Police in Selly Oak are pleased to report that crime in the area is significantly lower compared to September last year.
A strong police presence including more patrol shifts until 6am in the morning appear to be helping keep levels to a minimum with just one break in on Tiverton Road and one robbery on Teignmouth Road having occurred in recent weeks.
On the latter occasion, plain clothed police were quick to arrive on the scene as the attack on a student took place outside his home and were able to arrest three offenders, who are due to appear in court later this month.
Speaking at a student meet and greet session on the University of Birmingham’s Edgbaston campus, PCSO Carl Barrington said that it remained important for students to be aware and vigilant.
In addition, police and Community Wardens will be continuing with their ‘all out there day’ awareness programme with one a week until Christmas. The days involve advice stalls in which officers hand out free crime prevention devices during the day and check houses in Selly Oak for potential safety hazards such as open doors, windows and gates in the evenings.
The scheme, increased following a high rise in crime earlier in the year, is a crucial part of the local police’s engagement strategy. Students are already starting to notice the increased numbers of police around Selly Oak, and 4th year student Thomas Dodd admitted to ‘feeling more secure in his surroundings’.
Alex Seftel
