Operation Unite targets known criminals

Sandwell Police have launched a major new operation to further reduce crime and focus on known criminals.

Launched on November 7 2011, Operation Unite involves dedicated teams of officers across the borough clamping down on known offenders who commit burglary, robbery, theft of metal and vehicle crime.

The teams are:

• making regular checks on those who have curfew conditions
• arresting anyone who has breached their curfew
• conducting warrants to arrest those who have failed to appear before the courts

As well as targeting offenders, officers are reassuring residents with crime prevention advice and regular updates with progress on the operation.

Serious acquisitive crime in Sandwell, which includes burglary, robbery and vehicle crime is currently over 10 per cent down from April to date this year compared to the same period last year. This equates to almost 400 fewer victims.

For latest updates, follow Operation Unite on Facebook or on Twitter by searching for #OpUniteSW. Smartphone users can also scan the QR code on the campaign posters to take them directly to Sandwell Police facebook page.

You can also read more about Operation Unite at the launch press release and a story about cash and stolen goods seized during the first week of the operation.

Police are also giving out a frosty mornings warning to help combat car crime and Sandwell Police have also posted a YouTube video showing the effects of burglary on one victim.

Operation Unite follows on from Sandwell's successful Safer 6 campaign, a six-week crackdown involving over 10 organisations that saw reductions in crime and anti-social behaviour reports.