AN annual crusade to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in Sandwell is being launched this week.

As part of the borough’s six-week autumn Safer 6 campaign there will be series of events across the six towns for people to get information and advice.

They will promote safety, crime prevention and healthy living and give details on how local organisations can help with problems ranging from anti-social behaviour to drug and alcohol misuse.

West Midlands Fire Service is leading the campaign, with Sandwell Council, Sandwell Police, health, probation, councillors and community and voluntary organisations all supporting.

Promotional events will be held in Cradley Heath on Monday 10 October 10 from 11am until 1pm, at Tesco and at the front of Sandwell Council House, Oldbury, on Monday October 24, from noon until 2pm.

Volunteers from Sandwell Crime Prevention Panel will also be giving advice at the Oldbury event and will be outside Sainsbury's Blackheath, on Friday October 14, from 1pm until 4pm.

A number of other organisations will be carrying out activities in neighbourhoods throughout the campaign.

Councillor Preet Gill, Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for public health and protection, said: “It’s great to see so many different organisations joining together, giving this extra effort and providing advice, information and reassurance as the nights draw in.

“Each town has a focus week during the campaign – and I encourage people to come along to their local event to find out more to help them stay safe and healthy during the darker nights and throughout the year.”