Stabbings and shoplifting forced Birmingham shopkeeper to close
He said he managed to keep his shop open for 6 weeks before he had to close
A Birmingham shopkeeper said he had no choice but to close after a number of stabbings and shoplifting incidents in the High Street.
The owner of 'Billy Bargains' in Erdington said the amount of crime almost destroyed his business.
"I have a business to run"
"I never lasted more than 6 weeks. I shut shop because of theft and stabbings. I cannot afford to have that. I have a business to run," he said.
The shop relocated to Station Road, but the shopkeeper told us that this area is not much better.
"I have been here about 14 months and I must have come across 8 different stabbings, just on this road. That proves how bad it is.
"A couple of days ago, I had some stuff outside. I had someone just come and nick it," he said.
What are police doing about this type of crime in the West Midlands?
Operation Fearless was launched on Tuesday (7th Jan), which aims to improve the quality of life for people in areas like Erdington.
It was rolled out their first but will cover the whole of the West Midlands in the coming months.
The Operation laid out plans to tackle anti-social behaviour on a daily basis including, drug crime, violence and shoplifting.
"We will be closely behind you"
Furthermore, the Operation has been funded by £800,000 worth of money seized by police from criminals.
Chief Constable Craig Guilford told us an increased police presence should help prevent crime too.
"We are determined to push crime down in the West Midlands. If you think you are going to get some money by dealing drugs on the high street, be very much aware that we will be closely behind you," he said.