Proactive crime team tackling crime in Lozells

Our Operation Skybridge Team have been in the Lozells area of Birmingham for the last few weeks, where they have made scores of arrests, seized drugs and over £50,000 of cash.

The team made up of plain clothed and uniformed officers have been a highly visible presence in and around Lozells following concerns raised by the local community.

Since the end of November last year, our Skybridge officers made 18 arrests for a total of 50 offences which led to charges for 35 offences. These included possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, theft of a motor vehicle, possession of a bladed article and possession with intent to supply Class B drugs.

Following targeted patrols in the area our officers also seized multiple weapons such as kitchen knives, zombie knives and CS spray.

Over £50,000 cash was seized along with almost £20,000 worth of drugs. Furthermore, 20 vehicles were seized including cars, vans and motorbikes.

The team work closely with the local neighbourhood team in each area to understand the priorities and concerns of local people. They provide a highly visible presence to deter criminal activity, make arrests and offer reassurance to the local community.

Sergeant Leon Butler, from the Operation Skybridge Team, said: "It’s been a hugely successful start for the team, which is made up of plain clothes and unformed officers.

“We’ve carried out dozens of stop and searches, made dozens of arrests, disrupted drug dealing on the streets and carried out numerous seizures of weapons, drugs and cars.

"We are also seized large amounts of drugs and numerous weapons which could have caused real harm out on the streets.

"This is pure proactive policing, causing maximum difficulty and disruption to those who are doing the most harm to our communities.”