Channel Title: West Midlands Police Channel Description: Working in partnership, making communities safer. To report a crime please call 101 or if it is an emergency then dial 999. To call anonymously with information about a crime contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. West Midlands Police are not responsible for the content of external websites or profiles, linked from within this page. Our acceptance of their profile is not an endorsement of the content. <video> "Bingo!": See the moment officers found 9kg of cocaine in a car boot Description: This is the moment we caught a woman with more than 9kg of cocaine worth up to £750,000 as she drove on the M6 through the West Midlands. Acting on information, our colleagues from Staffordshire Police pulled over Linda Lawrence, aged 58, at Norton Canes services as she was driving her brown Mitsubishi ASX on 8 October last year. Nine blocks of cocaine were found in an open cardboard box in the boot of the vehicle, along with two mobile phones, her passport, a roll of brown parcel tape, plastic disposable gloves, pieces of paper with phone numbers on them, hotel receipts, and £140 in cash. </video> <video> Watch: Armed criminal's gun deal filmed on his own CCTV camera Description: This is the moment an armed criminal’s own CCTV system filmed him taking part in a gun deal – before the same cameras filmed our firearms officers raiding his house less than an hour later. Suni Masih is seen walking out of his home to greet a driver in a rented Vauxhall Astra. The driver hands Masih a hessian bag, before he walks back into his home. Less than a minute later, Masih took a picture of the contents of the bag – a pistol capable of automatic fire and which was loaded with seven 9mm rounds of ammunition. Acting on information that a gun may have been inside the property, our firearms officers are seen raiding his house, on Allens Road, Winson Green, less than an hour later. As officers are forcing their way in, Masih’s shadow can be seen from a rear window as he desperately throws the gun outside moments before he was arrested. The gun was recovered, still in the same hessian bag, the following morning following a thorough search by officers. Jeremiah Williams, the man who handed him the gun, was arrested days later. Williams, of Wave Close, Walsall, and Masih went on to admit conspiracy to supply firearms. Masih was jailed for five years and seven months, and Williams was jailed for six years. Det Ch Insp Bryn Robins, from our Major Crime Unit, said: “It’s quite fitting that a CCTV system designed to deter and catch criminals ended up catching its owner in the act of a serious crime. “This is quite an unusual gun, and extremely dangerous, in that it is capable of firing for as long as whoever is holding it holds down the trigger, until it runs out of ammunition. “We may never know how Masih planned to use the gun, but it’s clearly an extremely dangerous weapon which could have caused death or serious injury. “The court has recognised the seriousness of this type of weapon and reflected it in the sentencing. “Those involved in the supply of lethal firearms can expect lengthy prison sentences. “It’s great that we’ve been able to take it off the streets, and that the two people involved in its sale are off the streets as well.” </video> <video> Fireworks - are you breaking the law? Description: #Fireworks | Happy New Year! Please remember fireworks are permitted until 1 am on NYE and Chinese New Year ✨ We want to make sure everyone stay safe during this festive time, so please use fireworks responsibly. Never allow children to handle fireworks and supervise them at all times. We recommend attending a professional firework display or event. If you are using fireworks on your private property have a bucket of sand, water, and a proper way of disposing of fireworks and sparklers after use. Be mindful of animals, neighbours, and pets that might be affected by firework use. Never aim or fire fireworks at roads, people, or emergency service vehicles. You can learn more about the firework code and how to prepare for bonfire night by visiting https://www.westmidlands.police.uk/news/west-midlands/news/news/2024/december/welcoming-in-the-new-year---celebrate-safely/ Report crime, get prevention advice, and see the latest news on our website http://www.westmidlands.police.uk/ You can get in touch with us via Live Chat at westmidlands.police.uk, via 101, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. #firework #WestMidlands #birmingham #coventry #walsall #dudley #wolverhampton #sandwell #solihull #nye2024 #festive #fireworkcode </video> <video> Operation Fearless launches in Erdington Description: We’re proud to announce Operation Fearless – a major new drive to bring down crime and improve the quality of life for people in communities around the West Midlands. It’s thanks to £880,000 funding from Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster, who is using money seized from criminals. The operation is launching first in and around Erdington High Street, with a dedicated police team already taking daily action on the crimes that affect the community the most. Working with Birmingham City Council and other agencies such as immigration, bus and rail companies, and businesses we're determined to combat: • Drugs • Anti-social behaviour • Robbery • Violence • Shoplifting • Sale of stolen goods • Exploitation Erdington is just the first part of the Fearless story – with more parts of the region set to benefit in the coming months. Erdington was identified as the launch area based on crime trends, data and consultation with partners. It’s estimated crime in the area has cost the economy £7m in the last year. While it marked the formal start, the team has already been hard at work in Erdington. Since the end of November, the Fearless team has: • Made 32 arrests from the High Street for offences including wounding, theft, drugs, possession of knives and recall to prison • Made three arrests for immigration matters • Seized eight bladed articles such as knives • Carried out 81 stop and searches, of which 28 led to recoveries. • Carried out 18 drug seizures resulting in two arrests for possession with intent to supply and 16 referrals to drugs support workers • Seized 26,724 items of illicit and counterfeit goods worth £1 million, including tobacco and cigarettes • Seized 565 items of unlicensed prescribed medication • Secured two orders banning habitual shoplifters from the High Street • Served nine warnings on people causing anti-social behaviour • Worked with Immigration, Trading Standards and HMRC And feedback from people who live and work in Erdington has been fantastic, with many already noticing the difference. Follow West Midlands Police on TikTok, Instagram, on X @ErdingtonWMP, on Birmingham Police Facebook, and our dedicated Fearless page here: https://www.westmidlands.police.uk/police-forces/west-midlands-police/areas/campaigns/campaigns/operation-fearless/ Report crime, get prevention advice, and see the latest news on our website http://www.westmidlands.police.uk/ You can get in touch with us via Live Chat at westmidlands.police.uk, via 101, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. </video> <video> WATCH: Drugs recovered and man arrested as part of Operation Fearless in Erdington Description: We’ve recovered 50 wraps of drugs and arrested an 18-year-old man as part of Operation Fearless – our major new drive to drive down crime and improve the quality of life for people in Erdington. The suspect was arrested at an address on Derrydown Road on suspicion with intent to supply class A and B drugs. A boy aged 13 was also arrested on suspicion of possession of a zombie knife in a private place. Operation Fearless, which was launched last Tuesday, sees us working with partners such as Birmingham City Council, Transport for West Midlands, immigration and others to tackle crimes that cause the most harm to the community, while working to improve the area for people who live, work and visit. Det Supt Jim Munro, who oversees Operation Fearless, said: “We’ve had an absolutely fantastic response to Fearless in its first week. “The community and partners are really getting behind it and supporting our work, and we’re really grateful.” In the future Fearless will be moving to other areas of the West Midlands to help communities tackle issues there. Search "WMP Op Fearless" to find out more. Report crime, get prevention advice, and see the latest news on our website http://www.westmidlands.police.uk/ You can get in touch with us via Live Chat at westmidlands.police.uk, via 101, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. </video> <video> Thank you for your support in 2024 Description: A big thank you for your support this year. Here’s a look back at just some of what we’ve achieved in 2024. We’re looking forward to 2025 – and another year of working with our partners to make our communities safer. Report crime, get prevention advice, and see the latest news on our website http://www.westmidlands.police.uk/ You can get in touch with us via Live Chat at westmidlands.police.uk, via 101, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. </video> <video> Puppy love for Bella and Walsall officer who adopted unwanted pup Description: She is the puppy who melted the heart of a Walsall town centre officer after she was handed over in a bag and in need of a new owner. Cocker Spaniel Bella was just a few weeks old when a woman, who was clearly upset, approached St Matthew’s team PC Courtney Tongue in the town centre. She handed her a bag with the pup inside and told she could no longer look after the tiny pup. She was about a month old, timid and underweight but melted Courtney’s heart. Courtney took her back to Walsall Council’s Civic Centre where our officers are based and officers from our Partnership and St Matthews neighbourhood teams decided on the name Bella in a vote. Kind-hearted officers, as well as staff from Walsall Council, also contributed to a collection to pay for Bella’s vet bills to make sure she was healthy. After checks were made Courtney was given the green light to take her home and give Bella the happy and fulfilled life she deserves. And Bella, who is now around six months old, recently enjoyed a visit to see Santa Claus along with Courtney’s other dog Bobby. She then returned to the Civic Centre this week to reunite with the officers at Christmas and to receive a little present. Courtney said: “I have to admit I fell in love with Bella as soon as she was handed to me. "She was tiny, underweight and hadn’t had a good start in life. "I decided there and then that I would look after her, and after making the necessary checks I was given the go-ahead to adopt Bella. “She has grown in confidence so much over the last few months. She is so full of life, loves to fuss people and loves her toys. "She is a live wire that's for sure. She has bundles of energy now and loves the garden. "She also loves water as I'm finding out with her water bowl as she tries to swim in it. “She loves to roll around in the water and also loves to dig a hole. She loves her toys and is never really without one. "Bella has started agility classes and she recently won rosettes at a fun dog show. “It was great to bring her back to see the officers again who had fussed over her when she was first brought in, and helped to pay for her vet bills and for her to be micro-chipped. "She even had a little present waiting for her which she opened. “I am really looking forward to spending my first Christmas with Bella and she has lots of toys waiting for her. I am hoping it will be really special.” Report crime, get prevention advice, and see the latest news on our website http://www.westmidlands.police.uk/ You can get in touch with us via Live Chat at westmidlands.police.uk, via 101, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. </video> <video> Murder investigation continues after boy is stabbed in Hall Green Description: Our investigation continues into the murder of a 12-year-old boy in Birmingham. Enquiries are ongoing after a 14-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of murder last night following the death of the boy in Hall Green. We were called after the boy was found near Scribers Lane with a stab wound to his stomach. He was taken to hospital but sadly was pronounced dead at around 7.30pm. As a result of our enquiries, the 14-year-old boy was arrested from an address in Birmingham on suspicion of murder. He remains in custody today while our investigation continues. Chief Superintendent Richard North, Birmingham Local Policing Area commander, said: "I would ask the public and the media not to speculate on the motive of this incident, the investigation is in the early stages and we have someone in custody. "I would urge anyone who saw what happened, or who has CCTV, mobile phone or dashcam footage from the area at the time to get in touch with us as soon as possible to help us build as clear a picture as possible. "This is an appalling and senseless attack. We are doing everything we can to support the loved ones of the young boy who lost his life in such an appalling way, but we know that nothing we say or do will diminish their agony. "Parents around the country will hear this news and be unable to comprehend the pain they must be feeling. "Our hearts go out to the young boy’s family today. "We will be carrying out reassurance patrols locally and if any of the community have any information or concerns we would urge them to come forward. "We continue to work day in day out, with parents, schools, carers and other partners to educate young people on knife crime and its devastating consequences. "This work must and will continue. Today, our focus is on the family of the young boy who has lost his life in such a tragic way, and ensuring we get justice for him and his family." We are continuing to appeal for information from anyone who might have seen what happened, especially if you have photos, CCTV or dashcam footage from the time the incident happened shortly after 3pm yesterday. Anyone with further information about what happened can visit out Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) and submit images or videos there. Visit:Public Portal (mipp.police.uk) to access the MIPP. You can also report information to us via 101 or Live Chat, or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. </video> <video> Arrests after car workshop discovered Description: These suspected stolen vehicles have been seized by our officers in a raid on a car workshop, which led to eight arrests. We swooped on an industrial unit on Avenue Close in Nechells just after 3 pm yesterday after receiving information that a car stolen in a car key burglary in Staffordshire earlier this month was there. Inside, we arrested eight people and seized a Mercedes M4 stolen in Staffordshire, a VW Golf on false plates which had been taken in Dudley, and an Audi, which will be examined to see if it was stolen. Eight men were arrested for theft of motor vehicle, and two of them were arrested for burglary. All have been bailed while further enquiries are carried out. Equipment which is believed to have been used to modify vehicle identification numbers was also seized. Report crime, get prevention advice, and see the latest news on our website http://www.westmidlands.police.uk/ You can get in touch with us via Live Chat at westmidlands.police.uk, via 101, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. </video> <video> Five men jailed following campaign of robberies Description: Report crime, get prevention advice, and see the latest news on our website http://www.westmidlands.police.uk/ You can get in touch with us via Live Chat at westmidlands.police.uk, via 101, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. </video> <video> We tested Ask for Angela in Birmingham bars Description: We went undercover to test how bars and venues respond to #AskForAngela requests in #Birmingham city centre. We want to make sure that anyone who is feeling vulnerable or unsafe is able to get the support they need. Watch this video to see the results 👆 We're really pleased to see bar staff, management and security taking safety seriously. We're doing regular checks in the run up to the festive period to keep you safe on your night out. Report crime, get prevention advice, and see the latest news on our website http://www.westmidlands.police.uk/ You can get in touch with us via Live Chat at westmidlands.police.uk, via 101, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. </video> <video> Watch: Student officers chase down man who raped woman in Birmingham park Description: This is the moment two of our student officers chased down a rape suspect in the street after spotting him from a description of the attacker. Awalkhan Sultankhail attacked his victim on Golden Hillock Road, Small Heath, at around 4pm on 27 August, 2023. He’d initially approached the woman and tried to strike up a conversation with her. When she walked away, he followed her into bushes in a park and raped her. Sultankhail fled when he was disturbed by a member of the public, who called the police. The victim was able to provide a good description of her attacker, and our officers were able to recover CCTV of him. PCs Declan McDevitt and Peter Jones, from our Yardley neighbourhood team were carrying out reassurance patrols in the area four days later when they spotted Sultankhail and ran after him. He was cornered on Ladypool Road at the junction of Beechfield Road in Sparkbrook and arrested for the attack. PC Jones said: “I was just concentrating on not letting him get away, due to the nature of the offence. I was also concentrated on communicating using my radio to other officers and the control room by letting them know where the suspect was running, in order to get more officers there in case we lost him in the foot chase. “I felt immensely proud of myself and PC McDevitt as we have caught someone who has committed an horrific offence in broad daylight. “I went home that day feeling satisfied that I have helped the victim get one step closer getting to the justice she deserves, and knowing that he won’t be able to commit another offence for a long time.” In interview, Sultankhail denied ever speaking to or following the victim. But with the CCTV, forensic and witness evidence, he was left with no option but to plead guilty. Last Friday (20 December), Sultankhail, aged 24, of Anderton Road, Birmingham, was jailed for five years and three months, and ordered to spend a further four years on licence, at Birmingham Crown Court. Supt Emlyn Richards, from Birmingham Police, said: “This was absolutely first-rate work by these two officers, who have only relatively recently joined us. “The footage shows how the two refused to let the suspect get away, and thanks to their determination, he’s now going to be spending many years behind bars.” Thinking about a career change in 2025? Or know someone who is? We’re currently recruiting for a range of roles, from police officers and PCSOs to various police staff positions and volunteer opportunities. Earn a starting salary of £29,907 as a police officer and watch it grow to over £46,000 within seven years with annual increments. Find out more and apply today by searching 'WMP jobs' </video> <video> Six arrests as officers target suspected County Lines drug dealers Description: We’ve dismantled a suspected county lines drugs network today, arresting six people in a series of early morning raids. Four men and two women, aged between 22 and 39, are being held following raids on nine homes in Birmingham and one in Walsall. Electronic devices and around 500 wraps of what is believed to be heroin has been found. It follows an investigation by the County Lines Task Force into a drugs line believed to have been supplying Class A drugs into Birmingham and Solihull throughout this year. Those in custody are being held on suspicion of conspiracy to supply crack cocaine and heroin. Addresses in Stechford, Alum Rock, Hall Green, Sheldon, Acocks Green, Sheldon, Bordesley Green, Shard End and Yardley were raided in the early hours of today, along with one in the Birchills area of Walsall. County lines is the name given to drug dealing where organised criminal groups use phone lines to move and supply drugs, usually from cities into smaller towns and rural areas. They are known to exploit vulnerable people, including children and those with mental health or addiction issues, by recruiting them to distribute the drugs. </video> <video> New StreetWatch Group launches in Erdington Description: A brand new StreetWatch group is now patrolling #Erdington High Street, joining forces with our local neighbourhood officers to make the area even safer. Made up of local volunteers, these community heroes hit the High Street for their first patrol, and it was a huge success. Feeling inspired and think you could spare a little time? Even a few hours a month can make a huge difference. Plus, you'll meet some fantastic people in your neighbourhood and feel good knowing you're contributing to something positive. Find out more about how to get involved on our website and email sam.odell@westmidlands.police.uk to let us know you're interested and which area you'd like to join. Report crime, get prevention advice, and see the latest news on our website http://www.westmidlands.police.uk/ You can get in touch with us via Live Chat at westmidlands.police.uk, via 101, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. #volunteer #streetwatch #police #westmidlands #birmingham </video> <video> PD Stark retires from duty Description: Our ‘pawsome’ police dog Stark is putting his paws up to enjoy his well-earned retirement. Following a successful six year career as a general purpose and firearms dog, it's time for German Shepherd Stark to enjoy some time with his ‘fwiends’ at home. During his career, Stark and his handler PC Paul Hopley have been involved in dozens of West Midlands Police investigations and helped carry out hundreds of searches for suspects and firearms. Despite being attacked with a machete during an arrest in 2020, Stark was back on the streets a few months later, finding a wanted man on his first shift back! The four legged crime fighter was honoured with a Bravery Award after being beaten and slashed more than 20 times, but refused to let go of the suspect. PC Hopley and Stark have been partners in crime since the beginning, with the pair passing their initial training in 2019 and going on to pass their firearms course in 2021. Stark is also a big hit at Crufts, where he will often show off his chasing and detaining skills to the world. Although Stark is retiring just as ‘winter is coming’, he will remain with PC Hopley. PC Paul Hopley said: "I couldn’t ask for a better dog to be partnered with. Stark has been amazing and it’s been an honour to do this job alongside him. “We have had many memorable moments over the years and developed such a special bond. “Stark is very much part of our family and I look forward to spending even more time with him when I retire in a few months’ time. “He will be spoilt rotten! "Our police dogs are invaluable at protecting the public, fighting crime and making the public smile." To see the work of other police dogs and their handlers follow @WMPdogs on Twitter. Report crime, get prevention advice, and see the latest news on our website http://www.westmidlands.police.uk/ You can get in touch with us via Live Chat at westmidlands.police.uk, via 101, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. </video>

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Working in partnership, making communities safer.

To report a crime please call 101 or if it is an emergency then dial 999. To call anonymously with information about a crime contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

West Midlands Police are not responsible for the content of external websites or profiles, linked from within this page. Our acceptance of their profile is not an endorsement of the content.

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