Officers out and about in Oldbury for #Safer6

Last week Sandwell’s #Safer6 campaign landed in Oldbury.

The week highlighted the hard work of your local neighbourhood team, whilst working closely with Sandwell Council, fire service, and community groups.

The team have been conducting speed watches with local councillors in dangerous driving hotspots across Oldbury, including Brandhall.

Neighbourhood officers, along with support from our Road Harm Prevention Team, conducted a Multi-Agency Road Safety Operation (MARSO) in Oldbury. Seven vehicles were seized for no insurance. Officers also recovered a knife and a quantity of drugs from a vehicle. A 16-year-old was charged with possession of a knife and possession of drugs.

Officers also delivered knife crime awareness inputs to Christ Church C of E primary school and a tour of the public order van including kit and equipment which officers carry. These sessions are great engagement opportunities, encouraging children to ask questions and educate them about the dangers of serious youth violence.

Alongside activity within schools, our officers have conducted Guardian patrols of Lion Farm playing fields and Whiteheath Gate, preventing crime in our green spaces and doing weapons sweeps in the undergrowth.

Officers attended the Youth School Bus run by Sandwell Council and attended the launch event with partners from across the borough to listen to community concerns, offer crime prevention advice and highlight events in the area.

Following reports of suspicious behaviour at Birchley Retail Park, Oldbury, neighbourhood officers spent time engaging with cyclists during two bike marking events. They offered advice to protect valuables including handing out free bike-marking kits, so your items can be traced back to you if they are stolen.

Our PCSOs organised pop-up stalls with crime prevention leaflets and resources to give out to visitors at the Tesco Express, Bristnall Hall Road. They also attended an event planning meeting with the friends of Barnford Hill park along with the local council, offering safety advice for events within our communities.

This week the campaign has arrived in Rowley Regis, so keep up to date with what your local neighbourhood are up to via WM Now and our social media channels.

Discover community events in your area by visiting  https://www.sandwell.gov.uk/safer6/whats_on.