A Birmingham councillor has called for urgent police intervention in Kings Heath after residents were allegedly forced to barricade themselves inside a community centre due to intimidating behaviour by a group of youths.
Coun Jordan Phillip, who represents Brandwood and Kings Heath on Birmingham City Council, said the incidents were occurring on a "weekly basis" and were having a "materially affecting" impact on the safety and quality of life for locals.
The Green Party councillor said attendees at evening classes at the All Saints Centre in Kings Heath felt compelled to barricade themselves inside until police arrived, following what he described as "intimidating behaviour".
Allegations of vandalism and knife threats
In a letter to West Midlands Police, Coun Phillip detailed a series of alleged incidents involving a "specific group of young people" linked to crime on Kings Heath High Street, in Kings Heath Park and across the surrounding area.
The councillor said the reported incidents included vandalism of shops, kicking in doors, damaging residential properties, the use of a knife to threaten residents and the intimidation at the All Saints Centre.
Coun Phillip said: "Since my election in May 2026, I have become increasingly concerned about a specific group of young people who have been repeatedly associated with incidents of crime on Kings Heath High Street, in Kings Heath Park and across the surrounding area."
He added: "I want to be clear that these are not isolated or low-level incidents of anti-social behaviour. Residents are reporting incidents on a weekly basis and the cumulative impact is materially affecting the safety and quality of life of those who live, work and visit Brandwood and Kings Heath."
Growing perception of unchecked behaviour
Coun Phillip said that despite "the volume and severity of reports", there was a "growing perception" in the community that the problem remained "unaddressed" and "unchecked".
He warned that this perception could embolden those involved and risk the severity of their offences escalating.
The councillor stressed that any individuals alleged to be involved should be treated fairly and supported appropriately, particularly given their personal circumstances are unknown. However, he said this "cannot come at the expense of the many residents who have already been victims of, or directly affected by, this behaviour".
He called on West Midlands Police to "urgently review" the situation.
Police response
West Midlands Police told BirminghamLive that it was aware of concerns around anti-social behaviour in Kings Heath and that officers were working with community groups to take action.
A spokesperson said: "We're aware of ongoing concerns around anti-social behaviour in Kings Heath and are continuing to work with community groups and the local authority to take action against known offenders."
The force added: "Throughout this summer we have held regular community meetings and engagement, as well as high-visibility patrols and targeted operations to respond to the concerns of the public."
