'We understand that people aren't feeling safe'

A major new drive aimed at reducing crime in key areas of the West Midlands and make people feel safer has been announced by police.

West Midlands Police said Operation Fearless would "improve the quality of life for people in communities" across the region.

It will focus on tackling problems including drugs, anti-social behaviour, robbery, and violence.

The scheme has been launched in Erdington, where crime is estimated to have cost the economy £7m in the past year, the force said.

It will move into areas across the West Midlands during the operation.

Simon Cox owns Borsch Electric on Erdington's High Street, a family-run business.

Since opening in 2017 he said crime and antisocial behaviour had continued to increase.

"We've seen more incidents occurring and less people visiting the High Street because of gangs outside the shops causing trouble," he said.

Mr Cox praised Operation Fearless and said although it is early in the process, some change can be seen.

"We have seen the police presence, which has been brilliant and we've seen gangs being stopped and searched and people being spoke to.

"This is very encouraging, but there is a very long way to go," he said.

Det Supt Jim Munro, who is leading Operation Fearless, said: "Every day, people in Erdington should feel safe, but we've been listening to community concerns, and we understand that people aren't feeling safe.

"So we are now launching Operation Fearless to ensure that people feel safe coming to Erdington to live, work and shop."

The operation is being funded with £880,000 of cash seized from criminals and granted by West Midlands police and crime commissioner (PCC) Simon Foster.

"I am committed to ensuring there is a reassuring and visible presence out on the streets to keep people, families, businesses and local communities safe and secure," Mr Foster said.

He added that the Fearless team was already working in the area, and since the end of November 32 people have been arrested for offences including theft, drugs and possession of knives.

The team has also seized more than £1m of illicit and counterfeit goods, including tobacco.

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