'Operation Fearless has already left a legacy in Erdington'

BRUM'S TOP COP TALKS TO THE MAIL AS INITIATIVE ROLLS OUT INTO THE CITY CENTRE

- NAOMI DESOUZA

THE boss of West Midlands Police has shared his verdict on the city’s struggle with knife crime and violence as the force launches the second wave of its new operation for 2025.

Operation Fearless launched in Erdington in January, where crime was costing the taxpayer an estimated £7 million.

Now attention has turned to Birmingham’s Southside district.

As a team of 20 officers set their sights on the city centre, Chief Constable of West Midlands Police Craig Guildford says the force is cracking down on the crimes plaguing Birmingham and has plans to make a dent in crime levels and boost public confidence.

Issues around the city are complex and likely not helped by years of cuts, stretched prisons and court delays.

However many Erdington residents we spoke to in January said more bobbies on the beat would make a huge difference to community safety.

As Operation Fearless launched in Birmingham city centre on April 29, the Birmingham Mail quizzed Mr Guildford on everything from knife crime to resource rolled out in the bin strikes.

Q: We're five months into Operation Fearless - what has been the feedback?