Crime-fighting residents of a village near Walsall have set up midnight foot patrols in a bid to nip anti-social behaviour in the bud after a spate of vandalism attacks. Pelsall Civic Society members are turning watchdogs.
Villagers were angry when yobs overturned a wooden bus shelter damaging its roof and decided to take action when a new flag raised to symbolise community spirit was stolen.
Now Society members are walking round the area late at night to keep an eye out for troublemakers.
Chairman Andrew Weller said the move had followed residents’ concerns.
In response Sgt Kelvin Rowlands, of Pelsall neighbourhood policing team, has said he welcomed any tip-offs from village organisations.
He said: “The Pelsall neighbourhood policing team is pleased to work in partnership with all groups within the community.
“We would value any information gleaned from these groups in support of the common goal of reducing crime and anti-social behaviour in Pelsall.”
Mr Weller explained that volunteers had been keeping a close eye on the bus shelters, the history centre premises in Church Road and other properties.
“Some of our members are going out at midnight,” he added.
He said in addition to discussions with the team based at Bloxwich police station about the effects of anti-social behaviour on the community, the society had considered writing to the West Midlands Police Chief Constable Paul Scott-Lee.
The group criticised the caution handed to a 23-year-old after he stole the specially-made Pelsall flag and damaged its flagpole, claiming it gave the wrong message.
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