Operation Fearless: Launch success as partners pledge to work together for Erdington

Arrests, vehicle and drug seizures and £500,000 of counterfeit goods recovered – Operation Fearless has officially arrived in Erdington.

Yesterday marked the formal launch of Fearless, a major new initiative to drive down crime and improve life in Erdington with a combination of high-profile visible activity and work with partners such as Birmingham City Council (BCC).

Around 150 people gathered at Villa Park to hear from Chief Constable Craig Guildford, Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster, and others about the ambitious plans to make Erdington a safer and better place to live.

In the afternoon, the Fearless team got to work in Erdington, supported by colleagues with dogs, drones, knife detecting equipment and even horses from Thames Valley Police.

The operation saw:

• One man wanted on suspicion of burglary in the West Mercia area was arrested in an operation targeting criminals using the bus network to travel into Erdington
• One man was arrested for failing to appear at court
• Two vehicles were seized – one because it was being used in crime, and another because it was being driven without insurance
• Six men were arrested for conspiracy to defraud over the seizure of £500,000 of counterfeit and illicit goods, including cigarettes, vapes, and prescription medication, in a joint operation with BCC’s Trading Standards team.

The work of the Fearless team, made up of uniformed and plain clothes officers as well as detectives and other teams, will continue over the weeks to come, and will move into other areas, while working with partners to ensure that the improvements made in Erdington are not undone.

Det Supt Jim Munro, who leads the Fearless team, said: “Yesterday was a fantastic launch and the support by partners from across the region, from the council to Transport for West Midlands, to immigration and children’s services has been phenomenal.

“We backed up our words with real action yesterday, making arrests and removing counterfeit goods from the High Street.

“Fearless will only succeed with the support of people in Erdington though. When you see our officers, chat to them about what concerns you have and where you think we should be directing our work. That will make a real difference.”

Find out more about Operation Fearless here 👉 Operation Fearless | West Midlands Police

We're also excited to announce the launch of our brand new StreetWatch group on Erdington High Street.

This fantastic group is made up of local volunteers who are passionate about keeping their community safe. If you're looking for a way to get your steps in this January, meet some new people in the area, and make a real difference, then joining StreetWatch is perfect.

As a StreetWatch member, you'll be part of a team that helps to prevent crime and anti-social behaviour by carrying out regular patrols in the area. You'll be required to do at least 2 hours of patrolling each month, but you can do more if you have time.  You’ll receive training and will be supported by your local neighbourhood policing team.

StreetWatch provide a reassuring presence in the community and work closely with the local police to make Erdington a safer and more welcoming place for everyone.

If you're interested in joining StreetWatch on Erdington High Street, please email the team at [email protected]