WEAPONS and drugs raids, motor checks and a day of action were all in a month’s work for Solihull police.
Throughout February West Midlands Police held Op Advance in the borough – which saw more police officers and specialist units come together an intensive day of action.
Op Advance is a force-wide initiative which takes place in each local policing area across the region throughout the year.
During the day police held engagement events in Touchwood with officers out speaking with the community, listening to any concerns raised, and the police horses and police dogs out in Solihull town centre.
Over the day seven arrests were made for a variety of offences, and seized a number of weapons and drugs following multiple warrants which were carried out at address across Solihull.
Over in Chelmsley Wood, neighbourhood teams were joined by the Roads Policing Unit at a Multi-agency road safety operation (MARSO), where 33 vehicles were checked.
This resulted in tickets being issued for illegal loads, illegal tinted windows, and four vehicles were seized for offences including no MOT or no insurance.
The horses also patrolled around the Stratford Road and Shirley Park, where the mounted officers spoke with residents who wanted to meet the horses.
Earlier in the month, three teenage boys were attacked outside a shop on Stratford Road, and we have since arrested seven teenagers in connection with the incident, with one charged and remanded for attempted murder.
The shop where the incident took place has since closed following an application for a closure order.
The Guardian team seized a knife in Shirley Park, and Leo Eggington was charged with possession of a knife. He is due to appear before Magistrates later this month.
The force said: “We also held an engagement and recruitment event at Solihull Sixth Form college, were students had fun speaking with our officers including firearms, traffic, our horses and more.
“Our teams provided advice and delivered session to give the youngsters an understanding of the work we do and what goes into a stop and search. The stop and search demonstrations were positively met, giving the students an insight into why a search takes place, and what it entails.
“Neighbourhood policing is about listening to community concerns, taking action, and building strong relationships. From tackling wanted offenders and seizing illegal vehicles, to supporting local events and conducting speed checks, our teams are making a real difference every day.”
