Since early 2024, new community safety measures implemented in Wednesbury have seen more arrests and reporting of crime also up significantly.
These include arrests for violent crimes, burglary, metal theft and drug offences.
The new measures funded by the Wednesbury Levelling Up Partnership (WLUP) and Funded by Government included 26 new and upgraded CCTV cameras, deployable cameras, a business radio scheme, measures to prevent nuisance bike activity, and work across the police, council, businesses and partners to improve reporting and response to crime in Wednesbury.
The Chair of the Wednesbury Levelling Up Partnership Board, Kallianne Titley, said:
“The Wednesbury Levelling Up Partnership Board was delighted to receive this report setting out impact of the community safety scheme.
“I am also looking forward to the lasting legacy that this work will have through improved relationships and responses to crime. I hope that the improved safety of the town centre will encourage more people to come and visit the town.”
Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Community, Councillor Suzanne Hartwell said:
“Wednesbury residents told us that they do not feel safe and this was raised as a top priority for the council and partners to take action on. I’m pleased that this new infrastructure is having results.
“I am especially pleased that we have seen nuisance bike activity going down as I know how this has affected residents in Wednesbury.”
“Thank you to the WLUP Board for making this work, local businesses for engaging so brilliantly, and to the police for delivering these amazing results. The collaboration between council teams, businesses, and the community has been vital.”
Sgt David Eeles from Wednesbury Neighbourhood Team said:
“Arrests and positive outcomes have increased in Wednesbury thanks to our partnership working with Sandwell Council.
“Extra CCTV cameras have helped identify and prosecute more suspects and collect crucial evidence. The cameras also act as a deterrent to discourage potential offenders.
“This, along with the business radio scheme and nuisance bike interventions are part of our partnership efforts to make sure Wednesbury is a safe place to work, live and visit.”
Watch the Community Safety video
A Wednesbury business security guard was quoted in the report as saying:
“We are reporting far more and have noticed the difference this has made. If the police hear us businesses on the radio, they are normally able to be directed by the CCTV team to where the issues are and the police are arresting and dealing with more issues, so we are seeing real results”.
