Police in Stourbridge are aiming to tackle anti-social behaviour and aggressive begging and harassment in the town centre as part of a new neighbourhood policing approach.

Last week, officers got together with partners from Dudley Council and a recovery centre that supports vulnerable people on a walkabout in the town to witness first-hand and deal with the problems that have been reported by the public. 

The aim of the patrols is to link with local authority partners and those working across the charity and voluntary sectors to make sure that those in need can get appropriate help and support to improve their situation. Another focus is on keeping people safe from criminal activity and antisocial behaviour, something locals feel is increasingly affecting the town. Neighbourhood Policing Manager Inspector Adam Austin, who led the patrol, said:

“We want our town centres to be thriving, welcoming places for locals and visitors alike and we’re working together with the council and other service providers to achieve this.

“We’re doing our bit to make sure those who need help get it while responding to and dealing with any criminal behaviour that is being reported to us.” 

"One of the problems that is a source of frustration for shoppers and retailers alike is litter and other items strewn in shop doorways and being discarded on street corners. Working with the council, we arranged for members of their street cleaning team to join the patrol for a sweep up operation, which was well received by locals.

"We know that residents are also concerned about their own personal safety and we have received reports of shoppers being intimated by people aggressively asking for money. We have recently arrested a woman for harassment and a man for assault.

“We want to create a vibrant, safe town centre,” added Inspector Austin. “But, while we can’t deal with all the problems that arise, there are mechanisms for joint working around them. I chair the local Safer Places meeting with representatives from emergency services, the council and other support groups, and police staff also attend community group meetings. 

“We also need members of the public to get in touch with us and I urge people to report crimes or other issues around anti-social and intimidating behaviour that are concerning them.” 

You can report crime via Live Chat on the West Midlands Police website, or by calling 101. You can also get in touch with Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Stourbridge residents can contact their local policing team via email, to stourbridge@westmidlands.police.uk.