Police have targeted a new city suburb with dozens of arrests and stop-and-searches leading to ‘early success’
09:52, 16 May 2026Updated 10:00, 16 May 2026
Nearly 50 arrests as crime crackdown targets Birmingham suburb
A new crime crackdown in a Birmingham suburb has seen almost 50 arrests in weeks.
West Midlands Police ’s Operation fearless, which began in Erdington in January 2025, has now moved to Handsworth and the Soho Road area in particular.
While the operation was officially launched in the north Birmingham district this week, it unofficially started at the end of April.
Read more: Two shops raided as hundreds of illicit items seized and metal bats found
In that time, police officers have flooded the area and made 45 arrests for crime including drug dealing, possessing knives, robbery and burglary.
Six prisoners, who have breached their licence conditions, have been found and returned behind bars, while suspected thieves, burglars and drug dealers have been charged.
A ‘Bob Shop’ is visited by Trading Standards and Immigration officers during Operation Fearless(Image: Nick Wilkinson/Birmingham Live)
Some 36 stop and searches have been carried out in the area and have had a ‘high success rate’ police said, where drugs and knives being seized.
In addition, 14 vehicles have been seized, and police working with Trading Standards have seized illegal goods being sold in mini-mart style shops on Soho Road.
Get breaking news on BirminghamLive WhatsApp
A spokesperson for West Midlands Police said: “Operation Fearless has hit the ground running on the Soho Road and Handsworth triangle – with significant arrests and a great response from the community.
“More than 100 officers and colleagues from partner agencies officially launched Fearless on Wednesday to mark the start of their work to tackle the crimes that matter to the community.
“While Wednesday was the official launch, the team has been working hard since the end of April.”
Read more: Drivers pulled and shops raided – how massive crime crackdown happened in hours
The targeted police operation began in Erdington, before being expanded to the Southside area of the city centre, around Hurst Street, and now Handsworth.
It is made up of 14 dedicated officers, who work with local police teams.
A police spokesperson said: “Fearless deployments are based on statistics and crime analysis, and we have identified that this location would benefit from the operation’s problem-solving activity, to pursue those whose criminal and anti-social behaviour affect people who live, work or visit the area.
“It means you might notice an increased police presence, as the team use a mix of high-visibility and plain-clothed patrols, as well as targeted intelligence and warrants to tackle the issues that matter to local residents, businesses, and partners.”
Read more: Food court hits back at ‘harmful’ critics after opening ‘without permission’
The 45 new arrests add to the 500 plus arrests already made by Operation Fearless officers in the other two areas of Birmingham.
Dozens of dangerous weapons have been seized, along with large quantities of drugs and more than half a million pounds in illicit cash.
Police say the crime crackdown has led to ‘significant reductions in knife crime and youth violence’.
The Handsworth area will see ‘more cops on the beat’ and a real focus on the crime that matter most to locals in the area.
The police spokesperson added: “Report any suspicious activity to us on 101. In an emergency, always dial 999. Your information could help us prevent crime and keep our community safe.
“You can also report crime anonymously to Crimestoppers online at crimestoppers-uk.org or by phone on 0800 555 111.”