Small Heath and Highgate

Community Priority - Horton Square

We are aware of issues with drug dealing and drug use within the Horton Square area. We know that this type of offending brings other elements of criminality with it.

The Highgate NHT are working with partners to tackle this issue, as well as conducting high visibility policing with a 0 tolerance approach to criminality taking place in this area.

We are committed to making the Horton Square area safer for our communities, schools and businesses.

The team continue to provided high visibility patrols within the Horton Square area, interacting with the local community and proactively engaging with local businesses to reduce crime. We have liased with Local council and have made representations about better lighting in the area, particularly around schools.

We have also made representations regarding the underpass under Belgrave Middleway which we are aware is a hot spot for drug use, and attracts the homeless community. Currently the council has done some work around closing this off. We are also working with partner agencies where we can try and help and support those in the homeless community to deal with issues which may be drawing them into that lifestyle. We are also in regular contact with the local safety community partnership around how we can make the environment a safer place and the ASB team within the council to conduct patrols to increase the visibility in the area.

Operations are in the planning phase for various issues across the area, to deal with drug dealing and vehicle issues (both parking and anti-social driving).

Force Priority - Operation Stance

We are currently engaged in tackling the criminality seen at shops on our area, which are leading us to target disruption efforts and enforce legislation to those responsible for owning, managing and utilising these stores.

An operation was conducted in partnership with trading standards and other BCC departments along Cherrywood Road in July 2026.

Plans are also in the making for further operations across a number of locations where intelligence is received around specific shops that are operating outside their of their licensing.

We will continue to work with our licensing team around night time economy venues to conduct intelligence led site visits to ensure they are operating lawfully within their licensing conditions.

Local Priority - Football vehicle crime

The Small Heath & Highgate Neighbourhood Policing Team (NHT) is making vehicle crime taking place at and during football fixtures a top priority.

We understand that these types of crimes can cause considerable disruption and distress to victims, and we are committed to addressing this issue to ensure the safety and security of the community.

Our team is dedicating patrols in areas where these incidents have been most prevalent, employing intelligence-led policing to identify patterns of offending. We are also working closely with other departments within West Midlands Police and community partners to gather intelligence and target offenders involved in vehicle-related crime.

We strongly encourage residents to take steps to protect their vehicles, such as ensuring cars are securely locked, removing valuables from sight, and parking in well-lit or secure areas where possible.

The Small Heath & Highgate NHT is working in partnership with Birmingham City Football Club to address this issue, and it will continue to remain a priority for the 26/27 football season.

We have been on active patrols in the area with the new season now fully underway.

We are conducting intelligence-led patrols in areas where vehicles are being targeted during the season and on match days.

We have been tackling vehicle crime in the area targeting garages and other areas where cars are routinely deposited that arent in line with the legal requirements of having tax and insurance and referring cars to the DVLA/DVSA where appropriate for no valid MOTs.

We are working closely with Birmingham City Football Club on making sure consistent messaging is put out to fans and that the club are aware of our ongoing operations in the area to tackle vehicle crime and other issues surrounding the stadium and matchday footprint.