We feel abandoned by police in crimewave, say Kings Heath residents - BBC News
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"We feel abandoned by police": A community's despair after months of crime
By Rebecca Woods & Eleanor Lawson
Reporting from Kings Heath
Published 3 hours ago
Staff at Subway in Kings Heath, Birmingham, are accustomed to dealing with challenging customers. However, they were not prepared for the recent surge in criminal activity that has left them and their fellow business owners feeling unsafe and worried.
"We've had a number of staff leave recently," one worker shared. "They should not have to come to work in fear."
Across the road at Greggs, a group of teenagers has been known to rush in to grab armfuls of food while a female employee was once assaulted by a teenage girl for attempting to lock the doors to prevent further thefts.
A convenience store manager, reflecting on frequent break-ins, expressed concern: "We have to keep our doors locked all evening."
Coustis hair salon, a family business operating in Kings Heath for 40 years, has had its windows boarded up after repeated acts of vandalism.
Kings Heath is renowned for its excellent schools, independent shops, vibrant music scene, and thriving arts community. However, recent months have seen a disturbing increase in anti-social behavior, leaving many residents feeling vulnerable and questioning the level of control in their neighborhood.
Community Outcry
Facebook groups are filled with firsthand accounts of crimes occurring almost daily, fueling anger and frustration among residents.
Police Response
Insp Hayley Thompson, responsible for policing in Kings Heath, assured that the force treats anti-social behavior seriously, emphasizing ongoing efforts to restore safety in the area.
However, Matt Powell from Enjoy Kings Heath, the local Business Improvement District (BID), expressed skepticism, stating:
"This community has been let down by the police. People feel like they've been abandoned."
He attributed a perceived vacuum of authority to the potential rise in vigilantism and highlighted the open drug dealing and increasing shoplifting as significant problems.
Funding and Policing Efforts
In July, West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster announced £12.2m in funding for 150 new police officers and 20 PCSOs, along with the redeployment of 139 officers to local teams, emphasizing a prevention-focused approach.
Despite these efforts, many Kings Heath residents remain concerned about the closure of their local police station in 2025, ten years after its front desk was discontinued.