Solihull Police on alert as crime rises in Tudor Grange Park - The Solihull Observer

Solihull Police on alert as crime rises in Tudor Grange Park

Solihull Editorial 10th Nov, 2017 Updated: 13th Nov, 2017   0

SOLIHULL police are on alert after concerns about crime in Tudor Grange Park were raised by a councillor.

Safety warnings have been issued and there is an increased police presence in the park, and others, around Solihull.

The Observer spoke to Coun Ken Hawkins who told us measures are being taken to give security to vulnerable people using Tudor Grange park.

He said young people are particularly susceptible to crimes, especially as the park is very close to Tudor Grange Academy.




Coun Hawkins said: “Residents have asked us to get involved because they have either been victims or know victims of crime in the park.

“One of my fundamental concerns is this is not a new thing. Any area where young people go, there are concerns for safety.


“Young people tend to be the victims – people forget that.”

Council figures show that for robbery in particular, incidents between young people are a particular problem.

Recent figures show four in ten crimes over the past year have involved victims under the age of 18.

A council report states: “Our parks are the locations which have seen an increase in (robbery) offences compared to last year.”

Coun Hawkins added: “The police have made a lot of arrests and they are taking action, trying to increase visible patrols.

“It is about making people feel safe.”

A West Midlands Police spokesperson said: “Solihull Police are aware of a number of incidents recently within Tudor Grange Park and its vicinity where teenagers have been robbed and personal items such as mobile phones and pedal cycles stolen.

“The local police have been and are patrolling the location and responding to information provided by the public and this has resulted in arrests which has seen a reduction in the number of incidents.

“We are aware that there is reporting on social media and community concern in relation to these incidents and are working with community representatives to provide reassurance.”

Police figures show total crimes per month have only dropped below 650 on three occasions this year- although the latest statistics are for August.

It contrasts with last year when total crime levels per month were consistently below 580 – with the exception of August, September, October, November and December.

This shows an upward trajectory in total crime figures for Solihull.

 

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