The individual was believed to be responsible for a significant number of illegal waste dumping incidents in the south of the city, causing environmental damage and blighting local communities.

As part of the investigation, the Council seized one vehicle that had been used to transport and dump waste illegally and West Midlands Police seized three vehicles for road traffic offences. In connection with the case, one person has been arrested.

Councillor Majid Mahmood, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, said: “Fly-tipping is a blight on our communities and a serious criminal offence. We will not tolerate individuals who think they can profit by dumping waste illegally and leaving the clean-up costs to taxpayers. This joint operation between the council’s waste enforcement team and WM Police sends a clear message – if you fly-tip in Birmingham, we will investigate, we will find you, and we will take action.

“We are committed to protecting our neighbourhoods and the environment. Illegal dumping not only scars our streets and green spaces, but it also poses health risks and undermines the hard work of residents who take pride in their communities.

“I want to thank our enforcement teams for their tireless efforts in tracking down offenders and bringing them to justice. We will continue to use every tool at our disposal — from receiving intelligence from the public to surveillance, vehicle seizures and prosecutions — to crack down on this behaviour. I am sure everyone is really pleased when we catch these criminals.”

The Council urges residents to remain vigilant and continue reporting any suspected fly-tipping or unlicensed waste carriers. Anyone with any information on cases of fly-tipping is urged to contact www.birmingham.gov.uk/flytipping.

The Council continues to work closely with West Midlands Police and other partners to investigate and prosecute fly-tipping offences wherever possible.

• Birmingham Smithfield will create a new city centre destination, providing a new home for the iconic Bull Ring Markets, along with spaces for start-ups, small business, and entrepreneurs.
• The scheme will deliver a new residential neighbourhood with more than 3,000 new homes and a park, plus culture and leisure attractions.
• The development is projected to create over 9,000 jobs during the construction phase and more than 10,000 additional roles post-construction.

The Enterprise Zone Partnership Board and Birmingham City Council’s Cabinet have agreed the Outline Business Case and Enterprise Zone Funding for Smithfield Birmingham, which brings the delivery of one of the largest and most exciting urban regeneration schemes in Europe a step closer.

A total of £172.8 million in grant funding has been allocated to the scheme, making the development financially viable, subject to the approval of full business cases for the different phases of the project, which will be submitted as the scheme progresses.

The Birmingham Enterprise Zone, established in 2011, covers 39 sites with 113 hectares of new and existing development space. The zone operates by using the business rates income growth from the 39 sites to invest and drive economic growth and improve the quality of live for Birmingham residents. The total cost of the grant will be met from the business rates income the development is expected to generate over the life of the Enterprise Zone programme to 2045/46.

The first Full Business Case that will release part of the allocated funding is expected to be submitted for approval early in 2026. In the meantime, Lendlease will continue the detailed design of the first phase including the new markets, first residential and workplace buildings and the new areas of public realm Manor Square and Market Square. Lendlease will also discharge planning pre-commencement conditions, undertake site surveys and finalise the site set up plans. The council will ensure that its Joint Venture Agreement with Lendlease for Smithfield Birmingham enables Lendlease’s new Joint Venture Partner, The Crown Estate, to formally participate in the scheme.

Last year the council’s Planning Committee approved revised plans for the 17-hectare development site that will create a new city centre destination, providing a new home for the iconic Bull Ring Markets, spaces for start-ups, small business, and entrepreneurs, a new residential neighbourhood with more than 3,000 new homes and a park, new culture and leisure attractions.

The development is projected to create over 9,000 jobs during the construction phase and more than 10,000 additional roles post-construction. Comprehensive training and support initiatives will be implemented to ensure that residents are equipped to access these employment opportunities.

Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, Cllr Sharon Thompson, said:

“This £1.9 billion development will transform the area, creating a vibrant landmark in the heart of Birmingham—that will elevate the city’s economic growth and enhance its international reputation.

“Smithfield is the largest single city centre development site in the UK, and is a key strand of our plans to transform the city centre.

“Approval of this grant funding is a significant milestone that will kick start the delivery of 3,000 homes for Birmingham, create 9,000 jobs, and will make Birmingham’s city centre an even more exciting and lively place for people to live and work.”

Colin Murphy, Portfolio Development Director & Project Lead Smithfield (Birmingham) at Lendlease, said:

“This funding brings added momentum for the next phase of Smithfield and the long-term regeneration of Birmingham city centre.

“It’s a vote of confidence in the city’s future and a clear signal that delivery of this once in a generation scheme is on its way.”

Construction is expected to commence on site in early 2026 and the delivery will be completed in four phases over 10 years.

This is part of ongoing efforts to keep the area safe for all who live, work, and visit.

Last week, 16 e-bikes were seized during a pre-planned multi-agency operation. Riders were issued with fines after officers discovered the bikes had been illegally upgraded to reach speeds of up to 40mph — far beyond the legal limits for electrically assisted pedal cycles (EAPCs). All seized bikes will now be crushed.

The operation is part of a wider response to increasing reports from residents, visitors, businesses, and professionals who live, work, and travel through the city centre. Complaints have included dangerous and inconsiderate riding, near misses with pedestrians, and collisions that have caused alarm and distress — particularly for vulnerable road users.

The action was carried out in partnership with the Birmingham Community Safety Partnership and West Midlands Police – including officers from Operation Fearless, the Road Harm Prevention Team, and Safer Travel – alongside British Transport Police, Immigration Enforcement, Paradise Security, and the Central and Colmore Business Improvement Districts.

Plain clothes and uniformed officers worked together to stop and inspect riders, checking the legality of their bikes and verifying rider status where appropriate. Immigration checks led to three arrests for immigration offences.

This is the latest in a series of planned operations focused on improving public safety and tackling the growing concerns from businesses, residents, and vulnerable groups around the dangerous and antisocial use of high-powered e-bikes.

Councillor Jamie Tennant, Cabinet Member for Social Justice, Community Safety and Equalities, said:

“Operation Frislen is the outcome of continuing work between Birmingham City Council and West Midlands Police about safety concerns around the use of e-bikes and other propelled transport in highly pedestrianised areas.

“We hope our recent collective intervention will not only take dangerous, untaxed and uninsured e-bikes off the street, but also provide valuable insight into the scale of the problem. This will enable all partners to identify further activities and actions that will reduce risks to the public.”

Inspector Scott Taylor from West Midlands Police added: “Dangerous e-bike use has become a major problem in the city centre – partners, businesses and pedestrians are telling us they feel it’s only a matter of time before someone is killed or seriously injured.

“We’ve been working alongside city centre businesses, including takeaways, delivery companies, the Central Business Improvement District and the city council in recent weeks.

“We’ve been out educating riders on the law and the impact dangerous riding is having on the city centre, and tonight’s operation has seen us step it up a gear and take firm action against those flouting the rules.

“We’d urge anyone who rides an e-bike for work or pleasure in the city centre to make sure they their bike is legal.

“We’ll be taking more action over the coming weeks, so anyone who ignores the law may well find their bike is seized and they are issued with a fine or are given a court date.”

This operation is part of Birmingham’s wider commitment to making the city centre cleaner, safer, and more accessible to all. Further days of action are planned in the weeks ahead.

E-bikes and the law
To legally ride an e-bike (known as an EAPC – Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle), it must:

• Have pedals that can be used to propel it,
• Use an electric motor with a maximum power output of 250 watts,
• Not assist when travelling more than 15.5mph.

If an e-bike is modified beyond these limits, it is classed as a motor vehicle. That means it must be registered, taxed, insured, and the rider must have a valid licence. It also cannot be used on cycle paths or public roads unless compliant.

Learn more: Riding an electric bike: the rules – GOV.UK

The campaign aims to raise awareness of the impact of ASB, support victims, and promote stronger, safer neighbourhoods for all.

The week, led by community safety organisation Resolve, is supported by the UK Government, Local Government Association, police and fire services, housing providers, and community partners across the country.

As part of the city’s contribution to this year’s campaign, Birmingham City Council is launching a series of actions under the theme #MakingCommunitiesSafer, with a strong focus on:

• Ensuring guaranteed support for victims of ASB
• Campaigning to reduce delays in the justice system
• Supporting a national Information Sharing Agreement so services can act more quickly
• Improving access to reporting tools so residents can raise concerns with ease.

Councillor Jamie Tennant, Cabinet Member for Community Safety at Birmingham City Council, said:

“Anti-social behaviour damages lives. It creates fear, drives people from their homes, and weakens the very fabric of our communities.

“This week is a vital opportunity to shine a light on the challenges we face and the progress we’re making. In Birmingham, we are committed to ensuring every victim gets the support they need, that services are better connected, and that everyone has a voice in making their neighbourhood safer.”

The Council is working closely with West Midlands Police, housing partners, youth services, and local communities to tackle ASB through prevention, early intervention, and enforcement where needed. Some of these include, hosting local drop-in events with neighbourhood officers, delivering awareness sessions in schools and youth hubs, sharing how to report ASB, and highlighting community champions and resident-led solutions.

For more information about ASB Awareness Week – visit the Birmingham Community Safety Partnership website.

To report anti-social behaviour, click here.