A number of arrests, drug raids and dangerous vehicles have been seized as West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster, witnessed a successful all-out day of action in Solihull.
Known as Operation Advance, this force-wide initiative runs across West Midlands Police locations throughout the year.
Following on from Op Advance in Dudley last month, PCC Simon Foster met with staff and officers from every policing department, both locally and from a force level, who worked together to deliver 24 hours of intensive policing operations in and around Solihull.
In total, 11 arrests were made for offences, ranging from possession of an offensive weapon, domestic assault and breaching electronic tag conditions.
During the early hours, officers from West Midlands Police’s operational support unit, carried out a number of drugs warrants.
The team seized suspected class A drugs and cannabis and arrested a man in his 40s, on suspicion of drug offences from one property.
PCC Simon Foster was also on hand to witness an intelligence-led raid at a property in Shirley, as officers seized a machete and drug paraphernalia.
Over in Chelmsley Wood, during a road safety traffic operation, one man was arrested on suspicion of drug driving, after failing a road side test.
The team also seized six vehicles for no insurance, removed tints from nine vehicles, pulled over six cars with illegal number plates, and worked with the DVLA, to ticket and check vehicles not fit for the road, including two with dangerous loads.
In Solihull town centre, officers worked with shopping centre security staff, to do knife arch operations and talk to local businesses about their concerns while, into the evening, police staff conducted street patrols into the early hours.
Commenting on Op Advance in Solihull, PCC Simon Foster said: “I’m pleased to see the success, of another all-out action day, this time in Solihull.
“I’d like to thank officers for all the action taken and for their hard work, in helping to keep the public safe and secure.”
PCC Simon Foster, meanwhile, is asking the public what matters most to them and what they want him and West Midlands Police to prioritise, to prevent and tackle crime, over the next four years.
The public consultation – which can be filled out online right here – will enable him to write his Police and Crime Plan 2025-2029.
The Plan helps set the strategic direction for West Midlands Police.
Members of the public who want to influence policing priorities, over the next few years, can do so by clicking here.
PCC Simon Foster added: “We have to work together, to make sure West Midlands Police is prioritising what matters most to you and what you want the force to prioritise, to prevent and tackle crime in the region.
“My pledge to you, is that I will listen to your feedback and use it to form the basis of my Police and Crime Plan.”
The Police and Crime Plan 2025-2029 public consultation will end in mid-October.
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