Handsworth Wood — Neighbourhood Policing Team

Force Priority – Op PLAZARI We are committed to tackling violence and the exploitation of vulnerable women on the streets of the Handsworth / Handsworth Wood area. We know that the Rookery Road / Soho Road and surrounding areas are hotspots for prostitution. Our neighbourhood policing teams are intensifying our enforcement of this activity. We are working with multiple partners internally and externally to identify and safeguard vulnerable people. We will also operate a zero tolerance approach to those exploiting and utilising illegal services around the Handsworth and Handsworth Wood area.

The Handsworth Wood NHT have been working with partners to intervene with illegal prostitution and we have been identifying vulnerable individuals with a view to referring them into safeguarding plans. June Update: PC Brookman and Pc Manns have delivered several Violence against Women and Girls inputs in secondary schools. Several patrols conducted with Turnaround, Women’s Refuge and Umbrella Outreach ( supported by NHS ) engaging and supporting vulnerable individuals on the Soho Road.

Set: 2026-06-20

Community Priority - ASB within Woodend / Beauchamp Avenue and College Road area The Handsworth Wood NHT are aware of the issues causing problems for residents, businesses and visitors to the Handsworth Wood area. We understand the problems with drug use, prostitution and other offences remain a nuisance for our communities. This criminality also includes begging at stationary traffic lights.

We will be engaged with working amongst internal and external partners to support the enforcement of this work. We have issued a number of community protection warnings to those who are begging at stationary traffic lights.

Set: 2026-06-20

Local priority - Thefts from retailers on Rookery Road / Oxhill Road The Handsworth Wood NHT are aware of a number of thefts that have been reported from local businesses on the Rookery Road / Oxhill Road (within Handsworth Wood ward area).

The Handsworth Wood NHT are proactively working on providing visibility and tackling repeat offenders who are engaged in thefts from stores and other retail outlets within this area. June update: We are visiting various locations several times a week engaging with security staff. We are identifying individuals begging, referring them for support or for enforcement when appropriate. New Perry Barr retail crime team started in June.

Set: 2026-06-20