West Midlands PCC Hails “Clear Evidence” War on Drug-Related Crime Is Working
The West Midlands’ top cop says he is “winning the war” on drug-related crime, after new figures showed a sharp fall in offences and fewer drug-related deaths across the region.
The West Midlands Combatting Drugs and Alcohol Partnership (WMCDAP) Progress Report 2025, published this month, reveals drug-related neighbourhood offences – including burglary, vehicle theft and robbery – fell from 1,096 to 887 in just 12 months.
Solihull recorded the most dramatic improvement, with a 48.1 per cent drop in these offences over the same period.
West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Simon Foster, who chairs the WMCDAP, welcomed the results as “clear evidence” that the region’s joined-up approach to drugs is delivering real benefits for communities – but warned there is still more to do.
Fewer crimes, more offenders brought to justice
The report shows the proportion of drug offences leading to a positive outcome – such as a charge, caution or diversion – has risen sharply to 67.9 per cent, up from 54.2 per cent the previous year.
Police operations over the last year have also:
- Closed six county lines
- Seized more than 21 kilograms of illegal substances
- Contributed to a 14.3 per cent drop in trafficking of drugs offences
Mr Foster said this combination of targeted enforcement and partnership working is helping to drive down crime and dismantle criminal networks across the West Midlands.
“A near 20 per cent reduction in drug-related neighbourhood crime means fewer victims of burglary, robbery, and vehicle theft in our communities,” he said. “This report provides clear evidence that our coordinated approach to tackling the root causes of drug-related crime is working.”
Saving lives as well as tackling crime
The progress report also highlights encouraging signs on public health. Registered drug-poisoning deaths across the West Midlands have fallen by 11.2 per cent, from 295 to 262.
At the same time, more people are getting help. Areas including Walsall and Dudley have seen double-digit increases in the number of people accessing life-saving drug and alcohol support services – up 13.1 per cent and 12.6 per cent respectively.
Mr Foster said this shows that disruption and enforcement must go hand-in-hand with support, treatment and recovery.
“In my Police and Crime Plan 2025–2029, I have made a clear and steadfast commitment to reduce the harm caused by illegal drugs and alcohol,” he said.
“Disruption and enforcement are essential, but it is also about breaking the cycle of crime by ensuring people can access the treatment and recovery services they need.”
Partnership approach at the heart of progress
The West Midlands Combatting Drugs and Alcohol Partnership is a multi-agency board bringing together enforcement, treatment and prevention partners from across the region.
By coordinating efforts across policing, health, local authorities and specialist services, the Partnership aims to reduce drug-related harm, cut crime and protect vulnerable people.
Mr Foster added: “By continuing to lead, through our West Midlands Combatting Drugs and Alcohol Partnership, we are not only tackling crime, by taking dealers off our streets and dismantling criminal networks, we are also saving lives and making our region a safer place for everyone.
“However, although this is welcome, we cannot and we never will be complacent.”