West Bromwich residents reveal shocking crime and drug issues—some too scared to walk alone
The streets of West Bromwich are turning into a nightmare for residents, with crime, drugs, and antisocial behavior plaguing the area. Locals describe a grim reality—litter piling up, intoxicated individuals loitering, and brazen criminals preying on the vulnerable.
Among the many horror stories, Sean Chang, 51, shared a shocking ordeal. Once a construction worker, he now relies on a mobility scooter after health issues left him disabled. But even that didn’t stop criminals from targeting him.
“They tried to mug me,” Sean revealed. “They ran up, caught up with their mate, and tried it. But I can handle myself.”
Refusing to be a victim, he chased after them on his scooter. The police intervened, but the experience left him shaken. He believes the attacker was high on “mamba”—a synthetic drug notorious for turning users into unpredictable, zombie-like figures.
Embed from Getty Images“They don’t care once they’re on that stuff,” he said grimly.
Fear in the Streets
Residents have been raising concerns for years, but they say little has improved. A woman from Tipton, who visited the High Street to go to the council registrar’s office, admitted she no longer feels safe.
“I used to come here all the time, but I wouldn’t do it alone anymore,” she confessed. “I wouldn’t want my daughter coming here either.”
Even in broad daylight, the atmosphere is unsettling. Police signs warning against street drinking hang from lampposts, but some residents say enforcement is lacking.
Adding to the eerie state of the town are rows of empty barbershops and takeaway joints—19 food outlets and eight barbers in just half a mile. Many remain vacant, raising suspicions about how they stay in business.
“I don’t know how they survive,” said a 54-year-old woman from Oldbury. “They always seem empty. I try not to be suspicious, but I don’t understand how the council keeps granting licenses.”
Police Crackdown—But Is It Enough?
West Midlands Police insist they are tackling the issues. Sergeant Paul Bishop confirmed that a known offender responsible for street drinking and antisocial behaviour had been arrested and recalled to prison for breaching a criminal behaviour order.
“Our team continues to work with the town’s Business Improvement District ambassadors and Sandwell Council’s Environmental Protection Officers to target reports of antisocial behaviour and street drinking,” he said.
But for many, this isn’t enough. Some residents feel abandoned, left to navigate crime-ridden streets on their own.
Sean Chang’s experience highlights a terrifying reality: even those in wheelchairs aren’t safe. And with many locals too scared to step outside alone, West Bromwich’s decline seems far from over.
