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 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.

September update

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

Several patrols conducted with Turnaround, Women’s Refuge and Umbrella Outreach (supported by NHS ) engaging and supporting vulnerable individuals on Rookery Road and Oxhill Road.
Patrolling with Trident offering additional support with housing.
Our school liaison officer is delivering Violence Against Women and Girls inputs to young people at Colleges and Secondary School.

Local priority continued - Thefts from retailers on Rookery Road / Oxhill Road
The Handsworth Wood NHT are aware of several 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 patrolling these locations and tackling repeat offenders who are engaged in thefts from stores and other retail outlets within this area.

September 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 continued

Residents, Councillors and business owners reported concerns regarding a group of homeless individuals causing ASB on Oxhill Road (between St Andrews Church and Stockwell Road) College Road and Rookery Road.

September update:

Handsworth Wood officers will be conducting joint patrols with partnership agencies such as Birmingham City Council, Outreach Drug / Drinking teams, Councillors, Trident and Turnaround. Help, support and other interventions such as Community protection warnings and notices will be used where appropriate. Dates have been set for partnership action days.
Officers have attended Joint drop-in surgery with Councillor Kular to speak to residents on 12th September 2026.
Officers attended Save College Road residents meeting to listen to resident’s concerns. Councillors also attended meeting. Future meetings have been set.
Officers will continue to support the food bank and Welcome Café, patrolling the area when available to do so.