| Monthly News Letter – Dorridge & Hockley Heath |
| Good Evening from the Solihull Rural’s Neighbourhood Policing Team, Our team are hard at work preventing crime and keeping our communities safe. If you have any local information to support us with this, please email the Rural’s Neighbourhood Policing Team inbox on rural@westmidlands.police.uk . Please be aware that this inbox is NOT monitored 24 hours a day and is purely for non-emergencies. In an emergency please call 999. To report a crime in a non-emergency situation please call 101 or visit Report a crime | West Midlands Police to do this online. The Rural’s Team will also keep you updated on their activity using X (previously known as Twitter). Please follow our team on X using the following username: @RuralsWMP Local crime Below is a snapshot of the vehicle crime and burglaries that have been recorded in the Dorridge & Hockley Heath area between the 13th April 2026 – 18th April 2026. Burglaries: · Residential burglary of a home – Needhill Close, BENTLEY HEATH – x4 unknown offenders have attended the incident location in a Silver Audi (VRM: YS18OKX). They have jumped into the victim’s garden via the side gate which was unlocked and then smashed the back door. They have then completed an untidy search of the bedrooms and stolen approximately £1000 worth of jewellery. They have then made good their escape. · Residential burglary of unconnected building – SCHOOL ROAD, HOCKLEY HEATH – Unknown offenders have entered victim’s gated rear garden and snapped the padlock to a shed and then stole a ride-on lawnmower from the shed. Offenders made good their escape via unknown direction. Vehicle crime: · Theft of motor vehicle – GRANGE ROAD, DORRIDGE – unknown offender has gained access to parked, locked and unattended motor vehicle by unknown means while parked at offence location. Offender has then stolen the vehicle and made off in an unknown direction · Theft of motor vehicle – WESTFIELD ROAD, DORRIDGE – unknown offenders have approached a locked vehicle and opened it using a possible relay device. The vehicle has been located in KINGS NORTON by officers on patrol. Officers have attended the home address and made the owners aware that car has been stolen. · Theft of motor vehicle – HANSELL DRIVE, DORRIDGE – person(s) unknown stole locked, parked and unattended motor vehicle from location by means unknown and made good their escape in unknown direction. *** Police have acknowledged a noticeable rise in both burglaries and vehicle-related crime across the area in recent weeks. In response, they have increased patrols, particularly during peak times when these offences are more likely to occur. Officers are being deployed more visibly in residential neighbourhoods and known hotspots, with the aim of deterring criminal activity and reassuring the community. Alongside these efforts, police are also encouraging residents to remain vigilant, report suspicious behaviour, and take practical steps to secure their homes and vehicles. This coordinated approach is intended to both prevent further incidents and support ongoing investigations*** Crime prevention advice – Please consider purchasing a steering wheel lock for your vehicle. This will decrease the chances of your vehicle being targeted by offenders. Also remember to double check that your vehicle is locked, before leaving it unattended. Installing an immobiliser and covert tracking device will also increase the chance of getting your vehicle back should it be stolen. – Please don’t leave valuable items on show inside your vehicle. Even loose change can be appealing to vehicle offenders. – Consider installing anti-snap locks to all external windows and doors on your home. This will make it more difficult for potential burglars to gain access to your home. Installing a monitored burglar alarm is also a great deterrent. Try to make the front and rear of your property as well-lit as possible by installing motion activated lighting. – CCTV is a great deterrent for offenders. This can also be crucial in linking criminals to multiple crimes. – Consider purchasing anti-tamper number plate screws to secure your vehicle registration to your vehicle. Bare in mind that if you have a personalised plate, anti-tamper screws will make it very difficult to remove the plate if needed. CCTV REGISTRY We need more people to register their home or business CCTV and doorbell cameras to help solve crime by providing footage when alerted. Register your CCTV or doorbell cameras at: CCTV Registry | West Midlands Police How it works in three steps: 1. Register your cameras securely in 60 seconds 2. You will receive a text or email when a crime happens near your home or business and our officers believe your CCTV may have recorded the incident 3. Upload the images via the secure link contained in the message Dates for your diary · Thursday 7th May 2026 – 11:00 – 12:00 – Dorridge & Hockley Heath Beat Surgery at The King George Memorial Hall, Hockley Heath. This is an opportunity for local residents to pop along and chat with your local PCSO’s/ Police Officers about the crime that is happening in the area. Its also an opportunity for you to discuss any worries/ concerns you have about the village. · Sunday 26th April – St Georges Day Parade – Knowle High Street – 12:00 – 14:00. · Sunday 17th May – KNOWLE FUN RUN Thank you for your continued support Kind regards PCSO Faye Payne 31879 Solihull Rural’s Neighbourhood Policing Team |
HHPC News
The Parish Council have been contacted by the agent acting on behalf of St Philips, regarding Land East of Stratford Road, Hockley Heath:
“St Philips has submitted an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) scoping request to Warwick District Council and Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council for land east of Stratford Road in Hockley Heath. This reflects the fact that while the majority of the site lies within WDC, a small section adjacent to Stratford Road falls within SMBC. The request has now been validated and is available to view on the Council’s planning portal.
St Philips has been promoting the site through the South Warwickshire Local Plan process, which identified the site in the SWLP Preferred Options consultation. Alongside early technical work, we are engaging with Warwickshire County Council to understand whether there may be a requirement for a new primary school in this part of the District, which the site could accommodate. In line with national policy for Grey Belt development, the site will also offer a 40% provision of affordable housing, helping local people to access high-quality homes in Hockley Heath.
A short project webpage has been published to explain the EIA process and provide updates as the work progresses: stratfordroadhockleyheath.co.uk.
As the proposals develop further, we intend to launch a public consultation in due course so that the local community can provide feedback”.
The Parish Council has been contacted by the agent for the owners of the Christmas tree plantation land off Stratford Road, Old Warwick Road and Wharf Lane. The agent has expressed interest in attending the Parish Council meeting on Thursday 19 March 2026 at 7.00pm, to speak in the Public Open Forum, to outline early exploratory work linked to the site’s identification as a potential growth area in the emerging South Warwickshire Local Plan (SWLP).
The purpose of attendance is to ensure residents are informed and able to hear directly from the agent.
Attendance at the meeting does not imply any support or endorsement by the Parish Council. Any future planning application would follow the normal statutory consultation process.
Residents are welcome to attend Parish Council meetings.
| Good afternoon, Do you have a few spare hours each week and a passion for making a difference in your community? If so, our Police Cadets need role models like you. We’re looking for enthusiastic and reliable Cadet Leaders to help run our cadet units across the region. Whether you’re looking to give back, gain new skills, or boost your CV, this could be the perfect opportunity for you. What’s Involved? Cadet Leaders are adult volunteers (aged 18+) who act as mentors and role models for young people aged 13 to 17. Most units meet once a week in the evening, typically for 2–3 hours, at local venues such as schools, colleges, or police stations. As a leader, you’ll help guide cadets through a national curriculum that covers topics such as policing, law, communication, and community engagement. Sessions combine classroom learning with practical activities like team-building, role plays, sports, and visits from policing teams. Cadets also take part in policing operations and community events outside of regular sessions. You don’t need a policing background, just a commitment to supporting and inspiring young people. Why Volunteer? By volunteering as a Cadet Leader, you’ll: · Play a key role in helping teenagers build confidence, leadership, and life skills · Join a friendly, dedicated team making a real impact in local communities · Enjoy exciting opportunities to take part in public engagement and policing events · Receive free training, a uniform, and expenses (including mileage) · Strengthen your CV with leadership, teamwork, and communication skills Please note this is a volunteer role and not a paid position. What You’ll Need: · Be aged 18 or over · Live in the UK and have been a resident for the past 3 years · Pass police vetting and an enhanced DBS check · Provide two references If you’re ready to inspire the next generation, we’d love to hear from you. Please do not reply to this message directly, for more information 👉 Email us at cadets@westmidlands.police.uk Thank you |
Monday 9th February 2026
Good Evening from the Solihull Rural’s Neighbourhood Policing Team,
Our team are hard at work preventing crime and keeping our communities safe. If you have any local information to support us with this, please email the Rural’s Neighbourhood Policing Team inbox on rural@westmidlands.police.uk .
Please be aware that this inbox is NOT monitored 24 hours a day and is purely for non-emergencies. In an emergency please call 999. To report a crime in a non-emergency situation please call 101 or visit Report a crime | West Midlands Police to do this online.
The Rural’s Team will also keep you updated on their activity using X (previously known as Twitter). Please follow our team on X using the following username: @RuralsWMP
Local crime
Below is a snapshot of the vehicle crime and burglaries that have been recorded in the Dorridge & Hockley Heath area between the 1st January and 9th February 2026.
Burglaries:
· Residential Burglary of Unconnected building – Four Ashes Road, Dorridge – victim has woken in the morning to see garden shed door was insecure and had been unscrewed from the hinges. Items had been taken from within and surrounding plant pots broken. This includes, Golf clubs, strimmer, jet wash, and telescopic ladder stolen.
· Residential Burglary of a home – Avenue Close – unknown offenders have drilled the lock on the rear door of the property, entered, stolen car keys of the kitchen worktop and subsequently stolen vehicle BMW 2 SERIES and made off in unknown direction
· Residential burglary of a home – Meadow Close, Hockley Heath – officers have attended address to reports of an elderly female who has Alzheimer’s discovered her house had been broken into. Officers arrived and was greeted by the victims daughter who stated the cleaner had discovered the back door glass panel had been put through and the victims bedroom had been trashed.
· Attempted Residential Burglary of a home – Westerham Close, Dorridge – Suspicious males seen crouching down by a lamppost, was disturbed by someone opening bedroom window, upon officers arrival they found a porch door had been tampered with, unsure if anything was taken, CCTV showed males in balaclavas.
Vehicle crime:
· Theft from motor vehicle – Winster Avenue, Dorridge – person(s) unknown gained access to locked, parked vehicle and removed both front and rear number plates. Unknown suspect made good their escape.
· Theft from motor vehicle – Widney Road, Bentley Heath – person(s) unknown gained access to locked, parked and unattended motor vehicle by (cutting into back of the van around the lock in order to reach in and flick the lock open ) with implement (if known, ie., brick, stone etc) and stole property.
· Theft from motor vehicle – Sainsburys, Dorridge – Person(s) unknown have approached a unlocked, parked and unattended motor vehicle and stole the victims wallet, containing Driving Licence, Natwest credit cards, Tesco credit card, 1x HSBC Debit card and 2 x Lloyds cards, that they had left on the back seat whilst they were returning a shopping trolley at the offence location. Offender(s) then subsequently withdrew/spent a total of £3900 from/on the IPs cards.
· Theft from motor vehicle – Stratford Road, Hockley Heath – The unknown offender has approached the victim’s white Ford Focus and has unscrewed the front number plate and has made off.
Crime prevention advice
– Please consider purchasing a steering wheel lock for your vehicle. This will decrease the chances of your vehicle being targeted by offenders. Also remember to double check that your vehicle is locked, before leaving it unattended. Installing an immobiliser and covert tracking device will also increase the chance of getting your vehicle back should it be stolen.
– Please don’t leave valuable items on show inside your vehicle. Even loose change can be appealing to vehicle offenders.
– Consider installing anti-snap locks to all external windows and doors on your home. This will make it more difficult for potential burglars to gain access to your home. Installing a monitored burglar alarm is also a great deterrent. Try to make the front and rear of your property as well-lit as possible by installing motion activated lighting.
– CCTV is a great deterrent for offenders. This can also be crucial in linking criminals to multiple crimes.
– Consider purchasing anti-tamper number plate screws to secure your vehicle registration to your vehicle. Bare in mind that if you have a personalised plate, anti-tamper screws will make it very difficult to remove the plate if needed.
Local news
– A speed watch took place in Hockley Heath on School road and 37 Vehicles were caught exceeding the speed limit in the hour. One vehicle was caught doing 46mph in the 20 zone!
CCTV REGISTRY
We need more people to register their home or business CCTV and doorbell cameras to help solve crime by providing footage when alerted.
Register your CCTV or doorbell cameras at: CCTV Registry | West Midlands Police
How it works in three steps:
1. Register your cameras securely in 60 seconds
2. You will receive a text or email when a crime happens near your home or business and our officers believe your CCTV may have recorded the incident
3. Upload the images via the secure link contained in the message
Dates for your diary
· Thursday 5th March 2026 – 11:00 – 12:30 – Beat Surgery at The King George Memorial Hall, Hockley Heath. This is an opportunity for local residents to pop along and chat with your local PCSO’s/ Police Officers about the crime that is happening in the area. Its also an opportunity for you to discuss any worries/ concerns you have about the village.
· SOLIHULL RURAL’S PACT (PARTNERS AND COMMUNITYS TOGETHER) MEETING – Dorridge Village Hall 6.30pm – EVERYONE INVITED TO COME ALONG…..PLEASE ATTEND!!!!!
Hello Hockley Heath
Neighbourhood Watch Associations are a support base for volunteers, members and supporters in your policing force area of West Midlands. We are currently recruiting for people to join the team. We currently have a handful of members and we would like to do more in our communities, if only we had a larger team to help.
As a valued member, supporter, or volunteer of Neighbourhood Watch, we are reaching out to invite you to play a pivotal role in helping us build a bigger Neighbourhood Watch Association in your local area. We believe this is a crucial step to support the ongoing work of Neighbourhood Watch, strengthen the connections within our community, and empower our volunteers.
The purpose of the Association is to:
· Support the work of Neighbourhood Watch: Actively recruit members, run local campaigns and support the work across the network.
· Assist and engage volunteers: Offering training, guidance, and a strong support network for all volunteers.
· Strengthen connections: Building relationships with key partners, including local police forces, councils, and Police and Crime Commissioners, to enhance the impact of Neighbourhood Watch initiatives.
· Be reflective in the values and code of ethics of Neighbourhood Watch and exemplify these in all that they do
We are looking for passionate individuals like you to help us achieve our goal and ensuring our Association serves as a resource for members and volunteers alike while also fostering stronger ties with local partners.
If you’re interested in volunteering to help the Association, we would love to hear from you. Your experience, enthusiasm, and commitment to our shared cause will make a significant difference. Together, we can build a strong support structure for Neighbourhood Watch in your area and further the work of this incredible community-driven initiative.
We are therefore holding a information session online and if you are interested to find out more. To attend, please click on the link on the date and time of the meeting. If you click before or after this date and time, you will not be entering the meeting.
The meeting date is: Thursday 19th February 2026 6pm – 7pm
The link for joining the Teams meeting is: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/37639151251254?p=GcG47KcEHffKrK2dwv
Meeting ID: 376 391 512 512 54
Passcode: 3RK6o4i5
Please reply to this message or contact us a cheryl.spruce@ourwatch.org.uk to express your interest or if you have any questions. We look forward to hearing from you and working together to make this vision a reality!
Thank you for your continued support of Neighbourhood Watch.
Dear Hockley Heath,
We’re launching a new survey in partnership with the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner to capture your thoughts and concerns about antisocial behaviour in your community.
We’ve developed a plan to reduce antisocial behaviour for 2026 onwards, and your views are central to helping this plan continue to grow and work effectively for our communities.
The survey will give you the opportunity to share your experiences and ideas to help ensure the plan reflects the needs of our community, and how well police are delivering a service for you.
Antisocial behaviour can have a real impact on how safe people feel where they live. By taking part in the survey, you can help West Midlands Police identify what matters most in your area and where action should be focused.
The survey will be open throughout February, and everyone who lives, works, or spends time in the West Midlands is encouraged to take part.
Feedback from the survey will directly inform the approach taken by West Midlands Police and partners to reduce and prevent antisocial behaviour moving forward.
To have your say, complete the survey before 28 February:
Residents and businesses are being asked to comment on the issues and options that the Council’s emerging local plan should look to address.
The Council is preparing a new Local Plan following major national planning reforms and the withdrawal of the previous draft plan. The Plan will guide where new homes, jobs and supporting infrastructure should be located across the borough up to 2043.
The consultation outlines options for locating new development and asks for views on how best to distribute growth, ensure infrastructure keeps pace with development, and shape high‑quality, sustainable places. Stakeholders can comment on issues ranging from housing numbers and spatial strategy to design quality, transport, climate change and biodiversity.
The consultation will close at 11:59pm on Monday 16 March 2026, with feedback helping shape the next stage of the emerging Local Plan.
Comments can be submitted via our dedicated on-line portal which can be accessed from the Emerging Local Plan webpage. This page hosts the full consultation document and also a short summary document which provides a helpful overview covering why a new plan is needed, what the main issues are, and the options being explored.
Please note, respondents do not need to comment on every question, and can respond to as many or as few as they wish.
Drop-in events are being held across the borough so that people can discuss the consultation in person with council officers. The Emerging Local Plan webpage will provide up to date information about these events.
All comments will be reviewed and will help shape the next version of the Local Plan. A further, more detailed consultation will take place at the next stage, where the Council will set out its preferred approach.
Read the full news release here.
For the latest news about Solihull’s emerging Local Plan visit our website