150 arrested as part of Walsall police operation
Almost 150 people have been arrested as part of a police operation to reduce crime in Walsall.
Operation Focus was launched at the beginning of October last year and, according to West Midlands Police, has led to a reduction in burglary and business crime.
The operation has so far led to 149 arrests so far.
Police say there have been 138 fewer burglaries and 166 fewer instances of business crime between April 1 and February 1 compared to the same period in the previous year.
Concerns
Chief Superintendent Andy Parsons, responsible for policing in Walsall, said: “While this reduction in crime is positive, we remain focused on reducing crime and robustly deal with those committing it, putting many before the courts.
“I do however understand concerns raised by many residents and businesses in Walsall, their fear of crime and their disappointment regarding the closure of the old station at Green Lane which is currently being demolished.
“As has been widely reported, the station was sold in November 2017 as part of the overall force estates strategy which earmarked buildings which were not fit-for-purpose; and where savings could be made to help protect policing services in the future.
“Some of my local neighbourhood policing teams moved into the Civic Centre in 2016 as part of a partnership with the local authority; allowing partners to work even closer together.
'Innovative'
"This has created an innovative working environment with partners in the heart of the community, enhancing partnership activity and in close proximity to local communities.
"The team that cover Walsall town centre are in fact even closer now than when they were based at Green Lane.
"Only this weekend officers were quickly able to arrest a 30-year-old man for a robbery, he’s been bailed pending further enquires, and arrest and charge 32-year-old Imran Wall, from Green Lane, Walsall, for four theft from shops.
“We continue to rely on members of the public for their help in taking criminals off the streets.
"We’ve got some excellent working relationships with members of the community and local businesses who are really proactive in sharing our messages and advice.
“I’d like to offer my thanks to these people and encourage anyone else who is interested in working with us via schemes such as Neighbourhood Watch or Street Watch to get in touch.
"We’re particularly keen to explore how we can work closer with local businesses and improve ways they can work with each other to keep the town safer."
