Tackling Business & Retail Crime across the Blakenall and Birchills Leamore Area

Action- 09/02/25
The team has been working hard to target a number of shoplifters that have been hitting the shops hard over the last few weeks. The team have worked with commitment and dedication to achieve convictions. We will continue to do this.
We as a neighbourhood team remain committed to bringing those responsible for committing crime to justice.
Shoplifting has a huge impact on local businesses and is a priority at Walsall LPA. We recently launched Op Marigold in a bid to tackle shoplifting across the Walsall borough. Neighbourhood officers work closely with local businesses to combat these crimes.
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We will also be visiting shops and businesses to drop off leaflets encouraging them to register their CCTV and doorbell cameras with us.

Action- 09/03/25- The team are continuing work with businesses in the area. Feedback from Reedswood retail park stores is that shoplifting is lower than it was last year, which is positive. There is on going planning in relation to a retailers meeting which will take place in Reedswood Retail Park in due course. Staff from local retailers have also attended community meetings set up by the team which again benefits both themselves and us. Keeping the communication link between the local team and the stores will remain a priority.

Update- Whilst out and about on patrol a wanted male was arrested by our officers (22/03/25). This male was wanted for shop theft offences committed in the Bloxwich and Blakenall areas.

*Update- 13/04/25 - The team have been in contact with a local business after it has been brought to our attention that school pupils have been identified in stealing energy drinks from shop. The team will continue to work with both schools and businesses in regards to these matters and appropriate action will be taken.

Following community concerns and feedback we are looking to tackle the issue of the illegal use of motorbikes, specifically in the Blakenall, Leamore, Beechdale and Birchills areas.

A number of local residents have raised the issue of off-road bikes across the neighbourhood areas- Blakenall, Leamore, Beechdale and Birchills. We appreciate the frustration, annoyance and concern these bikes cause local residents, when they are being used on land which is prohibited by law.
The team are currently working along side partner agencies including the Council in an attempt to identify those riding these bikes. We ask that should anyone know any information which can help the police ID the people who are causing these issues to get in touch with us immediately via 101, live chat or single online home. Help us to help you. The police will act accordingly to those who are riding these bikes which is not in accordance with the law and putting members of the public in danger.

*Update- 13/04/25

Patrols are continuing regarding the issue of off-road bikes. Visits have been conducted with housing officers in regards to this issue and words of advice given to those identified as being involved.

**23/04/25-
We thank all members of the public who are reporting off road bikes. Please remember that reports can be made via the West Midlands Police Website as well as 101 and web chat.
https://www.westmidlands.police.uk/ro/report/asb/asb-v3/report-antisocial-behaviour/

Areas which have been brought to our attention - Reedswood Park-REEDSWOOD PARK, BENTLEY LANE, WALSALL, WS2 8SR and Barracks Lane, Bloxwich Walsall. The team will be conducting patrols at these locations.

As we approach the Summer period, seasonal crimes such as burglary tend to increase as opportunist burglars look for insecure windows and doors. We will be raising awareness and highlighting crime prevention measures as well as targeting patrols in vulnerable areas to provide a visible reassuring presence.

The local team are continuing to patrol across the neighbourhood area via multiple modes of transport, including local bus services and police vehicles. The team are also conducting foot patrols. The team have been dealing with issues raised in regards to void properties and areas of disused land due to reports of anti-social behaviour. We encourage members of the public not to enter void buildings/premises due to the dangers they present. We ask that all parents and guardians ensure that their children are informed of the dangers these places present and to stay away from them.

Update- As the nights get lighter we understand that more people will likely be out and about later into the evenings. The above actions will continue as we enter the Spring and Summer months. We encourage residents to take steps in securing their home as we adapt to the lighter nights- for example the use of window blinds and anti-snap locks- remembering to be vigilant when going out and not leaving windows open. More advice on crime prevention can be found on the West Midlands Police website.