Safer6

#SAFER6 | A joint operation between neighbourhood officers, roads policing colleagues, and Sandwell Council has seen four people arrested and charged, and four vehicles seized. 

The #Safer6 campaign, running through June and July, brings various agencies together to improve road safety across Sandwell, targeting offences like speeding, drink and drug-driving, mobile phone use, and not wearing seatbelts. 

Last Friday (3 July), West Bromwich neighbourhood officers, alongside our Road Harm Prevention Team, and Sandwell Council, worked together to carry out a dedicated #Safer6 operation in West Bromwich. 

As our motorcycle officers patrolled the town, they became suspicious of a moped rider, who then failed to stop for them.

A short pursuit followed where the moped broke the speed limit and went through red lights, including a pedestrian crossing.

The rider then tried to get away on foot, and a rucksack was thrown underneath a van.

Following searches, a knife and a knuckle duster was found.

A man aged 24 was arrested and later charged with possession of a bladed article, possession of an offensive weapon, failing to stop, and driving without insurance. 

Separately, another police motorcycle saw an electric motorbike being ridden along West Bromwich High Street, by someone wearing a balaclava. 

This bike also failed to stop for officers and ran through red lights and mounted the pavement. 

A man aged 33 was arrested and a double-bladed knife was recovered. 

The man was charged with failing to stop, possession of a bladed article, and possession of cannabis. 

Two other men, aged 38 and 21, also had their vehicles seized as part of the operation - both for no insurance. 

They were then arrested and charged with driving whilst disqualified and driving without insurance. 

The #Safer6 campaign is continuing across Sandwell this month, so keep checking in with your local policing teams on social media and WMNow for updates.