Low life on High Street ‘getting away with it’...
Warden lays bare the decline of a city suburb where drugs are sold openly, crime is rife – and misery is everywhere
ABIRMINGHAM street warden has spoken of open drug dealing and shoplifting in an area fast becoming a crime ghetto.
John Lynch walks through Erdington High Street – renamed ‘Fly High Street’ on a graffitied road sign – five days a week and has seen a rapid decline.
John, who tackles crime for the Erdington Business Improvement District, said groups of dealers openly sold drugs on the street from 8am until midnight.
Cocaine and heroin addiction is also believed to be fuelling scores of shoplifting offences and violence as retailers battle to crack down on thieves.
One shop worker said young children were being used to steal items, while another said some thieves tried to make off with £400-worth of goods at a time.
Violence erupted on Erdington’s streets with two machete attacks in broad daylight, just days apart, in March.
Politicians and locals said more police were needed on the streets.
But the situation continues to be grim for many on the front line.
The area is subject to a public protection order, including for intoxicating substances and anti-social street drinking.
But several people were seen downing cans at the top of the High Street at 11am on Thursday, March 28, despite risking an on-the-spot fine of up to £100.
John said: “There are lads openly selling drugs from 8am until midnight. You see it every day.
“They are there dishing it out. This is cocaine and heroin.
“There’s a lot of shoplifters funding their drug habit. It’s a cycle. Violence is also common.
“There are people getting injured in and out of shops and no-one is being held accountable.
“Police can’t always get here as they don’t have the resources and these offenders are getting away with it.
“I’ve been assaulted, but you just get on with it don’t you? Crime has definitely got worse here over the years.
“We have days of action with police and trading standards, and that’s really good, everything stops. We need more of that. I’ve helped people get off drugs and that’s really positive.”
John said St Barnabas Church was a community hub at the centre of the High Street, which hosted a youth cafe and adult support groups.
A shopkeeper, who asked not to be named, said life on the street was challenging every day.
She said: “We had kids in here with adults. The kids are the ones stealing the Easter eggs and other things. You can see it blatantly on the camera. They don’t care. “Graffiti also brings the place down. Poundland had a window smashed the other day. It’s gone downhill a lot. People say it’s a s**thole or call it ‘Turdington’ – and it’s hard to disagree.”
Another local added: “I almost got hit by a guy on a motorbike driving through the pedestrianised area. What is going on? The place is going to s**t. It’s tatty and run-down.”
Another business owner said: “Thieves are stealing every day here. There are some prolific ones that everyone knows to watch out for.
“They keep coming back. Some are trying to nick hundreds of pounds’ worth of gear.”
Empty shops line the High Street, while notable businesses have left including Costa and Boots. Locals also said rent and rates were too high for many businesses, which had driven them away.
Local Sid, 78, said: “The supermarkets have sucked the life out of the High Street. It’s not like it used to be.”
New West Midlands Ambulance Service data revealed the B23 area – which covers Erdington, Perry Common, Stockland Green, Witton and Short Heath – had the highest number of callouts for people being stabbed for the whole of the city last year. It said 39 victims were knifed.
Erdington MP Paulette Hamilton said: “Since 2010, the West Midlands has lost over 2,000 police officers due to government cuts and it’s frustrating to be constantly told by the local police that they are facing unprecedented demands and are already limited with staff. It’s clear that Erdington needs more police and resources.
“It was my firm commitment when I became an MP in 2022 that I would represent local concerns about crime and antisocial behaviour, especially on our High Street. This includes leading a task group on Erdington High Street, working with traders, local police, Birmingham City Council, community groups, the Erdington Bid and residents to address crime and antisocial behaviour in the area.
“Additionally, last September, I wrote to the chief constable inviting him to Erdington High Street so he could see the issues we face first-hand. Instead, a chief superintendent for north Birmingham was sent, and we haven’t heard from him since.
“I am unwavering in my commitment to continue campaigning for an increased police presence on our streets and the safety of local people in Erdington, Kingstanding and Castle Vale.”
There’s lads openly selling drugs from 8am until midnight. You see it every day. They are there dishing it out. John Lynch