repeated incidents were significantly affecting the safety and quality of life
A Birmingham councillor has called for urgent police action against a group of young people accused of causing havoc in the Kings Heath area.
Jordan Phillip, who represents Brandwood and Kings Heath, said a specific group was allegedly responsible for repeated incidents across the area.
The Green Party councillor said reports included vandalising homes and businesses, threatening local people with knives and intimidating people attending evening classes.
The incidents have reportedly taken place around Kings Heath High Street and Kings Heath Park.
Phillip said he had previously met with local police sergeants to discuss concerns about the group and the reported incidents.
According to the councillor, officers told him those involved were well known to police and that arrests had previously been made.
However, Phillip said residents increasingly believed the problem was not being adequately addressed.
In a letter to West Midlands Police, he said residents were reporting incidents on a weekly basis.
He warned that the repeated incidents were significantly affecting the safety and quality of life of people living and working locally.
Phillip said the reports should not be treated as isolated or low-level cases of anti-social behaviour.
He also raised concerns that a lack of effective action could encourage those involved to continue their behaviour.
The councillor warned that the seriousness of offences could potentially increase if the situation continued unchecked.
Phillip acknowledged the pressures currently facing West Midlands Police but said he remained concerned about neighbourhood policing in local communities.
He described the situation as an example of wider concerns about the ability of neighbourhood policing to respond effectively to ongoing problems.
The councillor has encouraged residents to report every incident to police, saying this would help officers understand the scale of the issue.
He has also called for an urgent meeting involving police and other relevant officials to discuss how the situation can be brought under control.
Phillip said a coordinated response was needed to address residents’ concerns and improve safety in Brandwood and Kings Heath.
Police have not yet provided a response to the claims about the group or the incidents reported by residents.
Phillip’s comments come amid concerns from residents about alleged anti-social behaviour and crime affecting parts of Kings Heath.
The councillor said continued reports were creating concern among people who live, work and attend activities in the area.
Residents have been encouraged to continue reporting incidents while discussions with police and other officials are pursued.
The issue is expected to remain under discussion as local representatives seek further action from West Midlands Police.
