Weekly round-up from your local Neighbourhood Team
Here’s a quick round up from me and the rest of the Washwood Heath neighbourhood policing team.
What’s been happening
- Heart centre knife crime prevention workshop
- Seized a car for no insurance
- Stop and searches alum rock/Washwood heath road
- Patrols on Washwood heath road
- Patrols on alum rock road
- Operation reinforce making sure public transport is safe in the area
- Ward end park patrols
- Tickets given on Sladefield road
Look out for: Beware of pick pockets on Alum Rock Road by gold shops and cash points if your able to withdraw cash inside the bank so you can secure your items inside so, always lock your car doors park them somewhere safe.
There’s has been few burglaries recently in the area in ward end and alum rock area please keep doors locked secure and always lock your gate for back ally. Here is a link for crime prevention Keep burglars out of your property | West Midlands Police.
Dawood Abbas 32247
(WMP, Police Community Support Officer, Washwood Heath Neighbourhood Team)
……………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Our News, September 2026 – knife crime, ‘snapping’ and our online conference.
Tackling knife crime requires a whole-of-society approach, with government, communities, charities and local partners working together. This September we’ve got some great news about knife crime figures. This change has come thanks to a coordinated and collaborative effort from campaigners, charities, government and the police. Thanks so much to all our members who shared information about the knife amnesty in person and online. These statistics show that working together, we can make a real difference.
Other highlights this month:
- Save the date for the Neighbourhood Watch online conference
- World Cleanup day
- What is ‘snapping’ and why is it a trend?
Record number of knives taken off streets as knife murders plummet
Nearly 60,000 knives have been removed from streets in England and Wales through new knife surrender schemes and police operations. The figures come as knife homicides have fallen by almost 20% and knife crime overall has fallen for the first time in 4 years, dropping by 5%. The latest admissions data for NHS hospitals in England and Wales also show a 10% fall in admissions for knife assaults. Read the full story on our website.
The UK’s traditional landline network is due to close in January 2027
BT customers need to switch to Digital Voice well before that date to avoid any disruption to services. If you receive information from BT about your switch, please respond and confirm any appointments offered, don’t forget to provide any additional information requested. If you have not yet booked an appointment, do that as soon as possible.
Need help? BT customers can contact customer services teams on 0330 1234 150 or by calling 150 from their landline. If you have questions, but are not a BT customer, contact your phone provider directly for advice and support. You can find out more on the BT website.
The Neighbourhood Watch online conference – save the date!
This year it will be taking place online on 8 October. Join members from across the country for our annual community conversation. The event is free and you’ll get updates on crime prevention and community building projects across the country. Our partner ERA Home Security will also offer expert advice on how to conduct a home security audit and a short interactive quiz. More details and registration information coming soon.
Podcast series – we want your feedback!
Wow, we knew it was good, but we’re overwhelmed with the response we’ve had to our podcast. The Neighbourhood Watch podcast is officially a hit – the launch downloads figures showed that it is in the top 2% of podcasts globally! We’re so grateful to everyone that has listened and reviewed it. You can listen to all six episodes on our website. If you have any feedback you’d like to share, tell us what you think here.
International Day of Charity
We’re celebrating the small actions that can make a big difference in our communities, from checking in on a neighbour to sharing home security advice. Discover how you can help create a safer, more connected neighbourhood with support from our partner ERA Home Security. Read more here.
Snapping is the dangerous craze you should know about
A new antisocial behaviour trend called ‘snapping’ involves people doing wheelies on bikes and e-bikes. They ride directly into the path of pedestrians and oncoming cars, before swerving at the very last minute. The Metro newspaper interviewed our Head of Membership, Cheryl Spruce, about how the issue is impacting our members. Read the full story here.
Charmian Walker-Smith
(Neighbourhood Watch Network, Head of Comms & Digital, England & Wales)
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Six episodes, six fascinating conversations |
||||
|
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Safer Towns
You may have an idea of what a pickpocket looks like but they’re far less likely to stand out in a crowd than you might think since blending in is part of how they avoid being caught. Here’s how to spot a potential pickpocket and avoid losing your belongings to one.
How to spot a pickpocket
The observers
These include people loitering in public places who appear to be checking out passers-by, paying particular interest to their handbags, shopping bags and where they might place their wallet or purse.
For example, be aware of individuals who appear to be focusing their attention on the waist area of others. This may be an indication of criminal intent and probable theft. But do bear in mind the fact that some people are naturally shy and do avoid eye contact. Always follow your instincts.
The opportunists
Pickpockets also operate in shops and department stores, where people are more likely to be standing still, distracted and so paying less attention to their belongings, making them an easier target.
Be more aware of your surroundings in busy shops and shopping centres because they’re ideal places for pickpockets, as it’s easier for them to brush past people, take items and blend into the crowd.
Team tactics
Pickpockets don’t always operate alone, they may work in teams to distract the target while someone unseen removes the items and blends back into the crowd. Another member might step in as an enforcer in the event of an altercation.
Crowding in
Thieves vary their tactics based on the location and the density of the crowd. One tactic is where a group of them push up against a victim in a crowded shop or street then quickly reach into the victim’s pocket and steal their wallet, phone or purse.
Dirty tricks
Remember, pickpockets are very skilled at what they do. They know all the tricks and are extremely light-fingered with most of their thefts only taking a second or two. One of their tactics is ‘hugger mugging’ where a thief will appear to be over-friendly for no particular reason and hug you while pickpocketing you.
The point of distraction
Pickpocket teams are adept at creating distractions. This could be anything from a game to a loud shout, all designed to avert your attention while an unseen accomplice steals your valuables. So do try not to be easily distracted.
Are you a prime target?
Dos
Do keep purses and bags closed and secure at all times
Do carry bags in front of you or diagonally across your chest
Do return cards to your purse or wallet quickly and zip it up or button it
Do use a purse that’s difficult to open. One that zips or snaps shut is best, and keep it closed
Do use a money belt if you’re carrying a significant quantity of cash
Do conceal your wallet in a buttoned or zipped pocket where it doesn’t bulge
Do keep a list, separate from your wallet and phone, of contact numbers of family in case your phone is stolen
Do keep a photocopy of your airline tickets, passport, credit cards and any other documents that would be impossible or inconvenient to replace if stolen
Don’ts
Don’t hang stuff on the back of a chair
Don’t leave anything on the back of a pushchair.
Don’t place your belongings out of sight on the floor. Remember, having a zipped bag doesn’t mean you’re totally safe. Thieves have been known to walk behind victims while slowly unzipping bags. Yes, they can be that bold. So, never underestimate a pickpocket.
Stefanie Sadler 31101
(West Midlands Police, Engagement & Consultation Officer, Corporate Communications)
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Weekly round-up from your local Neighbourhood Team
Here’s a quick round up from the Washwood Heath neighbourhood policing team.
What’s been happening
- Untaxed vehicle seized
- Stolen vehicle seized
- Patrols on Ward End Park
- Patrols Alum Rock Road
- Patrols on Washwood Heath Road
- Tickets given on Alum Rock Road
- Tickets given on Washwood Heath Road
Look out for: Beware of pick pockets on Alum Rock Road by gold shops and cash points if your able to withdraw cash inside the bank so you can secure your items inside so, always lock your car doors park them somewhere safe.
There have been a few burglaries recently in the Ward End and Alum Rock areas. Please keep doors locked secure and always lock your gate for back ally. Here is a link for crime prevention Keep burglars out of your property | West Midlands Police.
Dawood Abbas 32247
(WMP, Police Community Support Officer, Washwood Heath Neighbourhood Team)
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Tips for people feel safer on the streets
Some of this advice might seem obvious, but there are some simple things we can do to help other people feel safer when they’re out in public.
Keep your distance
When walking behind someone, particularly at night, try to leave a good amount of distance between yourself and the person ahead of you. Remember that the closer you are, the more threatening you might seem.
Don’t stare
A stranger staring at you can be intimidating and unsettling. Focus on something else to show you’re not a threat. Look out of the window, message a friend, or read a book or newspaper.
Cross the road
Somebody running up behind you, particularly at night, can be frightening.
If you’re out for an evening run, or walk, and see someone walking ahead, cross the road, call out to let them know you’re about to run by them or make sure to leave a good amount of space when you pass them.
Keep comments to yourself
What you might think of as just a bit of fun, or flattery, can be insulting, upsetting or even scary to someone else. Keep any comments or opinions to yourself.
Keep your friends in line
If you’re in a group of people where someone is harassing another person on the street, try to calm the situation. They may just need to be told that they’re behaving inappropriately.
Be an active bystander
If you notice someone is uncomfortable with another person’s behaviour, show your support by being an active bystander. It can be as simple as standing between a person and their harasser to block their line of sight. Ask that person if they need any help, and back up anyone else who is intervening.
Share these tips
Sharing these tips with other people can go a long way towards making us all feel safer on the streets.
#SaferTownsSummer
Stefanie Sadler 31101
(West Midlands Police, Engagement & Consultation Officer, Corporate Communications)
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Op Skybridge Deployment
It has been just over a week since Op Skybridge deployed to Alum Rock.
Op Skybridge is a pro-active crime team based in Birmingham made up of both uniformed and plain clothes officers utilising a wide range of equipment and operating 24/7.
Since deploying to Alum Rock, the team have made arrests for offences including possession with intent to supply drugs and possession of offensive weapons. 11 Stop and searches have been conducted and 15 intelligence reports have been submitted.
You can help! If you are concerned or aware of any community tensions, please reach out to use by calling 101 or email OpSkybridge@westmidlands.police.uk
Please do not use the email to report crime and ALWAYS DIAL 999 IN AN EMERGENCY
As is always the case, if you see officers out on patrol please come and say hello.
Kind regards,
The Op Skybridge Team.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Operation Skybridge arrives in Alum Rock
Operation Skybridge has arrived in Alum Rock, with officers making several arrests as they work alongside neighbourhood police colleagues to make the area safer for everyone.
Skybridge is our proactive Birmingham crime-fighting team, which is deployed in areas across the city to tackle issues causing concern to residents.
On Friday (10 July), they were on patrol near Brook Hill Road when they spotted a car, which didn’t stop for officers but was later recovered.
Following searches of the car and the area nearby, several wraps of suspected heroin were recovered as well as several mobile phones.
A man aged 26 was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.
The day after, near Foxton Road, the team recovered a vehicle for not having insurance.
Then, on Sunday, another vehicle caught the team’s attention on Washwood Heath Road.
It was also stopped and a quantity of suspected heroin was recovered from it while a man was detained and following further searches, cash and more suspected drugs were found.
A man aged 31 was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.
During searches of a property linked to that investigation, officers arrested a man aged 52 who was wanted on suspicion of assault with intent to rob, and two vehicle crime offences.
Supt Haroon Chughtai, from Birmingham Police: “Having Skybridge officers in the area adds to the continuing work of our neighbourhood, response, and investigation teams – who are working around the clock to keep residents safe.
“We want residents to know that no matter how big or small your issue may be, we are here for you.
“Local officers are contactable in person and online, and we will continue to provide regular updates on policing activity in the area.”
Acting Sgt Sam Wilkes, from Op Skybridge, said: “We’re relentless in targeting those intent on causing harm in communities across Birmingham.
“To act, we listen to residents about the issues concerning them – and we’d like to hear from you.
“You may see us on high-visibility patrols, but we are also carrying out plain-clothes work in the area as we aim to drive down crime.”
You can keep up to date with the work of Operation Skybridge, and your dedicated local officers, by following us on social media, or getting updates via WMNow.
To report crime or raise concerns, contact us via 101 or Live Chat on our website.
| Message Sent By West Midlands Police, Corporate Communications |
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Plans in place as schools break up
With schools in Birmingham breaking up for the summer, we’re wanted to let you know about out our plans to keep everyone safe.
Although there’s no suggestion of any planned disruption, we’ve previously seen some instances of anti-social behaviour and large groups of young people gathering in the city centre – which we know can be a concern for those living and working in the city, and visitors.
As we continue to work to make the city centre as safe and welcoming as possible, alongside our partners including Birmingham City Council, the Business Improvement District, and the Bullring, we have a full plan in place today to minimise disruption and deal appropriately with any anti-social behaviour or crime.
Extra police resources mean you may see more officers than usual carrying out high-visibility patrols in key locations, routes, and transport hubs.
We also have dispersal orders in place in the city centre, Sutton Coldfield, and Kings Heath this afternoon, meaning officers can direct people to leave the areas to prevent or reduce anti-social behaviour, harassment, disorder, or crime. Anyone returning after being told to leave can be arrested.
A similar operation in June led to two arrests being made and a large knife being recovered.
Birmingham Police Chief Inspector, Vicki Stott, said: “Birmingham is a great place to be in the sunshine, and we want to make sure that everyone can enjoy it as the schools break up.
“This isn’t about stopping young people from having a good time, but about taking appropriate action to deal with behaviour which we know can be concerning for others in the city centre.
“Previous similar operations have shown that the vast majority of people we speak to are in good spirits, but we’re clear that criminality and anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated.
“We’re continuing to work closely with our partners, including local schools, to speak directly to young people and parents about making safe decisions during the summer break.”
Across Birmingham and the wider West Midlands, you can expect to see officers on patrol for #SaferTownsSummer, our initiative to reduce violence and ASB, and tackle town centre crime.
If you’ve got any concerns or information to share with us, call 101 or speak to us via Live Chat on our website
Message Sent By
West Midlands Police, Corporate Communications
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Tackling Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) across the West Midlands
Please click the link for an enlarged version of the poster West Midlands Police ASB Action Plan Poster
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Washwood Heath Neighbourhood meeting:
Drop-in session:
We have been made aware by the local community that they would like evening meetings to speak to their local police team. This is an opportunity to meet Dedicated Neighbourhood Officers and Police Community Support Officers from the Washwood Heath Neighbourhood Team to discuss local issues and concerns.
Please come and join us:
Date: Wednesday 29th April 2026
Time: 7pm to 8pm
Where: Community Room, Ward End Fire Station, Washwood Heath Road, B8 2HF
Thank you
Daniel Gorman
(Police, PCSO, WASHWOOD HEATH)
…………………………………………………………………………………………….
Online safety advice
Online marketplaces and selling platforms have made it easier than ever to turn unwanted items into cash. Whether you’re clearing out your wardrobe, selling electronics or passing on furniture, the internet offers a huge audience and fast, easy transactions.
But with convenience comes risk: it’s commonplace for fraudsters to target sellers with scams designed to steal money or goods. Get Safe Online has put together some clear, practical advice to help you sell confidently and securely, however much or little experience you have.
Selling online safely – Get Safe Online
Secondly, as many small businesses will be required to use the HMRC Making Tax Digital from April 6th, there is no better time to reflect online habits too. Latest data shows that companies in the plumbing and heating sector are currently being heavily targeted by fraudsters, so, if you are in this trade, it has never been more important to be tooled up with expert fraud prevention advice. Read our expert advice, which can be accessed here:
Plumbers: Get Safe Online – Get Safe Online
Many thanks
Get Safe Online team
Get Safe Online team…………………………………………………………………………………………….
Weekly update from Washwood Heath Neighbourhood Policing Team
Here’s a quick round up from the Washwood Heath Neighbourhood Policing Team.
What’s been happening
- Street watch with members of the community
- Junior PCSO
- Eid event with traders association
- Tickets given on Alum rock road
- Patrols
- Seized stolen cars from Millthorpe close and St Saviours road
Look out for: Beware of pick pockets on Alum Rock Road by gold shops and cash points if your able to withdraw cash inside the bank so you can secure your items inside so, always lock your car doors park them somewhere safe. There has been few burglary recently in the area in ward end and alum rock area please keep doors and locked secure and always lock your gate for back ally. Here is a link for crime prevention Keep burglars out of your property | West Midlands Police.
Dawood Abbas
(WMP, Police Community Support Officer, Washwood Heath Neighbourhood Team)
Weekly update from Washwood Heath Neighbourhood Policing Team
Here’s a quick round up from the Washwood Heath Neighbourhood Policing Team.
What’s been happening :
- Officers visited a local Primary School regarding knife crime prevention sessions
- Junior PCSO sessions delivered to 3 local Primary School, young people learning about road safety, issuing parking tickets with polite messages to park safely around schools to keep the children safe.
- Prolific offender has been arrested following numerous vehicle offences and sentenced at court was given rehabilitation order.
- Joint partnership work with Birmingham City Council Waste Enforcement identifying businesses responsible for ‘dumping’ waste in black bags and not disposing of it correctly. The businesses were giving 7 days’ notice to provide copies of their waste records and will receive fines if they do not comply or do not have the relevant process in place.
- Joint partnership work with Birmingham City Council Street Trading who have given 3 businesses 7 days’ notice to remove stock that is not within their curtilage/boundary. A follow up visit is scheduled to check whether they have complied. If they have not, enforcement action will be taken, and they risk receiving up to £1000 fine.
- Parking enforcement outside schools to ensure the safety of children and responded to concerns raised re vehicles causing obstruction on residential streets
Look out for: beware of pick pockets on Alum Rock Road by gold shops and cash points if your able to withdraw cash inside the bank so you can secure your items inside so, always lock your car doors park them somewhere safe. There has been few burglary recently in the area in ward end and alum rock area please keep doors and locked secure and always lock your gate for back ally. Here is a link for crime prevention Keep burglars out of your property | West Midlands Police
Dawood Abbas
(WMP, PCSO, Washwood Heath Neighbourhood Team)
—————————————————————————————————————–