Crime Archives - Pioneer Magazines

Two Bloxwich teens arrested as Rambo-style knife uncovered

Two teenage boys have been arrested in Bloxwich following an incident in Lister Close just after 7pm last night (Monday).

A 15-year-old and 14-year-old boy were arrested following the incident where threats were made to other teenagers. Subsequent searches uncovered a large Rambo-style knife, two flick knives, and a knuckle duster.

Both culprits are still being detained by West Midlands police with allegations of making threats with a blade in a public space.

Simon Watkins, from the Homicide Reduction Team at Walsall Local Policing Area (LPA), which looks at reducing serious youth violence for the under 25s, said: “Officers reacted quickly to make the arrests and bring two young people into custody.

“A number of weapons have been taken off the streets of Walsall. Under 25 serious youth violence and robbery are two of Walsall LPA local priorities.

“Witnesses or anyone with any information about this incident can contact us on Live Chat via our website or by calling 101 quoting crime reference number 20/271222/24.”

Police officer injured in Walsall as man arrested for attempted murder

A man has been apprehended on suspicion of attempted murder following a hit-and-run incident in Walsall that left an officer with leg injuries. The incident occurred on Reservoir Place in Pleck at approximately 10:30 am on Saturday, February 24th.

The incident happened after the officer tried to speak with the driver, who then hit him with his vehicle and pushed him against a police car before driving off.

A hunt for the perpetrator saw officers intercept his vehicle in Oldbury at approximately 5.15am on Tuesday, where the presence of illicit drugs was also uncovered.

A 28-year-old male is now facing charges of attempted murder and possession of drugs with intent to distribute. Additionally, a 21-year-old male was arrested on suspicion of aiding an offender and involvement in drug-related activities. Both individuals are currently in custody for interrogation.

While the injured officer’s condition is hoped to not be life-altering, ongoing assessments are being conducted as part of the recovery process. Another officer received medical attention but fortunately sustained no serious injuries.

“An officer has been injured while going about their duties and this is completely unacceptable,” said Chief Superintendent Phil Dolby, representing the Walsall Local Policing Area (LPA).

“We’re waiting for further updates on the extent of his injuries and our thoughts are with them and their family. We’ll be offering them all the support we can, alongside colleagues who were there at the time.”

Anyone with further information is encouraged to reach out via Live Chat on the department’s website or by calling 101, referencing log number 1403 dated February 24, 2024.

Walsall police search for man who was “deliberately struck” by car

A 27-year old man was arrested on Thursday afternoon on suspicion of wounding following an incident on Hospital Street near the centre of town.

Police are appealing for information after a man was deliberately struck by a car in Walsall after officers were alerted to the incident near the junction with Gladstone Street at approximately 4.40pm on 15 February.

While the man who was hit has not been found, the driver attempted to escape before being stopped and arrested in Smethwick shortly afterward.

The suspect is currently in custody, while police try and track down the injured man.

Drive-by Gunman Flees After Shots Fired in Caldmore

West Midlands Police are actively searching for a drive-by gunman following an alarming incident that unfolded in Walsall on Friday 19 January.

The incident occurred on Caldmore Green, precisely before 5:40 pm. According to authorities, gunshots were fired at a shop front from a moving vehicle, which then quickly fled the scene.

West Midlands Police are urging anyone present in the Caldmore Green area at the time of the incident who possesses dashcam footage to come forward and assist with their investigation, which is currently underway.

In an official statement, West Midlands Police expressed their appeal for information regarding the incident:

“We’re appealing for information after shots were fired at a shop front in Caldmore Green, Walsall. No-one was injured but damage was caused to a window at just before 5.40pm yesterday.

“It’s understood the gun shots were fired from a vehicle which then made off. We’re carrying out extensive CCTV and other enquiries to establish who was involved and why.

“We know how concerning this will have been and we’ve increased patrols in the area. As part of our investigation we’re particularly keen to hear from anyone who was in Caldmore Green at the time and has dashcam footage.

“Anyone with information can speak to our officers in the area, or contact us via Live Chat on our website. You can also call 101, quoting 20/19746/24.”

Walsall Teenager Arrested After Project Guardian Discover Knife

Another teenager was arrested yesterday (16 January) in Walsall for allegedly possessing a knife by the West Midlands Police Project Guardian team.

The 16-year-old, who can’t be named for legal reasons, was also found to be carrying a bag of cannabis when he was arrested by the youth violence and knife crime team on a routine patrol.

He is due to appear at Birmingham Youth Court on February 2.

The Project Guardian Western taskforce, which operates in Walsall, Dudley, Sandwell, and Wolverhampton, was established at the close of the previous year and has proven to be highly effective in our ongoing efforts to combat knife crime and youth violence.

Inspector Colin Gallier, who leads Western Project Guardian taskforce, said: “This is yet another good arrest for the Project Guardian team and we will continue to target those who carry knives.

“However, we are not just there to target offenders. We like to engage with the public, let them know what we do as a team and to raise awareness of knife crime and the impact of carrying knives.

“If you see one of our Project Guardian officers please come over to us. We will only be too pleased to talk to you and give you an insight into what we do.”

The incident follows the arrest of two teenagers, a boy and a girl, who were arrested last week on suspicion of burglary. The boy was also believed to be carrying a knife.

Walsall Teenagers Arrested Following Break In On Bridge Street

Two Walsall teenagers were arrested today on suspicion of breaking into a property in the town.

A 15-year-old girl and 16-year-old boy were arrested following reports of a break-in at a property on Bridge Street on Wednesday morning.

Both have been taken into custody on suspicion of burglary with intent to steal, while the boy was also detained for possessing a knife.

Both teenagers have been released on bail pending further enquiries.

Anyone with any further information is encouraged to contact West Midlands Police via Live Chat or calling 101 and quoting investigation number: 20/124431/24.

Thought-Provoking ‘Knife Angel’ Makes Powerful Statement

Throughout December a powerful message will reverberate around the town as the “Knife Angel” stands 27 feet tall in Gallery Square.

Knife Angel towers over Gallery Square

The imposing structure comprises of 100,000 blunted knives that were gathered from 43 police forces across the UK.

The Knife Angel, which took two years to create and has been touring UK towns and cities, was designed to raise awareness of knife crime and the dangerous consequences of carrying knives.

Originally crafted by sculptor Alfie Bradley it originated from the British Ironwork Centre in Oswestry and has become nationally recognised as a National Monument Against Violence and Aggression.

Its appearance in Walsall is part of the West Midlands Police ‘Life or Knife’ campaign, which is actively supported by The James Brindley Foundation, following the tragic murder of James Brindley in Aldridge in 2017.

For more information about the Life or Knife campaign, visit: https://lifeorknife.west-midlands.police.uk

Family Of Aldridge Knife Crime Victim Campaign For Amnesty Bins

The family of James Brindley, the 26-year-old Aldridge man who was stabbed on a night out in 2017, are campaigning for the instalment of knife amnesty bins across the borough.

Via the James Brindley Foundation, the #saferstreets campaign is hoping that money can be raised for 12 bins that allow people to ditch their knives anonymously.

Speaking with the BBC, James’s father Mark said: “We believe that our streets are safer with knives in amnesty bins rather than in pockets.

“There is only one bin in Walsall at the moment, but there are many more locations where they are needed.”

“We still need donations to fund all of the bins because we want to get them out on the streets, saving lives as quickly as possible.”

James was stabbed to death on 23 June 2017 just 400 metres from his home by 17-year-old Ammar Kahrod, who is now serving at least 17 years for his murder.

The James Brindley Foundation was set up to increase awareness of knife crime and raise money to help reduce crime. If you would like to help, please visit The James Brindley Foundation for further information.

Bloxwich Man Jailed After Targeting Female Drivers

A Bloxwich man who was charged last year for attempting to steal cars has been jailed for five-and-a-half-years.

Paul Nightingale, aged 40, targeted women drivers in Bloxwich in a one-man crime spree last December.

He first targeted a female driving instructor in New Street by asking her for a business card and then jumped into her car armed with a pair of scissors. He attempted to tie her hands to the gearstick with a cable tie, but was unsuccessful in his attempt to steal the car as members of the public rushed to help.

In a second attack, just 30 minutes later, he approached a woman in Field Road. Carrying a plank of wood, he demanded her car, sat on her lap and attempted to start the engine. After beeping her horn, Nightingale fled the scene.

Earlier that day, Nightingale was also identified as a shoplifting suspect after attempting to steal clothes from a shop in Park Street in the town centre.

Nightingale was arrested five days after his crime spree and charged with three attempted thefts from shops, attempted theft of a motor vehicle and assaults with intent to commit robbery.

He was sentenced on October 19 at Wolverhampton Crown Court.

PC Jodie Allen, from force CID, said: “These women were put through terrifying ordeals but they bravely put up resistance and Nightingale was forced to flee empty-handed.

“We carried out quick time enquiries and were able to identify and then arrest Nightingale, who is now rightly behind bars and unable to strike again.”

Interactive Crime Scene Gives Tips On How To Keep Your House Safe

West Midlands Police has released an interactive crime scene that teaches you ways that you can beat burglars.

***Enter 27 Station Road to start your investigation.***

Move around the exterior and interior of a house that was broken into and robbed, looking for clues on how the crime happened and getting essential tips to protect your home.

Visit the crime scene

Use your mouse to navigate around the house and investigate the crime, checking in each room to witness a typical scene of a house robbery.

If you need any further advice on how to protect your home from burglary, check out the West Midlands Police crime prevention page.

Related News