West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Simon Foster, has welcomed the launch of Operation Fearless on Soho Road and Handsworth Triangle as part of ongoing action to prevent and tackle crime, anti-social behaviour and violence across local communities.
Operation Fearless, funded through an investment of nearly £1 million by the PCC, has officially begun work in the area today (May 13), bringing visible policing and partnership-led enforcement activity to one of Birmingham’s busiest and most vibrant neighbourhoods.
A dedicated team of around 20 officers will work alongside partners including trading standards, housing teams, the Soho Road Business Improvement District (BID), West Midlands Fire Service, Immigration Enforcement, HMRC, the Gambling Commission and the local Community Safety Partnership to address the issues that matter most to residents, businesses and visitors.
“The people who live and work in and visit this community are entitled to feel safe and secure. Operation Fearless has already shown that it can make a real difference by preventing and tackling the crimes that cause the greatest harm, including, drug crime, violence, organised criminality and anti-social behaviour.
“This is about listening to local communities, taking strong enforcement action against offenders and working in partnership to improve the quality of life for residents, businesses and visitors.
“My Police and Crime Plan, has prioritised safer streets, stronger communities and effective neighbourhood policing. Operation Fearless is helping to deliver on these priorities.”
The new deployment follows the success of Operation Fearless in Erdington and Birmingham Southside, where the team targeted knife crime, drug dealing, serious youth violence, organised criminality, exploitation, shop theft and anti-social behaviour.
Now based at Thornhill Road police station, the team has already made more than 20 arrests ahead of today’s official launch.
Temporary Deputy Chief Constable of West Midlands Police, Jen Mattinson, added: “Operation Fearless has already delivered strong results in other parts of Birmingham by listening to communities, building intelligence and targeting those responsible for causing harm.
“By working closely with our partners and local communities, we are determined to make a lasting difference and ensure this remains a safe and welcoming area for everyone.”
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