POLICE in Solihull have been taking part in Operation Advance and had several good results today (Thursday).
The 24-hour policing operation has been carried out in response to concerns raised by residents across the borough.
Drugs offences
This morning the Solihull Police Neighbourhood Team discovered a cannabis factory in Olton during a dawn raid.
A drugs warrant was executed just after 5am and three rooms in the property were found to be set up for cultivating cannabis.
A 28-year-old man was arrested from the address on suspicion of cultivating cannabis and abstracting electricity. He is currently in custody and will be questioned by local officers today.
Officers from Chelmsley Wood Police have been visiting licensed premises today where they have been conducting tests to identify if class A drugs have been taken in toilets there.
The police will now work with premises to ‘design out’ the opportunities for patrons to use drugs within the premises.
Car crime
A man was also arrested this morning in connection with the theft of a car at Solihull Hospital.
The 21-year-old was held in Coventry in the early hours of this morning after the car was spotted by local officers and suspected as stolen.
Solihull neighbourhood officers also arrested a 26-year-old man at his home in Kingshurst at 6am this morning following a string of car-key burglaries.
He was held on suspicion of four car key burglaries in Chelmsley Wood, Olton, Warwickshire and Coventry. He remains in police custody and will be questioned by detectives.
Outstanding warrant
The Solihull Priorities Team, which is deployed across the borough to arrest those who harm communities, located a man who had been wanted by the police for four months. He was arrested on suspicion of a domestic assault against his partner.
Illegal vapes
Also in Chelmsley Wood, officers visited a vape shop with Solihull Trading Standards. There a search uncovered a large amount of counterfeit tobacco and illegal vapes.
Speeding
The rural team have been out and about in Balsall Common and Kenilworth carrying out speed checks to catch drivers who flout the law.
Another Speedwatch operation was carried out on Bickenhill Road – everyone was driving within the limit. Officers did catch drivers in Coleshill Road with the highest being 39mph in a 30mph zone.
Targeting properties
Officers from Smithswood conducted joint visits in the area with Solihull Housing. Among the issues being addressed were exploitation, robbery, drug use, noise issues, graffiti and anti social behaviour.
The visits included speaking with members of the community to gain information and provide reassurance, putting up posters with helpful advice and looking into untenanted garages.
The force posted on X: “It was fantastic meeting so many people and showing what we can achieve together.”
Public transport
Police also took to public transport, including on buses and at Solihull and Marston Green Station.
Chelmsley Wood Police officers have also been at the Chelmsley interchange talking to students about travelling safely on the way home from school.
And police have been encouraging residents to take part in their local Street Watch scheme – click here for more. https://www.west-midlands.police.uk/get-involved
Student advice
Assistant Chief Constable Claire Bell dropped into Solihull College to talk with students about local policing and to share crime prevention tips on how to stay safe on campus and during commutes.
Students are urged to follow the dedicated ‘Safer Students’ Instagram for more.
Uniformed patrols
Patrols were also carried out in Chelmsley Wood town centre.
