Tackling shop theft in Willenhall Town Centre including local supermarkets.

July 2025 Update: #SaferStreetsSummer
We have now launched #SaferStreetsSummer a national initiative running in Willenhall town centre and other town centres across the UK focusing on tackling anti-social behaviour, retail and street crime. Willenhall Neighbourhood officers will be supported by wider policing teams and in partnership with Walsall Council will continue to patrol and support local businesses.

Last week we carried out an operation as part of #SaferStreetsSummer at Tesco, located at Armstrong Way. We arrested and charged two men and a woman with a total of 18 shop theft offences.

August Update
From 13/08/25 to 13/09/25 7 shoplifters were arrested for shoplifting offences in Willenhall. Officers will continue to engage with shops and businesses. Officers also assisted Walsall Council Trading Standards visiting local shops in Willenhall and seizing counterfeit tobacco, cigarettes and vapes

Policing Priority
Tackling anti-social behaviour in Willenhall Town Centre in the area of the Market Place.

June Update:
We have launched #SaferStreetsSummer a national initiative running in Willenhall town centre and other town centres across the UK focusing on anti-social behaviour, retail and street crime. On the 9th July we arrested and charged a man with possession of a knife in a public place after carrying out a stop and search on Stafford Street, Willenhall as part of this national initiative. We will continue to patrol and supported local businesses.

July Update
We have had an increase in reports on ASB around Willenhall Town Centre and surrounding streets. Willenhall officer will continue with patrols alongside Community Protection Officers from Walsall Council. In addition we have a small dedicated team of officers who regularly carry out patrols in Willenhall Town Centre as part of the national #SaferStreetsSummer campaign.

August update
Over the school holidays we have had an increase in Anti Social behaviour in the town and surrounding area. Officers have increased the patrols in the area and will continue to liaise and patrol with Walsall Council Community Protection Officers.

Community agreed Priority:
Issues of drug related activity taking place at New Hall Street, Lister Street, Stafford Street Walkway, Bell Alley Villers Street, and Stroud Avenue.

From the PACT meeting on 08/08 concerns raised by the local Councillor the drug dealing is still happening in Cemetery Road and surrounding Streets. Willenhall NPT will continue with patrols in the area.

August update
Local Councillor has reported the issues are still continuing. Officers have been patrolling the area as it is part of our patrol strategy for the town. Officers did attend a location nearby where 2 people were inhaling nitrous oxide from balloons whilst in their vehicle. All items were seized and booked into our property system for destruction.

Community agreed Priority: issues with off road bikes around Willenhall Greenway, Stringes Lane, Willenhall Memorial Park.

The above locations and other locations that are having issues with off road bikes will be added to the next OP Adhesion operation that will be taking place in the Walsall borough.

July Update -
We continue to have reports of off roads bikes around the Willenhall area including parts of the Short Heath area. This and other locations will be included as part of upcoming planned operations (Op Advance) targeting this issue. The team continue to carry out targeted patrols in locations we know have experienced incidents and will act on intelligence received.

August update -
Op Adhesion was conducted on 18/08/25 around Willenhall between 14.00 and 18.00 hrs. No bikes were seen or seized. We are still getting reports of off road bikes, mainly from the New Invention area in Willenhall North and we will be looking at doing another operation soon.

Community agreed Priority:
Inconsiderate/dangerous parking at Willenhall E-Act and Lodge Farm Primary School.

Concerns raised at the Willenhall PACT meeting regarding vehicles blocking driveways, parking on yellows lines and drivers been abusive towards residents when asked to move.Speeding was also raised around school times.

Residents have asked for some increased police patrols at the start and end of the school day. Police will now monitor and take positive action when necessary. The team will engage with the school and look to share messaging to parents.

August update
School has reopened beginning of September, we have not received any reports of parking and this has been forwarded to Walsall Council for Enforcement Officers to attend alongside the Police. Parents will be informed by school newsletter regarding parking. This is an issue for all areas in the borough at the beginning at end of school days.