'We feel abandoned by police': A community's despair after months of crime
Summary
Kings Heath, Birmingham, has seen a rise in crime affecting local shops and residents. Many people feel unsafe due to theft, vandalism, drug dealing, and a lack of visible police presence in the area.Key Facts
- Over 100 crimes are linked to a group causing trouble in Kings Heath.
- Shops like Subway and Greggs have been frequently targeted for theft and vandalism.
- Staff and customers have been verbally abused and, in some cases, physically assaulted during these incidents.
- Some businesses, such as a hair salon, have boarded up windows to protect against damage.
- Local community members feel abandoned by police and express frustration over reduced safety.
- The Kings Heath police station closed in 2025, moving officers farther away to Moseley police station.
- West Midlands Police received £12.2 million to add 150 new neighborhood officers and 20 support officers.
- The local Police and Crime Commissioner said officers are focusing on preventing crime but concerns about police visibility remain.
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