West Midlands Police be working with partners to tackle crime, anti-social behaviour and other community concerns as Safer 6 returns to Sandwell.

The campaign will see Sandwell Council, Sandwell Local Policing Area, West Midlands Fire Service and other partner agencies join forces to address issues which matter to residents across the borough’s six towns.

Through the Safer Sandwell Partnership there will be a wide mixture of activity including enforcement, joint operations, education around the dangers of carrying weapons and also highlighting services which are available to support communities.

There are issues which worry and frustrate residents, from violence and weapons to dangerous and nuisance bikes. There will be targeted activities and action carried out in each of the borough's six towns during the campaign which starts today.

The first public information event of the campaign will be at Asda Great Bridge in Tipton from 12– 2pm with the council, police, fire service and Cranstoun providing a range of advice. Free crime prevention materials will also be available at the event.

Safer 6 aims to build on the work taking place day in, day out to address people’s concerns and help raise awareness around the support they can access from different agencies.

Each town will have a specific focus week:

• Week 1: Tipton Monday 25 September – Sunday 1 October
• Week 2: Oldbury Monday 2 October – Sunday 8 October
• Week 3: West Bromwich Monday 16 October – Sunday 22 October
• Week 4: Rowley Regis Monday 23 October – Sunday 29 October
• Week 5: Smethwick Monday 30 October – Sunday 5 November
• Week 6: Wednesbury Monday 6 November – Sunday 12 November

There will be activities and events around a number of themes including anti-social behaviour and crime, substance misuse and trading standards issues. Councillor Syeda Khatun, Sandwell Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Communities, said:

“It’s so important people are safe and feel safe where they live and work. We work closely with the police and partner organisations through the Safer Sandwell Partnership throughout the year to prevent and tackle crime and anti-social behaviour, and make sure everyone can get the support they need.

“The Safer 6 campaign is a great opportunity to build on that work, bringing people together across Sandwell to promote safety and healthy living. I would like to thank all the teams and partner organisations supporting this year’s campaign.”

Chief Superintendent Kim Madill, Commander of Sandwell LPA and Chair of Safer Sandwell Partnership, added: "This is all about working together to make sure Sandwell is a safe place to live and work.

"We know there are issues which impact on our communities and we’ll be looking to address these during Safer 6. This is not just about enforcement though, as through the partnership we can look to change perceptions and highlight the support which is available.”

Anti-social behaviour can also be reported to Sandwell Council online or by calling 0121 368 1166. The police can be contacted through Live Chat on the force’s website or by ringing 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency.