‘I wouldn’t move here now,’ say residents of estate overrun by drug dealing and theft

Dudley Council is cracking down hard on antisocial behaviour, but residents of Brewery Fields, a housing estate near Dudley town centre, say the problem is far from solved. The area has been plagued by drug activity, vandalism, theft, and disturbances caused by gangs of youths, leaving many feeling unsafe in their own homes.

One longtime resident, who wished to remain anonymous for fear of retaliation, described the ongoing chaos: “There’s a lot of shouting at night, motorbikes racing up and down the streets, and fireworks going off regularly. I suspect some of it could be signals for illegal deals.” They recounted spotting suspicious vehicles stopping briefly to exchange items before speeding off. Despite attempts by local people to document these incidents, they feel ignored by the authorities.

The resident shared a personal encounter with a suspicious van: “A man was bringing something into the park. When he saw me watching, he told me to clear off and then drove away.” Theft is common too; garden ornaments frequently disappear, forcing residents to avoid leaving anything valuable outside.

Having lived in Brewery Fields for over 40 years, the resident lamented the area’s decline: “This used to be a nice place, but it has gone downhill. It’s embarrassing what’s happening here. Now I wouldn’t consider moving here again.” There’s a sense of resignation among some locals who feel the problems are tolerated rather than tackled.

Yet efforts are underway to change the narrative. Community leaders and activists, including St Thomas’s ward councillor Shaukat Ali, are campaigning for improvements. Recently, vandalised play equipment in the local park was removed, with plans being made to secure funding for a rejuvenation project. Cllr Ali expressed his commitment: “When a community comes together, change is possible. I grew up here and I love this place, despite the challenges.”

Dudley Council has unveiled one of the toughest antisocial behaviour policies in England, featuring mobile patrol units, drone surveillance to track off-road bikes, covert operations, and measures to prevent problematic tenants from accessing council housing. West Midlands Police have increased patrols in hotspot areas following new Public Space Protection Orders.

While the community struggles with persistent crime and disorder, hope remains that combined efforts from residents, local officials, and law enforcement will help restore Brewery Fields’ safety and pride.