Theft from the person - reducing reports of cash being stolen from bags and coats

At the end of March and into April 2025, police received a small increase in reports of cash being stolen after bank withdrawals. These crimes have mainly been targeting elderly victims as they have made their way home. We take reports of these crimes seriously - they are committed against vulnerable people who are often unaware.

In the past we have seen more of this 'pick pocket' type crime in November and December and not at this time of year.

In response to these reports we have had our officers working in plain clothes in and around Queens Square with a view to identifying the offenders. The city centre neighbourhood team has been supported by officers from our Priority Crime Team and Offender Management Unit. Other officers have been spending time investigating these offences looking at CCTV and speaking to officers from other local towns such as Dudley and Walsall.

We have arrested and charged one male - he stole a bag and cash from an elderly victim and he will be in court next month.

We are asking people to keep purses and bags closed and secure and carried in front of you where possible. Also to beware of people who get too close or try to distract you. Please pass this message on if you have relatives who withdraw cash and walk alone but reassure them officers are on patrol.

If you have information about people involved in the purse dipping but you do not wish to speak to police, you can contact Crimestoppers - 0800 555111 or visit their website.

Anti-social behaviour

We have set ASB as a priority for the city centre teams for the last few months as a result of feedback from local meetings, conversations with businesses and members of the public. This month city centre officers will be patrolling the bus station, Broad Street, Dudley Street, Lichfield Street and Queen Street. As the warmer weather returns, we see more people around St Peter's Gardens so we also spend time there. We are in regular contact with the ASB Team to offer support and reduce the incidents of behaviours that make people feel unsafe when they come into the city. There are civil powers we are able to use to help if the offer of pathways of support are not effective.

Uniformed officers from the city centre teams are busy responding to calls and investigating crimes - theft (mainly shoplifting) and assaults still remain core work for the officers and we have arrests on a daily basis. We have also held community events at the library and Wulfrun Centre so that members of the public can speak to officers in person.

We know we have key locations within the city where anti-social behaviour is more likely to occur. Our incident logs provide data to direct our patrols so we are in the right places at the right time. A Public Space Protection Order has been granted for the city centre to provide a long term approach to reducing incidents of anti-social behaviour that is committed by groups of people. Residents, visitors and businesses can enjoy a safer space without fear of confrontation.

Report anti-social behaviour so we are aware and can target our patrols. We are aware the locations can change where anti-social behaviour happens and this can depend on the time of year.

Violence against women and girls

As the nights get lighter, the weather warmer and more people head out, we recognise that we need to be focus our patrols around reducing violence in public places. A key part of this work is to reduce crime committed against women and girls, particularly at night.

Every Friday and Saturday night our city centre neighbourhood team, supported by officers form our response teams, work in the city centre. Officers will be out on foot and in vehicles, some in plain clothes and others in uniform. We visit the bars and clubs and work hard to keep the city safe. Where we are called to incidents, officers do their best to reduce violence and take positive action when something happens.

This work has us patrol transport hubs together with our colleagues from Safer Travel and the British Transport Police. We focus on bus stops, taxi ranks, routes and car parks trying to offer reassurance by our presence.

It is important we target individuals who may pose a risk and ensure we are quick to respond if a crime is committed. The impact of these crimes can be devastating and have a long term impact.