Handsworth Wood

Force Priority – Op PLAZARI continued

We are committed to tackling violence and the exploitation of vulnerable women on the streets of the Handsworth / Handsworth Wood area.
We know that the Rookery Road / Soho Road and surrounding areas are hotspots for prostitution. Our neighbourhood policing teams are intensifying our enforcement of this activity. We are working with multiple partners internally and externally to identify and safeguard vulnerable people.
We will also operate a zero tolerance approach to those exploiting and utilising illegal services around the Handsworth and Handsworth Wood area.

The Handsworth Wood NHT have been working with partners to intervene with illegal prostitution and we have been identifying vulnerable individuals with a view to referring them into safeguarding plans.

July Update:

PC Brookman and Pc Manns have delivered several Violence against Women and Girls inputs in secondary schools.
Several patrols conducted with Turnaround, Women’s Refuge and Umbrella Outreach ( supported by NHS ) engaging and supporting vulnerable individuals on the Soho Road.

Local priority continued - Thefts from retailers on Rookery Road / Oxhill Road
The Handsworth Wood NHT are aware of a number of thefts that have been reported from local businesses on the Rookery Road / Oxhill Road (within Handsworth Wood ward area).

The Handsworth Wood NHT are proactively working on providing visibility and tackling repeat offenders who are engaged in thefts from stores and other retail outlets within this area.

July update:

We are visiting various locations several times a week engaging with security staff. We are identifying individuals begging, referring them for support or for enforcement when appropriate.

New Perry Barr retail crime team started in June.

Community Priority

Residents, Councillors and business owners reported concerns regarding a group of homeless individuals causing ASB on Oxhill Road in and around St Andrews Church /Community centre.

Handsworth Wood officers will be conducting joint patrols with partnership agencies such as Birmingham City Council, Trident and Turnaround. Help, support and other interventions such as Community protection warnings and notices will be used where appropriate.

Officers will continue to support the food bank and Welcome Café, patrolling the area when available to do so.