February 2024
CCTV cameras help catch cannabis growing in Smethwick
A total of 435 cannabis plants, worth an estimated £435,000, were seized by police in Bearwood Road, Smethwick, after Sandwell Council CCTV operators noticed a group of people acting suspiciously in the area.
Operators alerted police to what was initially thought to be a burglary but, after response officers arrived at the scene at Bearwood Road, they quickly found a drug growing operation taking place at the address, with 435 plants spanning over two floors. The electricity meter had also been bypassed to power the operation.
The plants were taken away to be destroyed following the find. Investigations continue to take place.
Reginald Road, Smethwick
Rapid Response Operatives identified a fly tip in Reginald Road, Smethwick, address details were discovered amongst the rubbish, which has led to a local resident being issued with a £400 Fixed Penalty Notice.
Barn Croft, Tipton
Rapid Response Operatives responded to reports of a fly tip in Barn Croft, Tipton, the team received video footage of a sofa being dumped on a nearly embankment. Once identified, the homeowner was issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice of £400 for failing in their Household Waste Duty of Care.
Church Road, Smethwick
Rapid Response Operatives located waste whilst on proactive patrols in Church Road, Smethwick. Details pertaining to an address were discovered amongst the rubbish, which has led to a £400 Fixed Penalty Notice being issued as the resident has admitted to dumping the waste.
Trading Standards Illegal Vapes
Sandwell Trading Standards Officers along with West Midlands Police raided a shop in Great Bridge, where around 500 illegal vapes were seized, worth in excess of £5,000.
Multi Agency Road Safety Operation
Taxi Licensing Enforcement Officers have undertaken multi-agency operations with West Midlands Police and other agencies, to carry out vehicle safety checks. As part of the operation various vehicles were seized for being overweight, or having no insurance. Three Sandwell taxis were checked and found to be compliant with licensing operations.
Abandoned vehicles
Environmental Protection Officers have been investigating reports of abandoned vehicles, which has led to a total of thirty vehicles being removed from the public highway. Of those vehicles, nineteen were untaxed.
Street racing banned in the Black Country
Following the prosecution of a street racer in January 2024, the high court has now granted a full and final injunction banning 'street racing' in the Black Country. The injunction will remain in force for at least three years, and will be subject to an annual review.