I visited Walsall's notorious crime hotspot 'Bossman Alley' to see why police are cracking down on it

West Midlands Police recently singled out the retail walkway as a hotspot for criminal activity, warning that intimidating behaviour, thefts and drug dealing have been causing problems for businesses and shoppers.

The force has since stepped up patrols and CCTV monitoring in the area as part of a wider crackdown alongside Walsall Council.

With such a reputation attached to an otherwise ordinary town centre passageway, I decided to pay 'Bossman Alley' a visit to see what was going on for myself.

And, despite the rather ominous picture painted by police, my visit proved to be a relatively uneventful one.

There was no obvious drug dealing, no threatening behaviour and certainly nothing that would have made me think twice about walking through.

That said, the looks on the faces of those working and visiting the businesses along the short alleyway made it quite clear they were not too keen on any publicity.

Had I not already been aware of the concerns raised by police, however, I probably would not have given the alley a second thought.

That is not to say it was a particularly pleasant place to be, though.

The walkway is hardly one of Walsall town centre's more inviting spots, and it certainly is not somewhere you would choose to spend any longer than necessary.

But there is a considerable difference between somewhere looking a little unappealing and somewhere being genuinely intimidating.

During my time there, I witnessed nothing resembling the anti-social behaviour which has prompted police to take action.

Of course, a brief visit can only provide a snapshot of what happens in the area. The absence of trouble while I was there does not mean the concerns raised by police and local businesses are unfounded, and perhaps 2.30pm was too early to spot any of the more pressing issues.

West Midlands Police said it was aware that 'Bossman Alley' had become a hotspot for offences including robbery, theft and drug dealing, as well as intimidating behaviour which was affecting businesses and people visiting the town centre.

Officers are now carrying out increased patrols, while CCTV cameras covering the location are being closely monitored.

Neighbourhood Inspector Pete Poolton said: "We understand this walk through is a concern with regards to crime and anti-social behaviour.

"Working with our dedicated Walsall officers alongside our partners we are taking action to address issues of concern. We have officers regularly patrolling the location. CCTV cameras cover the location and these are monitored.

"We are committed to making sure Walsall remains a safe place to work and visit."

The work forms part of Walsall's new Prevention Hub, based at the Civic Centre, which brings together police and council officers to tackle anti-social behaviour and other issues affecting the borough.

Whether the increased police presence is already having the desired effect is difficult to judge from one visit.

But, for all the attention surrounding 'Bossman Alley', the reality I encountered was considerably less dramatic than its reputation might suggest.

One thing is for sure though, it is not the most attractive corner of Walsall, nor somewhere I would be in a hurry to linger.