Crusher flattens petty crime rate Birmingham

Mar 4 2008 By Mark Cowan, Birmingham Mail

POLICE and council officials have been praised by Birmingham people for their crushing response to dodgy drivers.

A mobile crusher was on the streets of Alum Rock pulverising cars seized by police for having no tax, MoT or insurance. Operation Intrusive II was a direct response to the issues that most annoyed residents and business owners, who outlined them at regular meetings with police.

Habib Rehman, aged 42, a member of Saltley Business Association and owner of Habz Hairdressers, said low-level crime was the No.1 concern in the area, and praised police for listening to them and taking a stand.

"If people think they can get away with the small stuff then things start to progress and the problem is going to grow," he said.

"We're now getting more engagement with the police and things are starting to improve."

Retired forklift truck driver Nobby Clark, aged 69, a regular at police meetings, said: "I think it works well to encourage the public to get involved."

Birmingham newsagent Bhulabhai Mistry, aged 58, said: "Police really are listening and taking some action."

A white Rover Metro and a blue Ford Escort were the first cars to be crushed in the blitz on low-level crime.

The were among 900 vehicles seized in joint police, council and DVLA operations on the streets of Birmingham.

Martin Smith, from Birmingham City Council's environmental crime unit, said: "All those people not paying what's due are putting the lives of law-abiding people at risk.

"These joined up operations are really successful. They are helping us target offenders who historically may have fallen through the gaps.