Six-week crime crackdown for Sandwell

Safer 6 will be see the council, fire service, police and health organisations joining forces.

They will aim to tackle a range of issues in each of the borough's six towns, such as sprucing up 'grot spots' and offering crime prevention advice to help reduce the number of burglaries.

Police will step up patrols across the borough, and there will also be rogue trader crackdowns and firework safety work.

The aim is to help reduce crime as winter starts as traditionally this is when there is a rise in problems. The campaign, which is in its fifth year, will run from this week until November 9.

Councillor Mahboob Hussain, Sandwell Council deputy leader, said: "It's great to see this successful campaign back for another year.

"It will build on the successes of the previous four years' campaigns and will also show to everyone how we are all working together to keep our communities safe."

Sandwell Police Chief Inspector Sean Phillips, said: "We are delighted to support Safer 6 again this year.

"Organisations will work with the community to identify issues, tackle crime and anti-social behaviour, clean up 'grot spots', address areas of vulnerability and promote safety and crime prevention to people of all ages."

West Midlands Fire Service's Jason Jew said: "Organisations work closely together day in, day out throughout the year to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.

"Safer 6 is all about us targeting our efforts and providing added reassurance during the darker nights, fireworks and bonfire season – a time when crime and anti-social behaviour can often rise."

This week will see action taking place in Oldbury and next week the spotlight will be on Tipton.

Work will take place in Rowley Regis for a week from October 13, in Wednesbury from October 20, in West Bromwich from October 26 and in Smethwick from November 3.

A launch event was held in Oldbury on Saturday to mark the start of the campaign.

Visitors were able to talk to police officers, get safety advice, see the council's new CCTV 'camera car' which will be used to tackle illegal parking outside schools and watch firefighting demonstrations.

Volunteers from Sandwell Crime Prevention Panel and Neighbourhood Watch also attended to talk to visitors.

Staff from Integrated Recovery in Services (IRiS) were on hand to give advice and drug and alcohol services.