Birmingham Police lssue Public Appeal After Assault and Theft at Family-Run Retailer

Can you help us identify these two?

We are urgently seeking your assistance to identify two individuals following a troubling incident in Heathland Avenue, Birmingham. On the evening of 10 May at around 7.30pm, a staff member at a local shop was assaulted, and items were stolen.

Image: West Midlands Police

Despite thorough CCTV enquiries, officers investigating the case have been unable to identify these individuals. If you recognise them or have any information that could assist our investigation, please contact us via 101, quoting crime reference number 20/240145/25.

The Impact on Our Community and Local Businesses

This incident is not just about one assault—it highlights a worrying trend affecting independently owned, family-run businesses across Birmingham and the UK. These small businesses are the backbone of our community, providing vital services, employment, and local identity. Crimes like this cause direct financial harm, instill fear, and can jeopardise their very survival.

Statistics reveal an unsettling rise in theft and violence:

In Birmingham, recent figures show a 15% increase in shop thefts over the past year, alongside a 10% rise in violent offences reported in retail settings.

Across the UK, shoplifting offences have increased by 12%, while violent crimes in commercial premises have seen a 9% rise over the last 12 months.

(Sources: UK Home Office Crime Statistics, 2024/25)

Supporting Our Local Businesses: Catch a Thief UK

At Catch a Thief UK, we are committed to supporting independent UK businesses in crime prevention and detection. We work closely with retailers to reduce theft and enhance safety through innovative solutions and community engagement.

Our recent projects include:

Renovating and transforming an old red British telephone box in Rubery, Birmingham, fitted with an Emergency Bleed Control Kit to provide vital first aid in emergencies.

Donating food and essentials to homeless organisations, supporting those in most need.

Providing vital information and advice on social issues such as mental health, drug addiction, and homelessness (more details available via this website).

Our latest community initiative saw the purchase and installation of two Lifebuoys and an Emergency Bleed Control Kit at the River Nene, Henry Pen Walk, Peterborough (opposite Asda and the shopping precinct) on 24 May 2025.

We have much more work to do, and with your help, we can make our communities safer and stronger.

If you have any information about the incident on Heathland Avenue, please contact Birmingham Police on 101, quoting crime reference 20/240145/25.

Together, we can protect our local businesses and the community from crime.