Smethwick streets are safer thanks to a dedicated team of West Midlands Police officers who have been cracking down on street crime in the town.
Officers are being posted to areas which have been targeted by criminals and have so far stopped and searched 560 people and arrested 12 for offences which include, robbery, drugs, assaults and public order. More than 40 mobile phones were also checked to see if they had been stolen.
Detective Inspector Mark Nevitt from Smethwick CID said: "This operation is on on-going initiative. We are sending out high visibility patrols in a bid to both reassure the public and prevent crime.
"As well as the foot patrols, officers are travelling on local buses and undertaking cycle patrols. This week, one of our cycle patrols caught a man in West Smethwick Park, who had snatched a lady's handbag. He has already been before the courts.
" We have been very pleased by the results so far and have found the majority of people are delighted to meet and greet officers. As well as arresting the criminals, we have been giving out crime prevention advice and working in partnership with other agencies to make Smethwick a safer place for everyone who lives and works here."
