Council bosses to meet with MPs over burglaries
Council bosses will meet with local MPs over concerns about a rise in burglaries in a Black Country neighbourhood.
Walsall Council agreed to ensure the town's MPs are aware of the 'desperate plight of communities in Walsall'.
The news comes after worried Streetly residents handed a petition with more than 1,500 signatures to the authority seeking reassurance.
Resident David Erfani addressed councillors at a meeting on Monday evening.
He said: "We want reassurance that our officers are going to be located close by, the distance from Streetly to Wolverhampton is a concern."
The petition discussed a rise in burglary incidents and demanded improved policing and better communication.
It even said a burglary resulted in the death of a pensioner in the area.
The petition stated that local expertise has been lost with officers now based at Bloxwich Police Station and added residents are dissatisfied with the level of service.
As Streetly sits across two different policing areas – Walsall and Birmingham – improved communication on known offenders is needed.
Among the other actions they want to see include door to door enquiries within three days of a burglary, CCTV in hotspots, increased patrols and unmarked police operations.
Labour Councillor Lee Jeavons said: "What we are seeing is a crime rise across all of the West Midlands and the country.
"The death of James Brindley rocked Aldridge but what struck me was the strength of that community."
Conservative Councillor Garry Perry said: "Whether you've been a victim or a crime or not, we all know the fear can be worse than the crime itself."
Lib Dem Councillor Ian Shires moved a motion for the councillors to meet with MPs.
He said: "I understand the resentment felt.
"The recent police grant funding still isn't going to make people feel any better. It's a mere drop in the ocean, even though it's a step in the right direction.
"We as a council need to say enough is enough and all three leaders need to meet with the MPs to get them to make the minister aware of the desperate plight in Walsall."
In its formal response to the petition, the council said the Safer Walsall Partnership saw different agencies working together to share intelligence.
