Police in Erdington High Street for high profile blitz.

Nov 8 2008 by Mark Cowan, Birmingham Mail

Officers were pounding the beat at the train station while the force helicopter took to the skies overhead and traffic cops blitzed the roads.

The ‘All Out Day’ initiative was set up as part of Operation Intrusive aimed at tackling a seasonal rise in crime traditionally seen at this time of year.

More than 40 police officers and PCSO’s were involved.

After an on-street briefing they launched patrols around the High Street with support from sergeants, neighbourhood inspectors and the senior management team.

Police said they would be using hand-held metal detectors as part of tackling knife crime while the dogs unit were brought in to tackle drug crime.

Birmingham City Council Environmental Wardens and Traffic Wardens were also being drafted in to clear litter from the streets and enforce parking laws.

Insp Craig Underwood, from Queens Road police, said: “The all out day will help reassure local residents that they are safe in their neighbourhoods during the darker nights.

“All of our officers were pro-actively patrolling the area throughout the day with high visibility patrols, plain clothed officers, traffic teams, local detectives and the dogs unit all taking part.

“Whether people are on foot, driving or even flying they won’t be able to miss the police presence in and around the Erdington area.”