Safer 6 campaign launches in Sandwell - with pictures
An annual campaign to crack down on crime and to keep residents safe in Sandwell has been launched.
Safer 6 will see the council, police, fire service and other partners join forces to help people stay safe.
Awareness events and workshops will be carried out across the borough's six towns – West Bromwich, Tipton, Rowley Regis, Wednesbury, Oldbury and Smethwick – in the next six weeks.
Maria Crompton, Sandwell Council's cabinet member for Safer Communities, said: "We've got the next six weeks where we go through the towns doing things like this to raise awareness of safety in the community.
"So it's important that we all show our willingness and join together.
"I'm really pleased, really chuffed. It's brilliant that so many people have came out."
The scheme was launched at Haden Cross Fire Station in Cradley Heath and coincided with the fire station's open day
Crowds of people flocked to the station to have a look inside fire engines, meet police and also help charities.
Matthew Young, fire operations commander for Sandwell and Dudley, said: "Its been a two-tiered situation with the open day and Safer 6.
"We open our doors to families and members of the public to understand how we deliver our services and have some fun.
"And we also reinforce the safety message.
"It's brilliant to have members of the community here.
"The campaign is here to increase awareness of issues in the six towns - it's all about identifying crime, anti-social behaviour issues from local residents and provide communities with the assurance they need."
Rich Youds, neighbourhood policing unit commander for Sandwell, added: "I'm pleased to be a part of it. In the six week campaign, partners in Sandwell will come together to promote community safety and it gets bigger and better each year.
"I think it's important we work together to understand our communities and we need to talk with people to do that. It's equally important that the public see us working together to help them."
For more information visit www.sandwell.gov.uk/safer6
