Blitz on retail crime and anti-social behaviour

Bilston town centre will be the focus of a blitz on retail crime and anti-social behaviour on Friday, officials say.

The City of Wolverhampton Council's community safety, public protection and licensing teams will be on patrol with the neighbourhood policing team as part of the government-backed Safer Streets initiative.

The teams will advise shoppers on how to avoid scams, talk to businesses about shoplifting and anti-social behaviour and encourage pubs and venues to sign up to the Ask for Angela initiative which helps customers feeling unsafe.

The day of action in Bilston is part of several initiatives taking place in Wolverhampton city centre and Wednesfield over the summer, the council said.

Councillor Obaida Ahmed, cabinet member for health, wellbeing and community, said: "The Safer Streets initiative is all about ensuring our high streets continue to be safe and welcoming places for everyone, and about sharing information and advice with residents and businesses to help them avoid becoming victims of crime."

"This day of action is just one of a series of activities which will be taking place in Wolverhampton, Bilston and Wednesfield over the coming weeks, and if you are in Bilston town centre on Friday, please catch up with our officers to find out more."

Insp Steve Edwards, from Bilston police station, added: "We regularly run operations like this to tackle business crime and issues in the local area to make sure everyone visiting Bilston feels safe.

"Working with our partners as we enforce the national Safer Streets initiative means people will see increased police presence, more crime prevention work and enforcement action this summer."

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