West Midlands Police made 14 arrests and conducted 87 stop and searches over Halloween and Bonfire Night
“Our response meant that any incidents were contained and dealt with quickly”
Police made 14 arrests, conducted more than 80 stop and searches, and dispersed over 100 people in Birmingham during the two weekends that coincided with Halloween and Bonfire Night celebrations.
West Midlands Police exercised enhanced Section 60 stop and search powers on several nights in recent weeks.
In total, 14 people were arrested for a range of offences including possessing fireworks and public order offences. Among these two people were arrested on suspicion of threatening to cause a public nuisance after reports of fireworks being sold from a van.
Under the appropriate powers, 87 people were stopped and searched, while more than 110 people were told to leave specific areas and would have been arrested if they had returned.
Investigations are still under way as police review CCTV and social media footage.
Birmingham Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Tom Joyce, said: “Birmingham has so much to offer, especially at this time of year, and we are all determined to not let that be affected by a small minority of people intent on causing disorder.
“We’re grateful to colleagues from across the force, and partner agencies, who worked together to keep the public safe.
“We understand the alarm that the misuse of fireworks causes. Thankfully, no injuries have been reported, and our response meant that any incidents were contained and dealt with quickly.
“You’ll continue to see officers on high-visibility patrols throughout the city centre, as we keep working hard to make the area as safe and welcoming as possible.”
Commander for the operation, Chief Inspector Dan Lowe, said: “We were clear that the misuse of fireworks wouldn’t be tolerated, and it hasn’t been.
“By acting on intelligence, carrying out searches, making arrests, and responding immediately to reports of disorder, we worked together to target those putting people at risk.
“Officers are still investigating, and those involved who haven’t yet been spoken to should expect a knock on the door.”