Lozells and East Handsworth

Force Priority – Op PLAZARI continued:

We are committed to tackling violence and the exploitation of vulnerable women on the streets of the Handsworth and Lozells area.
We know that the 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 Lozells area.

The Lozells and East Handsworth 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.
Several patrols conducted with Turnaround, Women’s Refuge and Umbrella Outreach (supported by NHS ) engaging and supporting vulnerable individuals on the Soho Road and Lozells.
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: Tackle Vehicle crime/Vehicle related offences around the Lozells and East Handsworth
Vehicle Cannibalism

September update:

* Patrolling areas that have been highlighted.
*Crime prevention talks with residents and businesses
*Working with other police departments to drive down levels of crime and bring offenders to justice.

Community Priority: Drug dealing / anti-social behaviour on Wellington Road. Residents / Councillors are concerned regarding the on-going drug dealing and anti-social around the shops on Wellington Road. This has been on-going for numerous years.

September update:

The team are working with other police departments and partners to resolve these issues. This location is being patrolled daily. We are setting up joint visits with Councillor and BCC departments.

15th September 2026 – Officers from the team arrested a male for possession to supply (drug dealing) Class B drugs. (50 bags of cannabis). His vehicle was also seized.

16th September 2026 – Drop – in surgery conducted with Councillor Mahmood to discuss concerns with residents.

16th September 2026 – One male arrested for possession with the intent to supply Class A drugs.

Setting up a business watch with the shops.