the neighbourhood policing as being at “breaking point”
Shopkeepers and residents in Kings Heath, Birmingham, say they feel increasingly unsafe following a rise in shoplifting, vandalism and anti-social behaviour.
Businesses across the neighbourhood have reported repeated crime incidents involving groups of teenagers.
Staff at a Subway store described several disruptive incidents during the summer, including one where teenagers jumped over the counter and stole trays of crisps and cookies.
One worker said several staff members had recently left because they felt unsafe at work.
Nearby businesses have also reported problems.
At Greggs, a group reportedly rushed into the shop and stole armfuls of food.
A teenage girl reportedly assaulted a female worker after attempting to lock the doors.
A nearby convenience store has also been repeatedly targeted. The manager said staff now have to keep the doors locked throughout the evening.
At Coustis hair salon, windows were smashed and have since been boarded up.
The salon has been part of the Kings Heath community for around 40 years.
The incidents have sparked frustration among residents and business owners.
Community groups on Facebook have also shared reports of alleged crime and anti-social behaviour.
Matt Powell from Enjoy Kings Heath, the area’s Business Improvement District, said traders felt abandoned.
He criticised the lack of visible policing and warned that frustration could create a risk of vigilantism.
Drug dealing and shoplifting have also been identified as major concerns.
West Midlands Police said it takes anti-social behaviour “incredibly seriously”.
Inspector Hayley Thompson said officers were working with partners to make Kings Heath safer.
The area’s police station closed permanently in 2025. Neighbourhood officers are now based at Moseley Police Station, more than a mile away.
Residents have questioned whether the closure has contributed to concerns about policing visibility.
Further concerns emerged after four boys aged between 11 and 14 were reportedly threatened with a knife at Kings Heath Park.
The incident happened on August 29 while the boys were visiting the park.
Their family said they spoke to police that evening but had not received further contact a week later.
West Midlands Police said it could not comment because of an ongoing case.
Councillor Hamzah Sheikh said he was extremely concerned about residents feeling unsafe.
He described the neighbourhood policing as being at “breaking point”.
Councillor Jordan Phillip has also written to West Midlands Police requesting a meeting.
Selly Oak MP Al Carns said more than 100 offences were believed to have been committed by the same group.
Two boys aged 13 and 14 were charged with theft of a motor vehicle on Wednesday.
The West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner said concerns had been escalated to senior officers.
He said the local neighbourhood team was expected to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour urgently.
Despite the concerns, community members remain determined to improve Kings Heath.
A petition has been launched calling for authorities to work together against persistent anti-social behaviour.
Salon owner Tina Bartlam said the area had been left feeling “abandoned and vulnerable”.
However, she believes Kings Heath can recover if action is taken quickly.
“This is redeemable,” she said, adding that the community needs a “short, sharp shock”.
