West Midlands Police working with communities for Eid Al-Adha: full statement

Eid Al-Adha or the festival of sacrifices will be celebrated by two of the popular mosques in Birmingham on June 28.

A big gathering and fun fair organised by Green Lane Mosque will be taking place at Small Heath Park next Wednesday.

Earlier this year, a Ramadan market on Coventry Road and Ladypool Road in Small Heath descended into chaos with when West Midlands Police visited to ensure that the pop-up stalls were licensed.

After that West Midlands Police had said in a statement: “Following Eid-al-Fitr, we would like to thank everyone in our Muslim communities who helped ensure celebrations were carried out safely. We know the vast majority of people observed Ramadan peacefully and lawfully.

“Unfortunately some of the nights were marred by criminal behaviour, and we have since made several arrests and charged a man with public nuisance. We’re grateful to the members of the community who helped identify suspects after fireworks and eggs were thrown at officers.”

For Eid Al-Adha, West Midlands Police issued a statement days before the festival.

Read the full statement here

West Midlands Police said: “We’re continuing to work with our Muslim communities in Birmingham as we approach Eid-Al-Adha and Chaand Raat next week, to ensure people can celebrate safely with friends and family.

“Earlier this year following Eid-al-Fitr we saw that some of the celebrations were marred by criminal behaviour. While the vast majority of people celebrated peacefully and lawfully there was some anti-social behaviour and disorder, problems with illegal traders and issues with traffic noise, speeding and parking problems.

“We’ve been listening to councillors, MPs, Imans and our local Muslim communities, local traders and residents, who have previously raised concerns around traffic, noise, litter, roads being blocked and anti-social behaviour during the celebrations and we are working with our partners to ensure a safe and peaceful Eid.

“As a result of our partnership working you will see an increased police presence during Eid-Al-Adha. This will include traffic officers as we ensure that vulnerable road users are safe and that people who drive unlawfully are dealt with. Local officers will be joining partners from Birmingham City Council’s Trading Standards, Environmental Health and Licensing teams on a joint operation which will see them engage with traders, and take action where appropriate.

“This operation will begin during Chaand Raat next week and will run until the end of Eid. Both West Midlands Police, Birmingham City Council and the local leaders within your community want people to enjoy the celebrations, but they also want to ensure it’s done safely and within the law. We’re aware that some illegal traders have flouted the law in the past, by trading illegally or obstructing roads.”

They added: “Any stall holder will require a street trading consent before they can sell goods on the street (where it is public land) – details of which are on Birmingham City Council’s website.

“A city-wide injunction banning street cruising is also in place, more information about this and what it means for motorists, organisers and spectators can also be found on the council’s website.”