Police op bringing 'real change' to city centre

A NEW police initiative targeting part of Birmingham city centre has led to 50 arrests in a month.

- NICK HORNER News Reporter

Operation Fearless, which began in Erdington in January and is now focusing on the Southside area of the city, has recorded some big results since launching on April 29.

The police team aims to reduce crime and in particular issues with drugs, anti-social behaviour, theft from shops and other issues which “have a real impact on people’s lives”.

Its successes include:

■ The discovery of a £1 million illegal tobacco factory following the arrest of a man for possessing an offensive weapon. Properties were searched and five people have been charged with conspiracy to defraud and conspiracy to cheat the public revenue, and have been remanded in custody ahead of a trial.