West Midlands Police increasing high-street patrols this Christmas
This month, West Midlands Police have launched their Winter of Action
Police patrols are being upped in the West Midlands to help keep city centres safe over the winter months.
West Midlands Police will be carrying out a range of activity to tackle knife crime, violence against women and girls, anti-social behaviour, retail crime and robbery over the coming months, including increased visibility and targeted operations.
It forms part of the national Winter of Action initiative to help tackle a range of crimes, reassure communities and ensure high streets remain safe for shoppers and workers.
Chief Superintendent Paul Joyce, force lead for the Winter of Action, said: “We want everyone to feel like they can relax and enjoy themselves during the festive season and beyond.
“Our Winter of Action activity is all about providing visible reassurance for all of those people who live, work and visit our town centres.
“Whether people are travelling in for the Christmas markets, enjoying socialising or making the most of the post-Christmas sales we want them to feel welcome and safe.
“The Winter of Action activity will see our officers and staff across the region intensifying our work on issues that can cause issues in our centres and have a negative impact on how people feel. This includes knife crime, violence against women and girls, anti-social behaviour and retail crime and robbery.
“We’re working with our partners across the West Midlands, whether that’s the local councils, charities or local business improvement district teams to come together, coordinate activity and make the most of all of our resources to make a real change.”