June 2025
Safer 6 is back
Safer 6 is now in full swing, the compaign to promote safety, crime prevention and healthy living advice across the six towns, launched on 9 June and will run until 20 July 2025.
As part of the ongoing #Safer6 initiative in Rowley Regis, our Trading Standards officers, in collaboration with Sandwell Police, and the use of tobacco search dogs, carried out a targeted operation at local shops, resulting in the seizure of more than £30,000 worth of illegal tobacco and vaping products.
This intelligence-led raid uncovered illicit goods concealed using highly sophisticated methods, including a false wall panel secured with electro-magnetic locks, behind a bathroom mirror and a sliding shelf inside a metal security door. Despite these efforts to avoid detection, with the use of a specialist tobacco dogs there is no hiding.
The operation highlights the continued commitment of the council and police to crack down on the sale of illegal products and protect public health and safety. Local councillors also joined officers for the operation. Criminal investigations are ongoing, which could lead to subsequent prosecutions and/or closure orders
Check out all the Safer 6 activities in your town
As part of the ongoing #Safer6 initiative in West Bromwich, our Trading Standards officers, in collaboration with Sandwell Police carried out a targeted operation at local shops, resulting in the seizure of more than £25,000 worth of illegal tobacco, vaping products and suspected counterfeit Labubu dolls.
This intelligence-led raid uncovered illicit goods concealed using highly sophisticated methods including a hydraulic cupboard hidden underneath the toilet floor.
The operation highlights the continued commitment of the council and police to crack down on the sale of illegal products and protect public health and safety. Local councillors also joined officers for the operation.
Criminal investigations are ongoing, which could lead to subsequent prosecutions and/or closure orders.
Multi Agency Road Safety Operation
Taxi Licensing Enforcement Officers have undertaken another successful multi-agency operation with West Midlands Police and other agencies, to carry out vehicle safety checks in Providence Place, West Bromwich. As part of the operation, one driver was issued with a £100 fine for not wearing their seat belt correctly. One driver had tints on their windows which had to be removed. Two Hackney Carriage and one other vehicle were also checked over for general compliance.
Enforcement Officers from Licensing and Environmental Health also attended looking for vehicles used to collect scrap and transport waste. During the operations which took place in Wednesbury and West Bromwich, three vehicles were identified as carrying scrap. It was found that none of the drivers of the vehicles held Scrap Collectors Licences or Waste Carriers Permits in addition one driver was arrested for failing a drug test and all three vehicles were prohibited from further use by examiners from the DVSA. The drivers were issued with warnings and have been reported to the Environment Agency.
Abandoned vehicles
Environmental Protection Officers have been investigating 318 reports of abandoned vehicles, which has led to a total of 59 vehicles being removed from the public highway. Of those vehicles, 42 were untaxed.
Waste Management
A significant fly-tipping issue on privately owned land in Oldbury was resolved following intervention by an Environmental Health Officer. The site was strewn with general waste, bulky items, and household rubbish, posing a risk to public health and attracting further dumping.
The officer issued a series of letters outlining the landowner’s legal responsibilities and the potential consequences under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Prevention of Damage by Pests Act 1949. As a result, the waste was removed and the site has now been substantially cleared.
This case highlights how persistent officer intervention and clear communication can lead to effective outcomes.
Rapid Response Operatives responded to reports of a fly tip in Station Road Industrial Estate, Rowley Regis where a resident was caught on CCTV, dumping three bags of household waste into a skip outside a commercial premises. The rubbish was traced back to a resident in Birmingham, who was issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice of £1000 for Fly-Tipping.
Public Safety and Health Concerns
A stretch of insecure and unsightly hoarding on the High Street in West Bromwich was brought to the attention of Environmental Health due to public safety and health concerns. The fencing had repeatedly collapsed into the footpath, provided unauthorised access to the land, and was linked to ongoing fly-tipping. The site is positioned directly behind a bus station, creating a poor impression at a key town centre location.
A fire was also reported on the land, adding to the urgency of the situation.
An Environmental Health Officer led a multi-agency response, issuing an advisory letter to the landowner referencing the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Prevention of Damage by Pests Act 1949. The officer also coordinated with Building Control, the Highways Permit team, and Planning to ensure the issue was tackled from all relevant angles. Regular contact was maintained with the landowner throughout to ensure steady progress and timely completion of the works.
As a result of this intervention and sustained pressure, the hoarding was replaced with more secure timer fencing, significantly improving the safety and appearance of the site.
