Three arrested after early-morning robbery on New Street

Three people have been arrested after a man was punched and robbed on New Street in the city centre in the early hours of Tuesday 6 October.

Police said they were alerted after the man was assaulted and his phones and a bag were stolen. Officers made quick enquiries, identified suspects and caught up with them after a short foot chase.

Two men, aged 39 and 31, and a woman aged 34 were arrested on suspicion of robbery at around 4am. All three remained in police custody on Tuesday as enquiries continued.

Knife seized at Kings Norton funfair

In a separate incident, two 14-year-olds were arrested at a funfair on The Green in Kings Norton on the evening of Monday 5 October.

Officers were called at around 7.45pm after reports of a teenager acting suspiciously. A knife was found and seized during a search, and a 14-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of possessing a blade in a public place. A girl, also aged 14, was arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police officer.

Both have been released on bail while the investigation continues.

The law on carrying knives

It is a criminal offence to carry a knife or any bladed article in a public place without good reason, unless it is a small folding pocket knife with a blade of 3 inches or less. The maximum penalty for an adult is four years in prison. Some weapons, including zombie-style knives, flick knives and so-called ninja swords, are banned outright, so it is illegal to own, sell or carry them even at home.

Young people who are caught carrying a knife can be referred to youth offending services, and a conviction can follow them for years, affecting their chances of getting a job, a place on a course or permission to travel to some countries.

Keeping safe on a night out

Most people visiting the city centre at night have no trouble at all, and New Street is one of the busiest and best-lit streets in Birmingham. Police advice to reduce the risk of street robbery includes:

• Keep your phone out of sight when walking, especially late at night, and be aware of who is around you.
• Plan how you will get home before you go out, and use licensed taxis or booked private hire cars.
• Stay with friends where you can, and agree a meeting point if you get separated.
• Turn on your phone's tracking feature, so a stolen phone can be located and wiped.

If you are threatened, police advise handing over your belongings rather than putting yourself at risk. Property can be replaced.

How to report a crime

Call 999 if a crime is happening now or someone is in danger. To report something that has already happened, or to pass on information, use the Live Chat service on the police website or call 101. Information can also be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Parents worried that a child may be carrying a knife can get confidential advice from organisations such as Fearless, the youth service run by Crimestoppers, and from their child's school.