Senior police officers in Birmingham have issued a direct plea to the public, urging them not to be afraid to visit the city centre following a recent wave of knife crime and anti-social behaviour. The appeal comes as parents express nervousness about their children visiting the popular Birmingham Christmas Markets alone.
Visible Reassurance for the Festive Season
In response to community concerns, West Midlands Police has launched the Winter in Action initiative, designed to provide visible reassurance throughout the festive period. The operation, which will run until January 31, involves a significant deployment of resources. The public can expect to see:
- Specialist officers trained to spot criminal intent.
- Uniformed officers, police dogs, and drone units.
- Undercover officers and enhanced CCTV monitoring.
Detective Chief Inspector John Askew directly addressed the public's fears, stating: "Please don't be afraid. Do come into the city. You'll see plenty of police officers about, or officers from the business improvement district, or council officers. We're here to keep people safe."
Tackling Knife Crime Head-On
The police reassurance follows a concerning series of incidents in the city centre this year. At least 12 people have been stabbed in or around the heart of Birmingham in 2025, with three men in their 20s suffering stab wounds just last week. This spike has led some parents to describe themselves as "nervous wrecks" when considering independent visits for their children.
To combat this, the force is utilising Operation Guardian, a dedicated task force that targets high-crime areas with tactics including stop and search. Police are also working with violence reduction partners to deliver preventative messages in schools.
A Sustained Commitment to Safety
Highlighting their ongoing efforts, police also recently completed Operation Active, a one-day initiative that saw 150 extra officers deployed in the city centre to tackle knife crime, violence against women and girls, and issues with e-bikes. While this was a specific operation, BCC Police Inspector Scott Taylor emphasised that the commitment is year-round.
"We will continue to work with our partners and the public to keep the public safe and reduce crime," Inspector Taylor said. "There's no need to be nervous. There is nothing to suggest you are more likely to be a victim of crime, so come into the city centre and enjoy yourself. We are here to help you and serve the public."
Inspector Taylor reinforced the effectiveness of hotspot policing, noting that increased officer visibility in problem areas leads directly to a reduction in crime. The overarching message from West Midlands Police remains clear: the city centre is open for business, and safety is their top priority.
