Targeted raids and patrols have been conducted across South Wales this week, resulting in 212 arrests, as part of Operation 14,000.
Local neighbourhood officers have been supported by resources from across the force area, to disrupt criminal activity and take those persons responsible off the streets.
Arrests have been made for offences including violent crime, vehicle crime, dwelling burglary, and robbery. Roads Policing recovered a stolen vehicle worth in excess of £30,000, and an Automatic Number Plate Recognition patrol help catch a wanted person for fraud offences, whilst officers from Cardiff arrested a person wanted by INTERPOL for crimes across Europe.
The Operation was named 14,000, to reflect the crime performance results announced last week by the Home Office, with almost 14,000 less victims of crime in South Wales during 2009/10 compared to 2008/09.
Superintendent Julian Williams who led the force wide operation said “Crime in South Wales continues to decrease, with current crime levels at an unprecedented low. We are committed to keeping South Wales safe, and Operation 14000 has targeted our most wanted criminals.”
Superintendent Julian Williams continues “Officers throughout the force have conducted a number of intelligence led raids, and this has taken a number of criminals off the street. The high arrest total has been a result of the professional work of our officers, and the continued support and information received from our communities and partners. We will continue to work closely with our communities to help prevent and tackle crime.”
Operation 14,000 was conducted over 4 days from Monday 19th – Thursday 22nd July 2010, with a day of proactive activity in each of the 4 Basic Command Units that make up the South Wales Police force area.
The Operation 14,000 arrests made in each area were:
Bridgend and Vale of Glamorgan – 36 arrests
Swansea and Neath Port Talbot – 39 arrests
Cardiff – 62 arrests
Merthyr and Rhondda Cynon Taff – 75 arrests
