Hillfields Neighbourhood Team Newsletter

A message from PS Powell, Hillfields Neighbourhood Sergeant. 

Thank you, just taking a moment to catch up with what’s been happening across Hillfields in February.  The team have been out daily on foot and mobile patrols, focusing on visibility, early intervention, and listening to what matters most to residents. Your conversations, concerns, and suggestions continue to shape our priorities.

Neighbourhood Policing Update

Knife‑Point Robbery Series – Key Arrest and Court Outcome

A significant breakthrough was achieved this month following a series of knife‑point robberies targeting local shops in Hillfields. Whilst out on patrol PC Partridge and PCSO Petrosino have identified the suspect who was subsequently arrested and with support from our colleagues in CID Charged and Remanded him into custody pending sentencing. This result has brought reassurance to affected businesses and reflects strong partnership work between neighbourhood officers, response teams, and local shop owners who reported concerns promptly.

In response to intelligence and community concerns, the team have been carrying out additional patrols in areas linked to serious youth violence and violence against women and girls. These patrols include:

- High‑visibility officers providing reassurance and deterrence  

- Plain‑clothes patrols focusing on early identification of suspicious behaviour  

- Engagement with young people, local businesses, and community groups  

- Close partnership with schools, youth services, and safeguarding teams  

This combined approach aims to reduce risk, prevent escalation, and ensure vulnerable individuals feel supported and protected.

Anti‑Social Behaviour

Evening patrols have been increased around Primrose Hill Park, Coronation Road, King Edward Rd. PC Bismillah has issued several dispersal notices, and is continuing to work with housing associations / local authorities for support in this area too.

It has come to our attention that there have been reports of furniture and unwanted items being dumped on the streets of Hillfields in particular around Vaxuhall Street, I will encourage you all to be aware of the website ‘Fix My Street’.  This will allow yourselves as residents to report these matters along with damaged street furniture to the Local Authority:

FixMyStreet

Vehicle Crime

Vehicle Crime remains a challenge, particularly in the car parks near to Lower Ford Street, Vauxhall Street, Days Close and Adderley Road.  PC Griffin and PCSO Sparkes are taking this area of business  on where we:

- Have worked with Local Authority and Citizen Housing for CCTV opportunities  

- Regularly reviewing intelligence to identify and disrupt known vehicle crime offenders

 Raising awareness to College / University students around keeping valuable items out of vehicles.

 Housing & Community Safety

PC Bismillah and PCSO Petrosino have continued ongoing joint work with Citizen Housing, Orbit Housing and Stonewater Housing and Coventry City Council has led to improvements in lighting, door security, and the management of fly‑tipping hotspots across the area.

Community Engagement

In February we have had members of the Coventry Independent Advisory Group joined  PCSO Gilkes and PCSO Petrosino for a walkabout in Hillfields to see first‑hand the issues raised by residents and the problem‑solving work underway. Their insight helps ensure our approach remains fair, transparent, and community‑focused.

The team have our next planned Police and Communities Together meeting on 25th March from 1700 - 1800hrs at Thomas King House, if you would like details around our planned meetings information can be found at: West Midlands Police – St Michaels Meetings and Events.  We have also planned these meetings for 2026 so make sure they are in your calendars to come and meet the team discussing matters which mean the most to you.

St Michael's | Your area | West Midlands Police | West Midlands Police

Hillfields Street Watch

Hillfields Street Watch continues to progress well, with several joint patrols completed this month alongside local residents. These patrols increase visibility, help identify emerging issues early, and strengthen the relationship between the community and the policing team.

PCSO Gilkes is really keen to get the community involved in Streetwatch within Hillfields, for details and contact for this opportunity see below. 

Streetwatch is a community patrol initiative that helps you make a difference where you live. Street watch gives you and your community an opportunity to keep your area safe, including just walking round your neighbourhood, which can really help. Local police keep in regular contact with street watch members to share information and work in partnership with you.

 Street Watch | West Midlands Police

 For details of Street Watch see information below but if this is something which you are interested in please make contact with email: stmichaels@westmidlands.police.uk

Community Speed Watch – Upcoming Engagement

Following concerns from residents about speeding on Harnall Lane East, the team will be engaging with the community over the coming months to develop and support Community Speed Watch activity. This will involve identifying suitable monitoring locations, speaking with residents about peak concern times, and working with trained volunteers to gather data that will inform future enforcement.

Cuppa with Copper events

The team have held drop-in sessions for our Cuppa with Copper events at The Gateway, Adelaide St during February this has allowed positive engagement and crime awareness to members of public, during the engagement this has allowed residents to raise concerns about parking, noise, and littering — all now part of our working plan.

What We’re Focusing on Next Month

 Evening patrols around identified hotspots  

- Community walkabouts and meetings with councillors, housing officers, and IAG members  

- Continued support and joint patrols with Hillfields Street Watch  

- Engagement with residents to progress Community Speed Watch on Harnall Lane East  

- Ongoing high‑visibility and plain‑clothes patrols targeting SYV and VAWG  

If you would like to be aware of the regular work we do, the team put information on the below social media.  This will give you the opportunity to be aware of the various activities we do.

X - @CoventryCityWMP 

Facebook – Coventry Police.

We strongly encourage residents to report any suspicious activity or criminal behaviour. 

If you have information that could assist in keeping Hillfields safe, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

Your reports can make a real difference in preventing crime and protecting the community.

In addition to reporting crime, it’s important to take proactive steps to protect your home and belongings. Whether it's securing doors and windows, using good-quality locks, or improving outdoor lighting, small precautions can make a big difference. For valuable crime prevention advice, please visit West Midlands Police Crime Prevention Advice.

We appreciate the continued cooperation and appreciate the feedback from residents, which plays a vital role in shaping our approach to community safety. If you have any concerns or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your local police team.

Thank you for your support, and we look forward to working together for a safer Hillfields.

Stay safe and take care, Your Hillfields Local Police Team

PS Powell