BIRMINGHAM, England – Police in the West Midlands are facing an increasing threat of violence as criminal gangs engage in open warfare on the streets. Shotgun shootings have become the weapon of choice for these dangerous criminals, with little regard for the potential consequences of their actions.
According to the West Midlands Police, nearly half of all shootings in the region over the past year involved the use of shotguns. In one 12-month period, there were approximately 55 shotgun blasts recorded, including incidents that occurred in broad daylight.
While overall shootings have decreased, the use of lethal firearms remains a serious concern for law enforcement. The latest serious crime report revealed that there were 95 recorded “lethal barrelled firearms discharges” in the 12 months leading up to August 2023.
The threat of shotgun violence has left residents terrified, with reports of drive-by ambushes in Wolverhampton and shootings in the middle of the afternoon in Walsall. The West Midlands Police have intensified their efforts to target criminal gangs using these weapons, but the continued use of shotguns remains a pressing issue for the community.
In response to the escalating violence, the West Midlands Police have implemented Operation Captiva to coordinate firearms activity and monitor the current threat picture. Despite efforts to address the issue, the prevalence of shotgun violence continues to pose a significant risk to public safety in the West Midlands.