Birmingham community feels 'forgotten' following rise in violent crime
Community members in Lozells say they don't feel safe in their area.
A Birmingham community says it feels left behind after a recent escalation in violent crime in the area - as they call for the authorities to step in.
Residents in Lozells are calling for more police in the area after reporting they no longer feel safe.
Bishop Desmond Jaddoo is chair of the Lozells Community Forum.
"Policing now in areas such as Lozells is more reactionary, as opposed to to being proactive policing in preventing crime.
"And someone did say it's cheaper to prevent crime than resolve crime."
Desmond says he's aware of young children in the area who are becoming involved in knife violence.
"I know parents have called me into their homes as young as seven - and that's the key issue here. There are youngsters going around with knives.
"Parents worry today - children face various issues getting to school, never mind being in school."
Desmond tells us local people want to see a bigger police presence in the area.
"We need to go back to having officers on Lozells Road. People who drive through Lozells to drop their children at school say the only time they see a police officer is when there's a major incident."
West Midlands Police say they're keen to make the area hostile to criminals.
They say they're making a sustained commitment to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in the area and have been carrying out stop and searches and seizing illegal vehicles.