Crackdown on nuisance vehicles ANTI-social behaviour comes in many guises, including making Birmingham’s streets difficult to navigate because of thoughtlessly parked vehicles. Handsworth Wood Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT)  launched on Monday 18th October the first of a series of crackdowns on vehicle obstruction and parking offences – in response to public concerns.

NPT Sergeant Lucy Bird said: “This was a high visibility operation targeting parking and obstruction issues, which have been highlighted by local residents in the Rookery Road and Grestone Road areas. Issues raised by the local community are our priority and we take them very seriously.”

The operation, which took place between 12noon and 4pm on Monday 18th October, involved two constables and a PCSO supported by three Birmingham City Council enforcement officers who issued numerous tickets to vehicles causing an obstruction or parked on double yellow lines.

Sgt Bird added: “Members of the public were very pleased to see our officers tackling the problem and made a point of thanking them. The NPT now intends to mount regular operations of this kind as part of our strategy to tackle anti-social behaviour in the area. “We want to send out the message that this type of disregard for the safety of others will not be tolerated in the local area.” Half-term holiday fun NEVER work with children and animals, so the saying goes. But officers from the Handsworth Wood Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) will be ignoring the adage next Monday and Tuesday (October 25 and 26) as they enter into the spirit of a fun day at St Augustine’s School.

The NPT has organised the event at the Avenue Road school in Handsworth in partnership with West Midlands Fire Service. The school hall will be open between 10am and 3pm each day, and people are invited along to meet WMP dog handlers and their furry friends and take a closer look at the workings of a fire engine. Other attractions at the free event will include a petting zoo, magic show, face painting and balloon modelling.

Handsworth Wood NPT Sergeant Lucy Bird said: “The Fun Days have been planned to co-incide with half-term week and the run-up to Hallowe’en, Bonfire Night and Diwali. It is hoped the two-day event will provide a focus for the local young people of the area and will provide us with the opportunity to speak to them about safety issues. We will also take the opportunity to promote the good work being done in the local area by the NPT and our colleagues at WMFS.”

To contact Srg Lucy Bird or the Neighbourhood Police team call 0345 113 5000 ext 7812 6555