Sandwell police launch late night patrols

Dedicated teams of police are patrolling the streets of Sandwell in a new evening shift to crack down on crime and anti social behaviour.

The new structure, which was launched at the start of the month, will see three sergeants and 21 constables on patrol in the north of the borough and three sergeants and 24 constables in the south.

West Bromwich Inspector Akeel Najib said the new structure would free up neighbourhood bobbies to deal with other lower level issues such as neighbour disputes.

Inspector Najib, said: "We do get the problems in West Bromwich and Wednesbury where there is a bit of a night time economy.

"As of July 2 we have changed into a new structure which has created teams in the early hours of the morning.

"We have got two new licensing officers and the idea behind them is they will highlight the premises that we think need some support and ensure they are sticking to their legal obligations.

"We have got the responsibility to do that now on the night whereas in the past we wouldn't deal with that situation on the night."