'We feel abandoned by police': A community's despair after months of crime

At a Subway on Kings Heath’s busy high street, teenagers have jumped over the counter to steal trays of crisps and cookies. The drinks fridge has been ransacked repeatedly, while the shop’s door and windows have been smashed.

Customers who witnessed the attacks have faced verbal abuse. One had his bicycle vandalised, and a worker said several staff members had recently left because they should not have to work in fear.

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They should not have to come to work in fear.

The same group has reportedly rushed into a nearby Greggs to steal armfuls of food. A teenage girl assaulted a female worker who tried to lock the doors. Another convenience store now keeps its doors locked throughout the evening after repeated thefts and vandalism. At Coustis hair salon, siblings Tina Bartlam and Antonio Constantinou have boarded up the windows after they were smashed.

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incredibly seriously

Kings Heath is known for its schools, independent shops, music and art scene, and community spirit. But residents and traders say the actions of a few have made them feel unsafe and uncertain about who is in control. Facebook community groups now carry eyewitness accounts of crimes said to occur almost daily.

Insp Hayley Thompson, who oversees policing in Kings Heath, said the force took anti-social behaviour "incredibly seriously" and was working to make the area safer. Matt Powell of Enjoy Kings Heath, the local Business Improvement District, said the community had been let down by police and that people felt abandoned.

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This community has been let down by the police.

Powell said openly conducted drug dealing and shoplifting were major concerns. He acknowledged that police may be handling matters away from public view, but said the lack of visible policing was making people feel offenders could get away with their actions. More than 100 incidents have been linked to the same group, according to MP Al Carns.

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People feel like they've been abandoned.