SUBURB HIT BY DRUG ADDICTS AND BEGGARS
Children witnessed addict injecting himself in groin, says MP
HORRIFIED shoppers in a salubrious Birmingham suburb witnessed a junkie pull down his trousers and underwear and inject drugs into his groin.
The incident took place at 3pm in Harborne High Street – and was seen by children and parents as the addict used a telephone box as a makeshift shelter.
MP Preet Kaur Gill said it was just one example of a growing number of incidents of drug use and crime which have left residents feeling unsafe in Harborne.
She has now written to Dave Thompson, the Chief Constable of West Midlands Police, insisting he send more police officers so criminals can see clearly that their behaviour will not be tolerated.
She told him: “It is clear that the people committing these crimes have no fear of being apprehended by the police and believe they can act however they see fit, regardless of the impact on the local area and residents.”
Ms Gill said a survey of residents had found they were concerned about “the open taking of hard drugs in this area”. And she told Mr Thompson about one example, saying: “This included an instance where an individual was seen entering a telephone box at 3pm, removing both his trousers and underwear before injecting into his groin, all whilst children were in the vicinity.” But this was just one of “numerous” cases of people witnessing heroin being injected or crack being smoked, she said. She also said begging had become “increasingly aggressive” – with beggars targeting elderly people and escorting them to cashpoints to withdraw money. Constituents have complained of suspected drug users knocking on their door and asking for money, she said.
It is clear that the people committing these crimes have no fear of being apprehended by the police Preet Gill MP
There has also been an increase in anti-social behaviour, with people under the influence of drugs or alcohol shouting, being aggressive or using phone boxes as toilets.
The MP said: “The situation in Harborne is extremely concerning to me, and urgent action to halt the increase in crime, and remedy the current situation, is needed.
“I believe that the only answer to the current high crime rates in an increased police presence in and around Harborne High Street.
“It is for this reason that I have asked Chief Constable Dave Thompson to urgently implement a strategy for Harborne that will reduce incidences of aggressive begging and illegal drug use.
“The West Midlands Police Force need to take this matter incredibly seriously, and increase their presence in the area immediately, to prevent any further escalation.”