stay vigilant.
West Midlands Police report a spike in car thefts in Streetly, with thieves monitoring weather forecasts to steal unattended vehicles. Officers deploy high-visibility patrols. Read the safety advice.
New crime severity scores rank UK towns and cities. See where Birmingham, Nottingham, and other Midlands areas place on the national list of most dangerous places.
Diogo Bettencourt receives life sentence for the brutal murder of neighbour Anthony Sharma in an Erdington HMO. The killer, who has schizophrenia, hid the body and tried to use the victim's bank card.
Diogo Bettencourt has been sentenced to life for the brutal murder of Anthony Sharma in an Erdington HMO. The killer, who has schizophrenia, concealed the body in a sleeping bag. Read the full court report.
Plans for a vital 20-bed safe centre in Erdington to support vulnerable West Midlands children are recommended for approval, addressing a critical regional shortage.
An organised crime group that stole over 70 high-value vehicles using sophisticated jamming equipment has been jailed for more than 27 years. Read the full story.
A father was shot four times on his doorstep in Darlaston. Five men have admitted conspiracy charges. Read the full story of the horrific attack.
West Midlands Police uncover a large-scale cannabis farm across three floors of a Stockland Green property. 143 plants seized. Investigation ongoing.
Conservative councillors demand a public safety emergency in Birmingham after stabbings, but Labour says crime is falling and action is already a top priority. Read the full debate.
A Birmingham gang has been found guilty of running a £500,000 illegal tobacco factory. Police seized weapons, cash, and over 400kg of tobacco. Read the full investigation details.
Exclusive data reveals Birmingham's most dangerous postcodes for violent and sexual offences. See the full list and police response to the city's crime wave.
West Midlands Police are appealing for information after a robbery at a shop on Hales Lane, Smethwick. Two men, one armed with a knife, stole items before fleeing. Call 101 with info.
Exclusive data reveals Birmingham's most dangerous areas after a wave of stabbings, including the killings of Katie Fox and Yassin Alma. See the full list of high-crime postcodes.
Steven 'Big Wolf' Woolridge, who orchestrated a £12m cocaine empire, has been ordered to repay less than £9,000. Discover the full story of the West Midlands drug network.