Arrest made, drugs and vehicles seized by Proactive Crime Team in Selly Oak

West Midlands Police said the Birmingham Proactive Crime Team patrolled the area yesterday afternoon and evening, 20 September, making several arrests, seizing vehicles and drugs. One person was also arrested.

After running away from officers, a 28-year-old man was arrested and detained on suspicion of possession of a weapon and possession of a knife.

Omari Richards has now been charged with both offences.

Later that evening an abandoned car was found in Sturge Close. A search revealed a knife and 47 canisters of laughing gas, a class C drug, were seized.

The car has been seized and will undergo forensic examination.

Later that night, a second car was stopped and seized after being caught speeding on Dawlish Road. The driver of the vehicle was found to be driving without insurance and without a licence.

The team, made up of both plainclothes and uniformed officers, focuses on areas where information is received about crime affecting our communities, targeting people believed to be involved in robberies, burglaries and drug crime.

Their aim is to disrupt criminal gangs and crime and to reassure people by making them visible.

A West Midlands Police spokesman said: “We continue to work in the Selly Oak area and disrupt people we suspect are involved in crime.

“Our Birmingham Proactive Crime Team patrolled the area yesterday afternoon and evening (20 September) and made several arrests, including the seizure of vehicles and drugs. One person was also arrested.

“After running away from officers, a 28-year-old man was arrested and detained on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon and possession of a knife.

“Omari Richards has now been charged with both offences.

Later that evening an abandoned car was found in Sturge Close. A search revealed a knife and 47 canisters of laughing gas, a class C drug, were seized.

“The car has been seized and will be forensically examined.

“A second car was stopped and seized later that night after being caught speeding on Dawlish Road. The driver of the vehicle was found to be driving without insurance and without a licence.

“The team, made up of both plainclothes and uniformed officers, focuses on areas where information is received about crime affecting our communities. It targets people believed to be involved in robberies, burglaries and drug crime.

“Their aim is to disrupt criminal gangs and crime and to reassure people by making them visible.

“If you have any information about crime in your area, please call us on 101 and quote #OpSkybridge. The information we receive will be considered and actioned.

“You can also leave information by contacting us via our Live Chat, which can be found on our website. Or if you wish to remain anonymous, you can call Crimestoppers, the independent charity, on 0800 555 111.”