Tipton Green (Victoria Park): More visible and plain-clothed patrols are being deployed to deter drug use (including nitrous oxide) and antisocial behaviour in the park.

Great Bridge (Retail Park & High Street): Officers are conducting targeted patrols to tackle prolific shoplifting, aggressive begging, and drug use. These efforts involve enforcing community protection warnings and notices.

Princes End (Shopping Areas): 

"Rake Up Your Defences": Don't leave garden tools like spades or rakes lying around. Burglars often use a resident's own equipment to smash windows or pry open back doors.

Secure the Shed: Use a high-quality, closed-shackle padlock on your shed. Standard hasps are easily unscrewed; consider using coach bolts through the door instead to prevent them from being pried off.

The "1-Metre Rule": Keep front hedges and fences under one metre so burglars cannot work on windows hidden from street view. Consider planting "nature’s barbed wire"—thorny shrubs like Pyracantha or Holly—under vulnerable windows. 

Window Discipline: Even on upper floors, ensure windows are locked. If you open them for ventilation in warm weather, use opening restrictors so they cannot be opened wide enough for someone to climb through.

uPVC Door Safety: For doors with handles, follow the "Lift, Lock, Remove" rule—lift the handle, turn the key, and remove it from the lock to prevent "fishing" through the letterbox.

Anti-Snap Locks: Consider upgrading to anti-snap cylinders for your external doors, as standard locks are frequently targeted by offenders in the Sandwell area. 

Lighting: As evenings stay lighter longer, you may stay out later. Use timer switches for indoor lights to maintain the "illusion of occupancy" when you are away.

CCTV Registry: Residents in Tipton and Great Bridge can register their doorbell cameras and CCTV for free on the WMP CCTV Registry. If a crime occurs nearby, officers can send you a secure link to upload your footage directly. 

Event: Creative Painting Workshop

Thank you from your Tipton and Great Bride Team.

• Date & Time: Sunday, 29 March – Thursday, 30 April 2026

• Location: Club Ocho Rios, Tipton

• Description: A social evening for adults; local officers often attend such community events to provide safety leaflets and advice.