Residents living in one of the worst neighbourhoods in Birmingham for crime have said one simple thing has improved their lives in the last few months. Over the last year, Erdington has seen a serious increase in drug-fuelled and violent crimes, shoplifting and anti-social behaviour.
Erdington High Street is the heart of its community, but crime in 2024 cost the tax payer an estimated £7 million, according to West Midlands Police. From open drug-taking fuelling thefts to nasty attacks and blood-stained pavements, residents have been pleading for more visible policing and a tougher crackdown on criminals.
And the answer to that seems have arrived in the form of a brand new West Midlands Police operation, which is funnelling nearly £1million from proceeds of crime to tackle crime in Erdington. Operation Fearless began in November, so we returned to the high street to ask if residents are noticing the impact of of daily patrols and 20 new police officers.
Watch our full interview with Det Supt Munro in the video at the top of this story.
READ MORE: Birmingham high street once labelled ‘no-go zone’ to get 20 new police officers in huge operation
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We made our way to Erdington’s High Street on Tuesday January 7, which was absolutely bustling for early afternoon. Word of the high street dying certainly hasn’t made its way to these parts and we found residents and business owners eager to chat.
Tam Langari owns the Bag Shop, which is situated in Wilton Market just off the high street. “We have shop lifters and too many crimes” Tam told us. Chatting as he helped customers picking out purses and wallets, he added: “There’s no customers, people are scared to shop here.
Police operation Fearless around Erdington and the high street. Pictured: Barber shop / fancy goods shop and entrance to Wilton Market
(Image: Birmingham Live)
“Most shop lifters go to Greggs, Superdrug.” However one simple thing has changed, which has made the area “better,” he said.
“Since last month we are seeing more police” said Tam. Standing next to Tam is Adrees, who works at the barbershop next door. He added: “It’s good to see police around more.”
Operation Fearless was launched at the end of 2024 by police to target repeated reports of violence, shoplifting, intimidation and the selling of counterfeit goods.
Det Supt Jim Munro from West Midlands Police has been assigned to lead Operation Fearless and said Erdington was picked as the launch neighbourhood based on crime trends, data and consultation with partners.
Police operation Fearless around Erdington and the high street. L-R DI Tom Lyons, DS Chloe Morgan.
“We know that this area has suffered issues in regards to thefts, anti-social behaviour, drug taking so we’re working with a wide-range of partners to tackle some of the issues that really matter to the community” said Det Supt Munro.
On the day we visited, shoppers filed in and out of Greggs and numerous charity shops, while security guards kept watch outside stores like the Co-op, which has suffered serious blows from shoplifting.
Next we met Dennis Wheelan, an Erdington resident of 30 years. On his way into the Co-op, Dennis, 58, said: “We want more police on the streets.
Police operation Fearless around Erdington and the high street. Pictured: Local resident Dennis Wheelan said “seeing more police is good”
(Image: Birmingham Live)
“My daughter won’t come up here, they are scared to come. My grandkids won’t come here.” He went on: “Seeing more police out is good.
“You have got to watch your back around here, it has just gone downhill. The last few months, seeing police around here, you do feel safe.”
Lewis Franklin, 28, has lived in Erdington all of his life. He took a different view, stating: “There are a lot of homeless [people] and addiction going around.
“Whatever I do see it is really bad, we should really be helping these people. I feel safe I was born and bred here I keep myself to myself.”
We put the concerns of residents to Mr Munro, who replied: “That’s why Operation Fearless is here, we’ve been here for just over four weeks now, my officers arrested over 30 people from a variety of offences from theft through to serious assault.
“We are recovering weapons, we have had seven large knives from individuals who feel it is acceptable to carry those, we have worked with Trading Standards taking 30,000 items from one particular shop which are illegal.” You can read our full interview with the top city cop in our report, here.