FOUR people were arrested and vehicles were seized during a road policing operation in South Birmingham to clamp down on gang disorder.
It took place on Wednesday (May 24) and lasted nine hours with West Midlands Police using ten marked and unmarked cars, bikes and vans to seek out suspicious activity.
‘Spotters’ from the force’s Organised Crime and Gangs Unit also patrolled Northfield, Kings Norton, Weoley Castle, Longbridge and Bartley Green on the hunt for people with suspected gang links.
A 24-year-old man from Bartley Green was arrested after trying to outrun traffic officers in a Renault Scenic.
He was pulled over near Halesowen and was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, failing to stop for police and possessing weapons after a wooden bat and metal baton were found in the car.
He’s been released under investigation while enquiries continue.
The operation followed the find of two BB guns and £100 worth of cannabis hidden in bushes near Dordale Close, Frankley.
The discovery was made after a number of ‘sweeps’ in areas where criminals were suspected of stashing stolen property or weapons.
A 17-year-old from Longbridge arrested from a car in Middle Park Road was held for repeatedly breaching an overnight curfew and was put back before the courts.
A 19-year-old man was also arrested for failing to turn up at Birmingham Magistrates Court and a 24-year-old man wanted for a domestic incident that saw him smash property at his partner’s home was also arrested.
Four cars and a motorbike were seized for being driven without insurance.
Insp Simon Graham, said: “It was a hugely successful operation – we committed a significant number of police vehicles as a show of strength and reassurance to local people while sending out a message to offenders that ‘we’re coming for you’.
“Recorded crime in the patrol areas was lower than the average and I definitely put that down to increased pro-active work.
“I hope that anyone aligning themselves to gangs, or considering doing so, is getting the message that we will take decisive action.
“The public are our eyes and ears on the ground; if you suspect anyone is involved in gang related crime or anti-social behaviour then please contact us in confidence so we can take further action.”
Anyone with any information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
