Birmingham Police issue update on Ramadan markets community patrols

With the holy month of Ramadan under way, West Midlands Police has told how its officers have been working with communities to offer reassurance and ensure their concerns are listened to.

Together with Birmingham City Council, faith leaders, local businesses and volunteers, the force said it is working hard to ensure the community can come together to mark Ramadan in a safe environment. 

So far this week, the teams have issued 295 fixed penalty notices for parking offences and a further 340 cars were moved on for obstructing the roads.  After speaking with a number of illegal traders, some have packed up and ceased trading. 

One man was arrested for illegal street trading. The 28-year-old was also verbally abusive towards Birmingham City Council workers. Despite refusing to provide his details, officers were able to identify him and he was arrested yesterday (Saturday, March 16). He has been released on bail with strict conditions to stay away from Coventry Road while the investigation continues.

On the first day of Ramadan, concerns were raised about a trailer that was due to sell food. Together with Birmingham City Council, police said that they listened to these concerns and spoke with the owner who removed it.

A WMP spokesperson added: “We have received a great response from the communities of Birmingham with members of the public thanking officers on patrol for their support.” 

Chief Inspector Haroon Chughtai from West Midlands Police, said: “We are constantly listening to the community and we have received some great feedback during our community meetings and while officers have been on patrol. 

“We will continue to patrol with partners and are planning further enforcement activity against a number of individuals who continue to illegally trade in the coming weeks.  

“We want people observing the holy month of Ramadan to be able to do so peacefully and respectfully. Our priority is always to keep families and communities safe and are grateful for the overwhelming support we have received so far.”

Cllr Nicky Brennan, Cabinet Member for Social Justice, Community Safety and Equalities for Birmingham City Council, said: “Ramadan is a deeply sacred time for Muslim communities across the city, a holy month of fasting and prayer in the run up to Eid-ul-Fitr.

“The work being done by our Regulation and Enforcement teams – Environmental Health, Trading Standards, Licensing – as well as Community Safety and Highways colleagues in partnership with West Midlands Police is focused on keeping communities safe, so residents and worshippers can observe Ramadan peacefully. 

“This has meant that we have had to take robust enforcement action against illegal street traders, including an arrest, but we have had overwhelming support from the community for our actions and presence, and we thank them for this. To everyone observing this holy month, I wish you, your families, friends and loved ones a peaceful and healthy Ramadan.”

Throughout Ramadan officers from Trading Standards, Community Safety, Environmental Health, Licensing and Parking teams will be joining police colleagues on dedicated patrols in these areas to tackle illegal trading, parking problems and concerns raised by local residents.