More than 100 officers on patrol in Birmingham city centre in crime crackdown

West Midland's Police said it is rolling out more than 150 officers and resources in Birmingham city centre today as part of ramping up of efforts to tackle violence against women and girls, anti-social behaviour, and the illegal use of e-bikes.  

It is part of Operation Advance, a force initiative which runs all year, and a similar number of officers were involved in a previous day of action in July.

This time the operation is focussed on the city centre and will see police dogs, drones, bikes, and our new police horses out and about – while response and neighbourhood teams will be on duty in surrounding areas.

The force will be working with partners including British Transport Police, Safer Travel, Birmingham City Council, Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market, business improvement districts and others.

It stated that teams were mindful that recent events, including the tragic death of pedestrian Katie Fox, aged 34, who was stabbed at a bus stop last month has affected the city community and it was are more committed than ever to tackling violence against women and girls.

Birmingham city centre Chief Insp Amanda Thompson, leading Op Advance in Birmingham, said: “Today’s operation has been planned to ensure maximum impact in tackling the type of crime we know matters to people in the city.

“Our ongoing mission is to help make sure the city is as safe and welcoming as possible - and today’s intense activity will see us step up our work with partners to do exactly that.

“We’re grateful to have the support of resources from across the force for this, and I would encourage you to come and chat to our officers today to tell us about any issues concerning you.”

"It’s always a top priority for us in the city centre and across the West Midlands, and this will form a key part of Op Advance today. As well as our ongoing work with partners including charities and women’s safety groups, licensing officers will today be visiting venues and carrying out taxi checks as we aim to ensure that every woman in the city is kept as safe as possible.

"Our work to combat illegal e-bikes being ridden in the city centre is also continuing, and officers will be stepping up their efforts to tackle this today – as we know it’s something that concerns residents and visitors.

"We also have dedicated teams out and about for Op Advance tackling anti-social behaviour, drug dealing, and retail crime, while our Roads Policing Unit will be targeting dangerous drivers and those driving without insurance," the force added.

Djeison Rafael, aged 21, of no fixed abode, has been charged with murdering Katie Fox.