Like every major city, Birmingham has areas where crime rates are particularly high, but one of the most pressing concerns is the presence and influence of gangs, which presents certain challenges for residents as well as professionals who work there, particularly private investigators. We must not shy away from the fact that Birmingham, although it is a place home to thriving communities rich with history and culture, struggles with gang violence, turf wars, and organised criminal groups—each group often highly structured and coordinated—that fuel its reputation as one of the UK’s most dangerous cities.

For us private investigators operating in these areas, the presence of gangs adds an extra layer of complexity to our work. The threat posed by gangsters, who are often involved in violent and illegal activities, cannot be underestimated. In this post, we take you through how we remain vigilant for potential threats and adapt methods to avoid drawing unwanted attention in areas where gangs operate. The prevalence of firearms in gang-controlled areas further increases the risks for investigators, making caution and preparation essential.

Historical Context

Birmingham’s reputation as a hub of gang activity is not a recent development—it’s a legacy that stretches back to the days of the Industrial Revolution. As the city rapidly expanded in the 19th century, the crowded streets and booming factories created fertile ground for the rise of gangs. The most infamous of these early groups were the real Peaky Blinders, a violent gang whose members became notorious for their distinctive style—peaked caps, sharp suits, and, most chillingly, cut-throat razors sewn into their hats. Their presence on the streets of Birmingham was both feared and influential, shaping the city’s gang culture for generations to come.

The Peaky Blinders, as documented by historian Philip Gooderson, were far from the glamorous figures depicted in popular culture. In reality, they were responsible for a wave of violent crime, using weapons like razor blades and knives to enforce their control over territory and intimidate rivals. Their gang lifestyle was marked by brutal confrontations, and their influence extended deep into the city centre and surrounding areas. The legacy of these early gangs is still alive in the slang, fashion, and attitudes seen among some of today’s gang members.

As Birmingham moved into the 20th century, new gangs emerged, each vying for dominance over the city’s streets. The Burger Bar Boys and the Johnson Crew became household names, their gang war marking a period of intense violence and gun crime that drew national attention. The West Midlands Police faced an uphill battle, as shootings, attempted murder, and armed response incidents became all too common. For many young people growing up in deprived areas, the gang lifestyle offered a sense of belonging and protection, but the reality was often one of fear, threats, and a constant fight for survival.

Throughout Birmingham’s history, gangs have operated in cycles—rising, falling, and sometimes re-emerging under new names or affiliations. The background of many gang members is shaped by poverty, lack of opportunity, and social exclusion, but it’s important to remember that not all young people are drawn into this world. Community organisations and the police have worked tirelessly to provide alternatives, offering hope and support to those at risk of becoming involved in gang activity.

Today, the influence of gangs can still be felt across the West Midlands, from the city centre to the outer suburbs. Modern groups like Armed Response and the 9Boys are affiliated with larger criminal networks, responsible for shootings, violent confrontations, and the ongoing fight for territory. The presence of guns and other weapons remains a major concern, and the West Midlands Police continue to adapt their strategies to disrupt gang operations and bring those responsible to justice.

Despite the challenges, there is a strong sense of resilience and hope within Birmingham’s communities. The fight against gang culture is ongoing, but so too is the determination to build a safer, more vibrant city. By understanding the history of gangs in Birmingham—from the days of the Peaky Blinders to the present—we gain valuable insight into the roots of gang activity and the steps needed to move forward. The comments and stories of those living in the city reflect both the fear and the hope that define Birmingham’s relationship with its gangs. With continued effort, support for young people, and a commitment to tackling the underlying social issues, there is light at the end of the tunnel for a city that has always found a way to move forward.

The Notorious Gangs of Present-Day Birmingham

In late January 2025, 19-year-old Meshaq Berryman, believed to be affiliated with the notorious 9Boys gang, was jailed for life for a drive-by shooting that injured four people, including a 14-year-old girl in Handsworth. He was convicted of the crime. He was targeting members of a rival gang, Armed Response, who were gathering to mourn 17-year-old Akeem Bailey, who had been murdered in October 2022. The victims of the attack included both gang members and innocent bystanders. The killing of Akeem Bailey marked a significant escalation in violence between the gangs. Unfortunately, cases like this are not uncommon, as feuds about territory often result in violence and, in some tragic circumstances, death.

Meshaq Berryman jailed for shooting at gang rivals in Handsworth

Criminal gang activity in Birmingham and the areas they control is never stable due to several factors, including internal conflicts, police crackdowns, shifts in the drug trade, and turf wars between gangs. Threats from gangs can be directed at everybody present during confrontations, not just their intended targets.

You may have heard of the notorious Burger Bar Boys or The Johnson Crew, who dominated vast swaths of Birmingham during the 1980s and 1990s. In the 21st century, offshoots of these gangs emerged, and now, in 2025, the city contends with many different gangs claiming different areas. Nobody knows exactly how many there are operating in Birmingham, but according to police figures, an estimated 80 gangs are operating in the West Midlands. Some gangs claim the territory of just a handful of streets, and others entire districts.

These gangs can be highly suspicious of unfamiliar individuals or vehicles loitering in their area. A private investigator operating in such a location without prior knowledge could inadvertently attract attention, leading to potential confrontations or threats. Some gang members actively monitor their areas for potential law enforcement or rival gang activity, meaning an investigator could be mistaken for either and face aggression. Some gangs also wait outside schools or venues to recruit new members, targeting vulnerable individuals. This is why we need to be aware of gang-controlled areas so we can assess the risks associated with surveillance operations and plan accordingly.

Young people are often drawn into the gang lifestyle, sometimes without fully understanding the risks involved. Youths are particularly vulnerable to recruitment and exploitation by gangs.

Here are 6 of the most violent and established gangs currently operating in Birmingham and what territories they claim:

1. Guns and Money Gang

Lozells, East Handsworth, and Newtown.

2. 9Boys

Affiliated with GMG, they also operate in Lozells and East Handsworth.

3. 23 Drillas

Erdington, Gravelly Hill, Stockland and Green, and Short Heath.

4. Armed Response

B21 side of Handsworth, as well as the B18 postcode area.

5. 247-365 Gang

Bartley Green.

6. The Frankley Killers

The lower half of the B31 postcode area.

Covert Surveillance in Gang Territory

Operating in these areas requires more than just investigative skills. It demands awareness, adaptability, and strategic planning. Close-knit communities can make covert operations more difficult, while hostile environments increase the risk of confrontation. Dense urban layouts limit mobility, making quick exits challenging, and the use of surveillance equipment must be managed discreetly to avoid drawing attention.

At Prometheus, we implement safety practices to protect our investigators while maintaining the integrity of our investigations. Before any operation, we conduct thorough risk assessments to analyse potential threats. Surveillance techniques involve unmarked vehicles, discreet equipment, and rotating team members to avoid establishing noticeable patterns.

Our operations are rarely conducted solo in high-risk areas. Team-based strategies with constant, secure communication ensure rapid response to any situation. We also plan escape routes and use WhatsApp Live Location to monitor our investigators in real time.

In addition to WhatsApp Live Location, what3words is a brilliant app that we use and suggest everyone else have on their phones, too. It is a system that maps the world in 3 square meters, and your three words identify which square you’re in, allowing your location to be found in emergencies with simplicity and precision.

Conflict de-escalation training is part of our standard preparation, equipping our team to handle tense situations professionally. Additionally, technology like drones and remote monitoring tools helps reduce the need for physical presence in particularly dangerous areas.

Final Thoughts

While Birmingham has areas with high gang presence, our team at Prometheus is trained, equipped, and prepared to handle any environment. Working in areas with active gang activity presents unique risks—not only must investigators be discreet, but they must also be acutely aware of their surroundings to avoid drawing unwanted attention.

Gangs in Birmingham operate in well-defined territories, and outsiders are often noticed quickly. A lapse in judgment, even something as small as parking in the wrong spot or lingering too long in a certain area, can turn a routine operation into a dangerous one. Understanding the complexity and dynamics of gang-controlled areas is essential for planning safe and effective surveillance operations.

For those interested in the latest crime statistics and updates on gang activity, the police crime map provides valuable insights.

The fight against gang culture in Birmingham is ongoing, but with vigilance, preparation, and community support, there is hope for a safer future in the city.