Birmingham Businesses "Abandoned by Police" as Gang Linked to Over 100 Crimes

Businesses in Kings Heath, a neighbourhood in Birmingham, have spoken out about months of repeated criminal activity by a group linked to over 100 incidents, saying they feel let down by the police response. Workers at local chains including Subway and Greggs have faced brazen thefts, smashed windows and verbal abuse, leaving some staff afraid to come to work.

What local businesses have experienced

Staff at Subway described teenagers jumping over the counter to steal entire trays of crisps and cookies, with the fizzy drinks fridge raided multiple times. The front door and windows have been smashed. At Greggs, members of the gang have rushed in to grab armfuls of food. "We have had a number of staff leave recently," one worker told the BBC. "They should not have to come to work in fear." MP Al Carns said more than 100 incidents have been linked to the same group over recent months.

Calls for police action

The community says police resources are stretched and the response has been inadequate. Residents and business owners have described feeling abandoned, with little confidence the situation will improve without more intervention. The case highlights wider challenges facing stretched police forces in English cities dealing with persistent, organised low-level crime by groups whose members are difficult to prosecute.