Operation Advance arrives in Birmingham today

Hundreds of officers will be out in force in Birmingham today tackling everything from anti-social behaviour, drug dealing, violence and dangerous driving.

They are descending on the city from across the region and beyond as Operation Advance returns for a day of intensive activity.

We’ll have more than 200 officers at work in your city centre focusing on a range of issues which blight the area for people who live, work and visit.

We’ll be working with partners including British Transport Police, Birmingham City Council, security staff, business improvement districts and more.

Activity was starting before dawn today, with officers heading out to arrest suspects wanted for a range of offences.

High Streets and communities across Birmingham will also see extra patrols targeting everything from retail crime to off-road bikes.

And those involved in serious and organised crime are also being targeted as armed officers and specialist drugs officers take part in Advance.

ACC Paul Drover, who oversees local policing, said: "Operation Advance is all about using our combined resources and skills, from areas such as intelligence, major crime, operations, road policing, and local policing, to make a real difference in one of our seven local policing areas.

“Today it’s Birmingham’s turn, with the city centre as well as communities across the wider city seeing action from the influx of officers that Advance brings with it.

“We’ll be sharing updates throughout the day, and if you see us out and about, feel free to come and chat with us to find out more about the work that’s happening in your area.”

While today’s focus is on Birmingham, we will always make sure that we’re there to help wherever you are in the West Midlands.

Follow us for updates throughout the day on Birmingham Police Facebook, TikTok and Instagram.

#SaferStreetsSummer.