West Midlands Police have launched a major crackdown on crime along one of Birmingham's busiest shopping streets. Operation Fearless, which has already proven successful on Erdington High Street and in Southside, is now targeting Soho Road and the Handsworth Triangle.
Key Actions of Operation Fearless
A team of 20 officers will focus on theft, drug issues, knife crime, anti-social behaviour, and other problems affecting the area. Police have joined forces with Trading Standards, housing authorities, Soho Road Business Improvement District (BID), West Midlands Fire Service, Immigration, HMRC, and the Gambling Commission.
Five Key Actions
- Drug dogs deployed to sniff out dealers
- Trading standards checks on counterfeit and illegal goods
- Roads Policing Unit carrying out ANPR checks to target uninsured drivers and criminals
- Mounted unit on patrol
- Immigration and fire safety checks
The team will be based at Thornhill Road police station and have already made more than 20 arrests. Deputy Chief Constable Jen Mattinson said: "We're thrilled to be bringing Fearless to the Soho Road and Handsworth Triangle today. Those who live, work and visit this vibrant area can expect to see real benefits as the team gets to work over the coming weeks."
West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster, who launched Operation Fearless last year with an £880,000 investment, added: "I invested nearly £1 million to launch Operation Fearless because I am determined to deliver accessible, proactive, reassuring and visible policing."
