Knowle Weekly Update - 10/05/26

Hello, 

This week we were out with volunteers again for another Speedwatch session. We caught 15 speeders within the hour, and the warning letters are being sent out. 

We also held our monthly Beat Surgery at the Masonic Centre as an opportunity for the community to come in and raise any issues to the team. Please check our website for our list of meetings in the future: Solihull Rural | Your area | West Midlands Police | West Midlands Police

What crime has happened in the last 9 Days?

Crime prevention advice:

Crime prevention is all about trying to make your belongings less desirable to anyone else. 

Burglary: 

We are starting to see more burglaries in the area where offenders are targeting properties to get the keys to vehicles parked on the drive. Vehicles mainly being targeted are BMW’s still.

CCTV is a really useful tool for us to use in investigations as it allows us to see the offence happening, any offenders and what they are wearing or a direction of travel in their escape. If you haven’t already, sign up to our CCTV registry to receive alerts when your footage may help us with incidents in your area - CCTV Registry | West Midlands Police

Vehicle crime:

Most vehicle thefts are through keyless entry. Offenders can use what is a called a “relay device” to scan for your key’s signal. They can copy that signal onto a blank key and use that to enter your vehicle. This is how easy it is for offenders to drive away in your vehicle. To prevent this, you can use a Faraday bag which has a specific lining that blocks the signal from the relay device. Make sure to keep your key in the faraday bag – even when going to the shops!

To give your vehicle that added layer of protection, a steering wheel lock acts as both a visible deterrent as well as an extra obstacle offenders must get through. Most offenders would be put off attempting to steal your vehicle when they see a steering wheel lock as it adds that extra time and effort, they would need to try and get it off. There have been many cases where offenders have been able to enter a vehicle but then struggled to get through the steering lock.

What are we up to next week?

Follow us on X - @ruralswmp to see what we are getting up to day to day.

Email the team at rural@westmidlands.police.uk for any questions, concerns, advice or engagements.

Thank you for your continued support,

PCSO Kiah Acton 31911