A group of volunteer crime fighters in Shirley, which has confronted drug dealers, recovered weapons from parks and patrolled the streets have been nominated for an award by the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner.
Shirley Street Watch, which is comprised of twelve volunteers, started their work in Shirley in January and have spent hundreds of hours tackling anti-social behaviour and reassuring the community.
In May 2018 they spent more than 100 hours confronting drug dealers, reporting drink drivers and working with other agencies in tackling the problems in their neighbourhood.
The volunteers don’t just help to tackle crime, they also get involved with litter picks. They have returned stolen trolleys to supermarkets and called on the council to fix problems such as broken bollards, fly tipping and unlocked park gates.
The West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, David Jamieson, said: “The Street Watch team are a real asset to the community in Shirley. They are a fine example of a group of active citizens who want to make positive changes.
“Many of them do this on top of their careers and full time jobs in order to make a difference.
“What is all the more remarkable is just twelve months ago they didn’t know each other and now they are a highly successful force for change.”
Patrols are conducted in pairs and the Shirley team work most days of the week. Members of the public have given high praise to the group for the work they do keeping the area safe.
Volunteer Chris Smith, said: “In just 6 months we have seen anti-social behaviour drop considerably in Shirley. The drug dealers have stopped doing their trade from the car parks. You also no longer see the laughing gas canisters which used to litter the streets.
“As well as the crime prevention work, I’m really proud we have been able to help and support so many homeless people and find somewhere warm for them to stay.”
Shirley Street Watch will continue to work closely with their local policing team to tackle anti-social behaviour, drug dealing, drink driving and much more.
The Outstanding Citizens Awards take place on 5th July.
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