Monthly Community Update from Sgt Simic - Solihull Rurals NHT - February 2026

Dear Residents of Solihull Rural (East),

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to introduce myself as the new Neighbourhood Team Sergeant for Solihull Rural (East), having taken up the role in mid-January following a promotion and transfer from Coventry.

Solihull Rural NHT covers Knowle, Dorridge, Hockley Heath, Meriden, Balsall Common, Marston Green, Catherine-de-Barnes and the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), along with several smaller surrounding villages. This is the largest geographical neighbourhood policing area within West Midlands Police, which presents distinct challenges and requires a tailored approach to policing.

I am very much looking forward to working with local residents, businesses and partners to ensure our communities remain safe, supported and well informed. I will continue the team’s strong focus on local priorities and would like to provide an update on the issues we are currently addressing.

Shop theft remains a key concern across the area, with Marston Green generating the highest volume of reports. Several suspects have been identified in recent weeks, and we will continue to proactively arrest and charge offenders. We are working closely with the management of frequently targeted shops and are planning targeted operations to prevent further offending.

Anti-social behaviour (ASB) is another priority. While ASB occurs across the wider area, it has been a persistent issue at the NEC, where groups of youths have repeatedly caused ASB and criminal damage over the past six months. Significant work has been undertaken to identify those responsible, and a number of banning notices have already been issued. We will continue to take a firm approach with repeat offenders.

Speeding remains a concern, particularly in Balsall Common and the Knowle/Dorridge area. The team has organised speed-watch operations in both locations, with officer presence at identified hotspots providing visibility and an effective deterrent.

I will aim to attend community engagement events over the coming months and look forward to meeting residents at these sessions.

Upcoming events:

Details of future meetings and events can be found on the force website by searching “Your area”, or via the link below:

Solihull Rural | Your area | West Midlands Police | West Midlands Police

Kind regards,
Sergeant Simic