'We want everyone who lives in Dudley, visits the area, or works here to feel safe' - West Midlands Police team updates on its latest crime crackdown in Dudley
West Midlands Police has issued an update on its crime crackdown across Dudley as a prolific shoplifter from the area is jailed
Officers from Dudley North and Stourbridge have been out in force in recent weeks cracking down on shop thefts, burglaries, antisocial behaviour, and off-road bikes.
Throughout December the force's 'North' team made multiple arrests in the Sedgley area including on the High Street to crackdown on those causing a nuisance in the town and committing crime.
This included charging a 44-year-old man following an investigation into multiple shop thefts in the Sedgley area.
The teams were also out on patrol in Sedgley following reports of shed break ins and have urged the community to follow crime prevention advice to protect their goods.
A number of stop and searches were also conducted, and an off-road bike seized on December 7.
A prolific shop thief blighting the community was also jailed on December 19 for over a dozen shop theft offences.
Timothy Lydon, aged 29, of no fixed address, had stolen food, washing products, toiletries, and alcohol from shops in September, November, and December including targeting one store and taking £250 worth of items.
The 29-year-old was jailed for eight months and ordered to abide by an 18-month community behaviour order (CBO) banning him from stores in Dudley and Wolverhampton.
This work is part of the national Winter of Action initiative where West Midlands Police are working with partners in town centres across the region tackling crime, reassuring communities, and ensuring our high streets are welcoming and safe for everyone.
Inspector for Dudley West, Dan Allen, said: “Our teams are continuing their efforts to crack down on shop thefts, retail crime and antisocial behaviour that causes issues in our communities.
“We want everyone who lives in Dudley, visits the area, or works here to feel safe in the borough and I hope this activity is reassuring to our residents and businesses that we’re listening to you and taking action.
“We know how much of an impact these crimes can have and are committed to identifying and detaining those who break the law and target businesses in our area.
“The teams will continue to work hard alongside local retailers and store security to identify persistent offenders and listen to people in the community to combat the issues that matter most to them.”
