Plans in place as schools break up

Dear Resident,

With schools in Birmingham breaking up for the summer, we’re wanted to let you know about out our plans to keep everyone safe.

Although there’s no suggestion of any planned disruption, we’ve previously seen some instances of anti-social behaviour and large groups of young people gathering in the city centre – which we know can be a concern for those living and working in the city, and visitors.

Last night we did receive multiple calls reporting disorder with weapons on Corporation Street just after 11.20pm.

Officers responded quickly, and using CCTV, with help from our Drone Unit, to track the suspects – four teenagers were detained nearby. 

Three teenage boys aged 13,16, and 18 were arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and possession of an offensive weapon.

A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of robbery in connection with an unrelated incident in June.

They remain in custody for questioning.

As we continue to work to make the city centre as safe and welcoming as possible, alongside our partners including Birmingham City Council, the Business Improvement District, and the Bullring, we have a full plan in place today to minimise disruption and deal appropriately with any anti-social behaviour or crime. 

Extra police resources mean you may see more officers than usual carrying out high-visibility patrols in key locations, routes, and transport hubs. 

We also have dispersal orders in place in the city centre, Sutton Coldfield, and Kings Heath this afternoon, meaning officers can direct people to leave the areas to prevent or reduce anti-social behaviour, harassment, disorder, or crime. Anyone returning after being told to leave can be arrested. 

A similar operation in June led to two arrests being made and a large knife being recovered. 

Birmingham Police Chief Inspector, Vicki Stott, said: “Birmingham is a great place to be in the sunshine, and we want to make sure that everyone can enjoy it as the schools break up.

“This isn’t about stopping young people from having a good time, but about taking appropriate action to deal with behaviour which we know can be concerning for others in the city centre. 

“Previous similar operations have shown that the vast majority of people we speak to are in good spirits, but we’re clear that criminality and anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated.

“We’re continuing to work closely with our partners, including local schools, to speak directly to young people and parents about making safe decisions during the summer break.”

Across Birmingham and the wider West Midlands, you can expect to see officers on patrol for #SaferTownsSummer, our initiative to reduce violence and ASB, and tackle town centre crime. 

If you’ve got any concerns or information to share with us, call 101 or speak to us via Live Chat on our website.