Sonia Kumar MP spent the morning with West Midlands Police officers during a day of intensified action against organised and violent crime, road safety offences and anti-social behaviour.

Sonia Kumar, MP for Dudley, has joined West Midlands Police on patrol as Operation Advance returned to the borough.

The operation visits each local policing area across the West Midlands in turn, bringing a day of intensified activity against organised and violent crime, road safety offences and anti-social behaviour. Teams were out overnight arresting suspects wanted for a range of offences, with activity continuing through the day and into the evening. Officers also visited colleges and businesses to speak directly with the community.

Sonia spent the morning with officers including Chief Inspector Bryn Robins and Chief Superintendent Michelle Davies, both of Dudley Police, seeing at first hand the scale of the operation and the range of issues being tackled. During the visit, she introduced the two senior officers to several local managers and shop owners affected by recent thefts, giving them the chance to raise their concerns directly.

Sonia Kumar MP said:

“I joined officers on patrol to see Operation Advance in action.

“Days like this matter. They put extra resources into the issues residents tell me about most: organised crime, dangerous driving, anti-social behaviour.

“It was important to me that Chief Inspector Robins and Chief Superintendent Davies heard directly from shop owners and managers who have been dealing with theft. Their experiences need to shape how this operation is targeted.

“I want to thank Chief Inspector Bryn Robins, Chief Superintendent Michelle Davies and everyone involved in the operation. This is what working alongside the community looks like.

“There is no room for complacency. I will keep standing up for Dudley residents and making the case for the resources our borough needs.”

Chief Inspector Robins said staff and officers from Dudley and across the force had worked with partners to deliver the intensive operation. He added that listening to the issues local people report is the reason days like this are so important, and encouraged anyone who sees officers on patrol to stop and speak to them.

Chief Superintendent Michelle Davies said:

“Operation Advance is a day of intensified action and my teams from across the borough were assisted by other specialised units and officers to act on the issues that Dudley residents, retailers and visitors are telling us are important to them.

“It was great to get out on patrol in Dudley town centre and talk to partners, business owners and shoppers about what they want to see from their local police force and to hear first-hand from residents.

“This kind of information is vital in helping us understand the impact of crime across the borough and listen to what the community want prioritised. I would encourage anyone wanting to report non-urgent issues to use our online reporting system so that their Dedicated Neighbourhood Officer is aware and can respond appropriately.”