Police make 325 arrests in Black Country crime crackdown

More than 325 people were arrested during a three-month crime crackdown in the Black Country which police have hailed a success.

Operation Intrusive ran between January and March this year to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour across Walsall.

Officers said it had resulted in a 47 per cent reduction in crime as there had been 108 crimes from January to March 2010 compared to 57 this year.

Walsall police executed over 85 warrants throughout the operation.

Cycle patrols on canal towpaths led to officers in Bloxwich apprehending five people who were found with stolen power tools.

A brothel was closed down by officers and a scheme in Coalpool encouraged residents to report criminal behaviour.

Police response officers, neighbourhood police teams, CID, specialised teams, Walsall Housing Group, Walsall Area Partnership and Caldmore Housing Association were all involved.

The Intrusive team, consisting of nine officers, were responsible for arresting over 45 people and seized over £14,000 worth of money and suspected stolen goods. In Willenhall, officers targeted shoplifters and worked with taxi companies encouraging them to report suspicious behaviour.

Funding was also secured to mark property in homes with SmartWater, which acts as a burglar deterrent.

Supt Keith Fraser, from Walsall police station, said: "I would like to not only thank my officers and staff but also our local partners which includes the council, fire, NHS, neighbourhood managers and social landlords.

"Officers across Walsall have been working closely with our partners to ensure we adopt a joined up approach to tackle community concerns."

He said police and partners were also tackling crime and anti-social behaviour by looking at crime prevention projects, local clean-ups and dealing with tenancy breaches.

Mr Fraser added: "It is good to see such a collaborative approach across Walsall."

By Lisa O'Brien