Police have launched a major offensive against crime in Erdington, with dedicated teams taking to the streets to tackle a range of offences plaguing the community.
Targeting Core Issues
Operation Skybridge is now actively deployed across both Erdington and Stockland Green, with the proactive crime team focusing their efforts on key concerns including vehicle crime, drug-related offences, and burglaries. The team employs a versatile mix of tactics, from high-visibility patrols to plain-clothed operations, to disrupt criminal activity.
This multi-pronged approach has already yielded significant results. Last week, officers intercepted a suspected stolen car. During the stop, they seized a machete and arrested a man, who was subsequently charged with possession of an offensive weapon and theft of a motor vehicle.
Significant Arrests and Seizures
Further successes were recorded earlier in the week, with several notable arrests. One included a man detained on suspicion of burglary. This arrest followed the seizure of suspected stolen property, which included a large television and various power tools.
The Operation Skybridge team is not working in isolation. They have been joined on their deployments by Erdington and Stockland Green neighbourhood officers. This collaboration has proven effective, with the combined forces responding to burglaries in progress and stopping stolen vehicles.
Beyond enforcement, the neighbourhood team continues its vital work of positive engagement with the community, offering reassurance to local residents and business owners.
Community Reassurance and Further Operations
Neighbourhood Inspector Hayley Thompson commented on the initiative, stating, "Local officers are here for you 24 hours a day, all year round, and it's been great to have the support of Operation Skybridge - who have achieved some significant results already."
She added, "We're getting positive feedback from local residents who are pleased to see officers out and about. I'd ask that when you do see our teams out and about - you come and say hello, and share with us any concerns or information you may have."
Echoing this community-focused approach, Sgt Danny Fulford from Operation Skybridge said, "Ultimately Operation Skybridge is based on addressing community concerns, and we hope to achieve that wherever we are deployed. We're grateful for the support of neighbourhood officers as we've set work across Erdington, and we're working hard to keep up the pressure on anyone bringing harm to the local community."
In a separate but related activity, another police operation in Erdington last week saw five men charged with multiple offences after the County Lines Taskforce executed drugs warrants. This operation led to the seizure of a large quantity of cash, drugs, and weapons.
Additionally, Operation Fearless maintains a presence in the area. Having expanded to Birmingham's Southside district earlier this year, it remains committed to working with local officers and partners to address ongoing concerns, particularly those around the High Street.
