City-wide operation to fight gang violence

Police in Wolverhampton have launched an operation to tackle violence and serious organised crime in the city after a several high-profile incidents.

Officers would be executing warrants, carrying out proactive operations and have high visibility in hotspot areas such as Whitmore Reans, East Park, Heath Town, Bilston and Dunstall, West Midlands Police said.

Earlier this month, charity Crimestoppers started a campaign asking people to anonymously report on criminal gangs in the city.

"Our position is clear, gang activity, carrying weapons or getting involved in organised crime – such as drug dealing – is not glamorous and can put lives at risk, including your own," the force said.

There has been a spate of gun and knife crime incidents across the city.

Last month, five men appeared in court charged with multiple offences over the fatal shooting of 24-year-old Neo Graham on a street in Wolverhampton.

In February, a man was arrested after three women were hurt on Frederick Street when a a gun was fired from a car.

In December, a 17-year-old boy was found stabbed in West Park.

Knife detectors would be installed at prominent locations as part of Operation Redfox and officers would also aim to educate young people about the dangers of being involved in gangs and violence, the force said.

The operation will cover the whole of the city as well as focusing on specific areas.

"We want our open spaces to remain places for all our communities to enjoy and not be fearful of going, and following a series of high-profile incidents across the city we are bringing in additional resources to identify those involved in serious organised crime locally," a force spokesperson said.

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