Bobbies on the Beat: We are helping to change perception of the area
Sep 23 2010 By Rebekah Oruye
LOZELLS may have a bad reputation for crime in the city but all that’s changing thanks to the bobbies making a positive mark on the streets.
Sgt Neil Mason is one of two sergeants overseeing police neighbourhood teams of Lozells, East Handsworth and Birchfield.
He said the area suffered from a general misconception about the level of crime.
“People from outside of the area think Lozells has a reputation of high crime and drugs. And that it is not a very nice place to live.
“In fact many people in the community take pride in their area. Some run neighbourhood groups and interact with police on a regular basis.”
The statistics prove there has been a notable drop in reported crime – down 25 per cent in the past year.
Since April, there have been 39 arrests, with criminals brought to justice under the Misuse of Drugs Act and Dangerous Dogs Act. As well as illegal drugs, the team seized up to £25,000 in cash of drug dealers’ money and captured seven pitbulls. Sgt Mason said: “We listen to residents’ concerns. When they do tell us about any drugs being distributed from premises or being used at premises, we carry out raids and act on information.”
“There have been three houses closed, that had been used as crackhouses. That was partially thanks to residents who brought the matter to our attention.”
When it comes to any anti-social behaviour on the streets, Sgt Mason said new powers had allowed officers to break-up gangs loitering in busy areas.
One of the commercial hubs in Handsworth, the Soho Road, is subject to the new dispersal orders.
