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Dozens of arrests in Birmingham as part of Operation Advance

Dear Resident

You’re receiving this message following yesterday’s update about Operation Advance arriving in Birmingham. 

We wanted to share progress and results, demonstrating that we’re not only listening, but actively taking action on the issues that matter most to our communities.

More than 40 people were arrested, vehicles were seized, and drugs recovered as Operation Advance came to Birmingham to drive down crime and make communities safer.

More than 300 officers took part in Advance yesterday, starting with dawn raids on suspects and running into the night with armed patrols targeting people linked to gangs and serious and organised crime.

We tackled a wide range of the crimes that impact communities the most – working with partners including the city council, Network Rail, business improvement district staff and more – resulting in more than 40 arrests. These arrests contributed to a total of 209 arrests made across West Midlands Police in the last 24 hours.

More results from Op Advance below:

  • Stopped and searched 20 people
  • Seized more than 10 vehicles
  • Seized nine illegal e-bikes
  • Targeted off-road bikes in Acocks Green, seizing three of them and arresting two people
  • Arrested three people on Erdington High Street for drugs offences
  • Worked with British Transport Police and immigration officials to disrupt and arrest those involved in County Lines at the city’s train stations
  • Recovered 30 cans of nitrous oxide from a shop and arrested a man for possession with intent to supply
  • Ran patrols with gangs and firearms officers 
  • Used a drone to help arrest two suspected drug dealers
  • Arrested three people for theft in Selly Oak
  • Targeted dangerous drivers in Northfield
  • Ch Supt Tom Joyce, of Birmingham Police, said: “This was a fantastic day of really high-profile activity, using everyone from neighbourhood officers, to intelligence, traffic, firearms, gangs officers, investigators and more.

    “The activity is designed to be really visible and reassuring, while making a real impact in communities across the whole city.

    “This is all about making our town centres safe and welcoming for everyone, while making them hostile places for anyone wanting to commit crime.

    “Advance will be returning to Birmingham later in the year when we will be out in full force again to have that significant impact that using teams from across the West Midlands brings.

    “In the meantime, Birmingham officers will continue working 24/7 to make the city safer and help and support people when they need us most.”

    Thanks for taking the time to read. Please keep reporting crime through the right channels. It really does help us take action and make your community safer. If you need to report a crime, call us on 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency. 

    Want to be part of the action? We're recruiting more police officers to join us. Find out more and apply now


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