I’d like to take a moment to update you as we step into the Festive month of December the recent work which the Hillfields Team have been doing of late. The Hillfields Neighbourhood Team have remained committed to ensuring safety and security for everyone in your community. Our primary policing priority continues to be Vernon Court where efforts to prevent crime and maintain order remain a top focus. In November, we’ve had our Design Crime Out Officers putting together plans in areas such as Nelson St and Vernon Court and the closes nearby where issues have been identified by Citizen Housing and the local residents. These plans will be shared with Citizen Housing around potential improvements around safety and security to be implemented. In November we have continued our proactivity where we have had another Sixteen arrests related to various offences, including Theft, Criminal Damage and Burglary. The team have continued focusing on disruption and in particular persons who have been identified as driving motor vehicles on a road whilst unfit, this has led to arrests and drivers having significant driving bans / fines from the courts. This approach demonstrates our ongoing drive and commitment to removing criminal elements from the community and ensuring Hillfields remains a safe place for all residents. The team have also continued and participated in targeted patrols in identified areas linked to serious youth violence, this has led to positive engagement with members of public and reassurance around the work we have been doing. The team have put plans in place for all our PACT meetings for 2026, but are also putting Cuppa with the Copper events at various locations across Hillfields too, The team have our next planned Police and Communities Together meeting on 8th December from 1600 - 1700hrs at Thomas King House, if you would like details around our planned meetings information can be found at: West Midlands Police – St Michaels Meetings and Events. We have also planned these meetings for 2026 so make sure they are in your calendars to come and meet the team discussing matters which mean the most to you. St Michael's | Your area | West Midlands Police | West Midlands Police Hillfileds team have recently had PCSO Petrosino join us, he will be leading and taking ownership around Street watch within Hillfields, for details and contact for this opportunity see below. Streetwatch is a community patrol initiative that helps you make a difference where you live. Street watch gives you and your community an opportunity to keep your area safe, including just walking round your neighbourhood, which can really help. Local police keep in regular contact with street watch members to share information and work in partnership with you. Street Watch | West Midlands Police For details of Street Watch see information below but if this is something which you are interested in please make contact with email: stmichaels@westmidlands.police.uk As we have those darker nights, it's important to take extra precautions to keep your home and vehicle safe. We often see a seasonal rise in burglary and car crime across the West Midlands through the autumn and winter months. Criminals will use the cover of darkness to act. Most burglaries happen through insecure doors and windows, so where you can close them, and lock them even when you’re in. If you have elderly or vulnerable neighbours ask them if they would like some help with their home security. West Midlands Police: Christmas Safety Guide 2025 | Birmingham Voluntary Service Council It has come to our attention that there have been reports of furniture and unwanted items being dumped on the streets of Hillfields in particular around Vaxuhall Street, I will encourage you all to be aware of the website ‘Fix My Street’. This will allow yourselves as residents to report these matters along with damaged street furniture to the Local Authority: FixMyStreet If you would like to be aware of the regular work we do, the team put information on the below social media. This will give you the opportunity to be aware of the various activities we do. X - @CoventryCityWMP Facebook – Coventry Police. We strongly encourage residents to report any suspicious activity or criminal behaviour. If you have information that could assist in keeping Hillfields safe, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org. Your reports can make a real difference in preventing crime and protecting the community. In addition to reporting crime, it’s important to take proactive steps to protect your home and belongings. Whether it's securing doors and windows, using good-quality locks, or improving outdoor lighting, small precautions can make a big difference. For valuable crime prevention advice, please visit West Midlands Police Crime Prevention Advice. Remember our contact details: Call 999 in emergency situations like these: · there is an immediate danger to life · someone is using violence or is threatening to be violent · a road traffic collision where life is at risk, or the road is blocked · a crime is happening right now, like a house burglary or a theft If you accidentally dial 999, please stay on the line and tell the operator you’re safe and that no crime has occurred. Hearing or speech impairments · If you have a hearing or speech impairment and you’ve pre-registered with the emergencySMS service, you can use our textphone service 18000 or text us on 999. · If you're a British Sign Language (BSL) user, you can call 999 BSL to use a remote BSL interpreter. Silent 999 calls · If you're in danger but you can't talk on the phone, you should still call 999, then follow these instructions. Non-emergency 101 · Call 101 for non-emergency enquiries. · If you have a hearing or speech impairment, use our textphone service on 18001 101. For other forms of contact please visit: Home | West Midlands Police We appreciate the continued cooperation and appreciate the feedback from residents, which plays a vital role in shaping our approach to community safety. If you have any concerns or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your local police team. Thank you for your support, and we look forward to working together for a safer Hillfields. Stay safe and take care, Your Hillfields Local Police Team PS Powell |