Introduction 

Acocks Green and Tyseley are lively districts in Birmingham, characterized by many shopping facilities, busy streets, and a strong community ethos. Over the past year, however, the areas have been associated with various crime headlines. 

The report mentions that over 260,000 crimes were recorded in 2024, and theft reporting had one of the fastest-increasing rates, with residents and shopkeepers feeling the negative effect when local convenience and small stores experienced an impact due to armed robberies.

Locals wondered, How do we stop these events from becoming the norm and searching for the perfect security solutions in Handsworth 2025?

Recent Incidents That Shook the Community

During the second half of 2024, multiple shops throughout Acocks Green and Tyseley were raided, with some staff even being threatened and robbed with weaponry.  Other robberies happened earlier in the night and happened after families had simply gone to grab some shopping.

The impact on shop owners extended beyond money. Staff were facing knives or blunt equipment, customers were implicated in the fracas, and the sense of safety was destroyed in the neighbourhood.

The independent, smaller owned-type shops bore the brunt of hooliganism. They were riskier compared to bigger shops, who would take on in-store security teams, and simply rely on the cameras, alarms, or luck.

How Shopkeepers and Residents Are Coping

In response to crime and violence, many people have adjusted their lifestyles. But they are making adjustments at a cost: 

• Retailers have decided to close earlier than usual; to protect themselves, they would rather skip the sales at the end of the day. 
• Families are taking alternate routes home, even if it means taking a longer route, and are seeking well-lit streets. 
• Neighbourhood social media groups are popping up, sharing alerts about suspicious behaviour. 
• They are even increasing the use of CCTV, especially in small corner shops.

The Human and Hidden Costs of Robberies

Robberies in areas like Acocks Green and Tyseley did more damage than cash registers – they created lasting impacts. The costs of theft are not only greater than the visible financial loss:

• Emotional impact: Many retail employees indicate feeling anxiety, stress, and fear long after the incident has occurred, affecting some employees’ ability to return to work. 
• Loss of employees: When employees leave due to fear, owners must incur the costs involved with hiring and training employees who may not feel as safe. 
• Loss of customers: Customers may choose not to shop in regions perceived as unsafe, leading to a reduced customer base for the business. 
• Increased insurance rates: An insurance claim from one robbery can cost the business increased rates over the next 5 years. A financial burden that may last well after the robbery.

Where Current Security Measures Fall Short

Ex-Police officer Brian Wright insisted that while alarms and CCTV cameras are a norm for small businesses, they only alert people after an incident has taken place, rather than prevent the incident.

Police patrols are limited in Birmingham due to demand and are not capable of providing constant or long term patrols, adding to the feeling of insecurity.

This experience leads to the security “gap” that most perceive as “the security gap” and an easily provokable space that is readily available for criminals to exploit. The aggravation of not bridging that security gap will continue to present or afford incidents like the robberies that took place in Acocks Green and Tyseley.

Building a Proactive Security Strategy

The focus on prevention rather than reaction is paramount. Proactive security policies provide both deterrence and response: 

1. Deterrence – The visible presence of a professional typically makes criminals think twice. Shops, or areas that have guards in them or are being patrolled, become less attractive targets.
   
2. Response – Even when incidents occur, a prompt professional response reduces harm and increases the likelihood of apprehending offenders.

How Professional Security Can Help Businesses Thrive

Regional Security Guarding provides customised solutions that directly address the risks associated with vulnerabilities. To support local businesses, their services might include:

• Manned guarding: The physical presence of security personnel in high-profile stores or retail areas that are high risk.
• Mobile patrols: Provided in residential areas, storefronts, and areas of high risk at various times in the day to assist in reducing predictability of activity while providing an increased sense of safety and security.
• Alarm response units: Responding to alarms sounding in a timely manner.
• Customised solutions: Security plans catered for each business.

Why Choose Regional Security Guarding Over Alternatives

Not all security services provide the same level of quality. Regional Security Guarding distinguishes itself by applying professional measures with local knowledge. 

Here’s why security company in Accocks Green are a good option:

• Knowledge of crime types in Birmingham.
• A visible deterrence to deter potential offenders.
• Available 24/7 to give peace of mind.
• Plans tailored to your needs, not a generic plan.

Immediate Actions You Can Take Now

While professionals are essential, there are actions that residents and store owners can take today, such as: 

• Have sufficient lighting in business & home properties at night and a crime deterrent. 
• Keep cash on hand to a minimum on the premises. 
• Train employees how to effectively respond to incidents.
• Become a member of business associations or watch groups within your community to collaborate on updates and safety.

Looking Ahead – A Safer Future for Acocks Green & Tyseley

The robberies of 2024 highlighted, again, how tenuous safety can feel when crime strikes at home. They also highlighted an opportunity: the opportunity to rethink how security is orchestrated in these communities.

Active security and community support can help make Acocks Green and Tyseley safe and vibrant places again.

Crime will always look for vulnerabilities. The objective for 2025 and beyond is certainly to address these issues prior to them being compromised. 

Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

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