Police have launched a significant pre-Christmas crime crackdown in Sutton Coldfield, with specialist officers making multiple arrests in a targeted operation.
Operation Skybridge Targets Seasonal Crime Surge
The proactive crime team from West Midlands Police has been deployed on the streets of the Royal Town with the stated aim to drive down crime and protect local communities in the run-up to the festive period. The operation, part of the force-wide Operation Skybridge, focuses on offences including burglary, robbery, vehicle crime, and drug-related activities.
A police spokesperson confirmed the team is working around the clock on a mixture of shifts, including early mornings and overnight, and will maintain a visible presence in the area for the coming weeks. This includes both high-visibility patrols and covert, intelligence-led work.
Arrests and Seizures in Early Action
The operation has yielded swift results. Within just 24 hours of deployment last weekend, officers arrested a 39-year-old wanted man. He was charged with burglary, pleaded guilty, and is due to be sentenced next month.
In a separate incident on the Falcon Lodge estate, the driver of a vehicle fled upon seeing police. Following a short foot chase on Springfield Road, a 31-year-old man was detained. Subsequent searches led to the seizure of multiple wraps of suspected Class A drugs and a mobile phone believed to be linked to drug dealing.
The man was arrested on suspicion of possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply, driving without insurance, and driving while disqualified. He has been released on bail pending further enquiries.
Response to Vehicle Crime in Streetly
Additional police resources have been directed to the Streetly area following a sharp recent rise in vehicle thefts. The force's dedicated Road Crime Team has been conducting night-time patrols to deter and apprehend car thieves.
Officers report that, so far in Sutton Coldfield, they have made multiple arrests, engaged with the community, and received a positive response to their increased presence.
The Skybridge team is urging residents to come forward with any information. They can be contacted via email at opskybridge@westmidlands.police.uk.
