Extra CCTV put around a Birmingham lake after teens targeted in mobile phone robberies

West Midlands Police has charged a teenager over a series of robberies near a Birmingham lake.

The 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was charged with four counts of robbery in and around Witton Lakes Park in Erdington.

He was remanded into custody to appear at Birmingham Magistrates Court on Friday (21 April). Parents and local people reported their concerns - especially as teenagers have been targeted for their mobile phones in recent months.

A WMP spokesperson said: “Our specialist robbery team are investigating the offences, working closely with local policing teams. We are listening to your concerns and have been taking action, with more patrols in and around the park after school and at other key times.

“We’ve installed extra CCTV around Witton Lake, the council have been cutting back shrubbery so the area is more open and feels safer and officers have been carrying out weapons sweeps and doing joint patrols with volunteers from StreetWatch.

“We’ve been working alongside schools and colleges and given inputs on safety, and have ongoing preventative work to steer young people away from violence.”

A 16-year-old boy was also charged last month with robbery in connection with this investigation and on Tuesday (11 April) police said they arrested two teenage boys - both aged 17 - on suspicion of robbery offences. They were both bailed with conditions while our investigations continue.