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News

Sutton Coldfield police report 46 per cut in serious crime

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SUTTON COLDFIELD – A major police initiative in Sutton Coldfield has slashed rates of serious crime by nearly half in its first fortnight, West Midlands Police have reported.

Operation Skybridge, a specialised deployment targeting serious and acquisitive crime (SAC), was launched in the area over two weeks ago. New data reveals a dramatic 46% reduction in overall SAC offences, including robbery, burglary, and vehicle crime, since the operation began.

Key Crime Reduction Statistics in Sutton Coldfield:

  • Burglary: Down 33%
  • Robbery: Down 42%
  • Theft from motor vehicle: Down 46%
  • Theft of motor vehicle: Down 60%

The operation’s impact follows multiple arrests for serious offences, including robbery, burglary, and drug supply. Police activity has been high, with officers conducting numerous stop-and-searches, proactive traffic stops, and generating dozens of intelligence reports to target offenders.

“While this is a promising start, we understand that behind every offence, there are victims,” stated the Operation Skybridge team. “We will continue to work alongside your local neighbourhood team to seek out those causing harm to the Sutton Coldfield community.”

Winter Security Warning for Birmingham Residents

With a week of sub-zero temperatures forecast, police issued urgent crime prevention advice to deter opportunistic thieves:

  • Never leave your vehicle running unattended while defrosting. Thieves target these moments and can steal a car in seconds.
  • Remove all valuables from your vehicle.
  • Ensure all windows and doors to your home are securely locked.
  • Consider upgrading to anti-snap locks on exterior doors to prevent a common method of forced entry.

How to Report Crime in the West Midlands

Anyone with information about robbery, burglary, vehicle crime, or drug crime in Sutton Coldfield or Birmingham is urged to contact:

  • Crimestoppers anonymously.
  • West Midlands Police via their official website webchat function.
  • Email the Operation Skybridge team directly at Opskybridge@westmidlands.police.uk (Note: This email is for intelligence and correspondence, not for reporting live crimes).

In an emergency, always call 999.

Operation Skybridge continues its deployment in support of local policing teams across the West Midlands.

News

Sutton care home offers free dementia advice

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Care Uk Trymview hall bristol. photography 2023. Picture by Shaun Fellows / Shine Pix Ltd

As part of a nationwide initiative, a care home in Sutton Coldfield is inviting local people to its free dementia advice event. On Wednesday 19th February, from 2pm-4pm, Care UK’s Mercia Grange, on Lichfield Road, is inviting members of the community to a special event as part of The Big Dementia Conversation.

Thgis is a nationwide initiative designed to show people how to better understand common symptoms and live well with the condition.  

While general awareness of the condition has improved, data from Care UK shows two thirds of people who have a relative living with dementia (62%) initially put their symptoms down to old age. Many Brits remain unaware of the ways older people can lead meaningful lives with the condition, prompting Care UK to relaunch its Big Dementia Conversation for the second year running. 

The ‘Adjusting to a Diagnosis of Dementia’ session at Mercia Grange will be led by Barbara Stephens, CEO of Dementia Pathfinders. Barbara will share insights into how someone’s journey with dementia might unfold following a diagnosis and offer advice on how to live positively with dementia, while making emotional and practical adjustments along the way. Complimentary refreshments will be available. 

In addition to the event, the Sutton Coldfield community can also visit a newly launched online advice hub. The hub includes in-depth conversations with families of people living with dementia, as well as expert advice from Care UK’s dementia specialists to learn how to reduce the risks and symptoms of the condition. 

Michael McNelis, Home Manager at Mercia Grange, said: “Most people will be affected by dementia in their lifetime – whether it’s through a loved one’s diagnosis or their own.

“We know just how much of a difference expert guidance can make, which is why we’re looking forward to welcoming Barbara to Mercia Grange for the Big Dementia Conversation. She will be able to provide guidance for carers, while offering insight into what it’s like to live with the condition.

“We’d like to encourage those interested in attending to book their space to avoid missing out.”

For more information on Mercia Grange and to book a place at the event, please call Customer Relations Manager Rachel Mackay on 0121 314 3196, or email rachel.mackay@careuk.com

To support people who may be experiencing symptoms of dementia or their loved ones, Care UK has set up a free helpline and advice hub. To find out more, please visit: careuk.com/bigdementiaconversation