West Midlands Police have recovered three illegal firearms in the last 24 hours, thanks to community intelligence, and the force promises there will be no let-up in its pursuit of people linked to gangs.
Loaded pistol in Edgbaston
A pistol and a bullet-loaded magazine were found during a dawn raid at a house in Bellevue, Edgbaston this morning (Friday 16th March).
Following the raid, officers from the Organised Crime & Gangs Team arrested a woman, 35, on suspicion of storing the firearm. She remains in custody for questioning.
Sawn-off shotgun in Kings Norton
The same team yesterday arrested a 32 year old man on suspicion of possessing a firearm and ammunition during a warrant in Kings Norton (Thursday 15th March).
A sawn-off shotgun and cartridges were found during a search at the address in Hillmeads Road. The man is also being questioned about a burglary at a farm near Wellesbourne in Warwickshire on 14 January where a shotgun was stolen.
Information ‘potentially saved lives’
The team’s Chief Inspector, Nick Dale, said that both these weapons were seized thanks to potentially life-saving information provided by concerned members of the local community.
He said: “These are two excellent results… two lethal weapons, ones undoubtedly intended to be used in serious criminality, have been taken off the streets.
“The members of the public who provided the information can rightly feel very proud: what they’ve done has potentially saved lives.”
Taxi driver threatened with sawn-off rifle
A third firearm – a sawn-off rifle – was seized by police investigating an incident in Colebrook Road, Shirley in the early hours of this morning, where a taxi driver was threatened by a passenger who refused to pay.
The brave driver grabbed the gun from the 28 year old man and police later arrested him at a nearby address on suspicion of possessing an illegal firearm and making off without paying.
‘..we don’t need names, we just want information..’
CI Dale urged members of South Birmingham communities to help his team to take a stand against gangs and gun crime by coming forward with information.
He said: “Illegal firearms are very difficult to come by in the West Midlands − but if anyone has any suspicions someone in their community is in possession of a gun, or is perhaps storing one for someone else, then please get in touch so we can take action.
“Information can be passed in confidence, we don’t need names, we just want information so we can act and keep communities safe.”
Anyone with information is urged to call West Midlands Police in confidence on 101 or alternatively contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or at www.crimestoppers-uk.org