18 arrests and weapons and drugs seized in Dudley day of action
Police have hailed the success of a day of increased action across Dudley which saw 18 arrests and weapons and drugs seized.
Two suspected burglars were also caught red-handed, weapons and drugs seized and officers engaged with the community as part of Operation Advance, which takes place across each local policing area (LPU) in the West Midlands.
Wednesday’s operation saw extra officers on the streets working alongside the Dudley LPU team.
It included specialist teams such as roads and traffic units, operational support officers, Safer Travel and Operation Guardian and Servator officers.
Partners and volunteers were also present to conduct patrols and engage with the community at different events planned throughout the borough.
During the day, 18 people were arrested for a variety of offences, three vehicles were seized and officers, carried out 15 stop and searches, seizing one weapon.
A multi-agency road safety operation (MARSO) was held at Castlegate, where officers from the Road Harm Prevention Team, dog and drone unit and partners from the DVSA, DVLA, Transport for West Midlands, and Dudley Council took part.
Over 35 vehicles were pulled onto the site and dealt with for offences including illegal window tints, no insurance and non-conforming number plates. One man was also arrested on suspicion of drug driving.
Two suspected burglars were caught red-handed after patrolling response officers spotted a man and woman acting suspiciously outside a store on High Street, Dudley shortly after 2.30am on Thursday morning.
A woman aged 18 and man, aged 20, were arrested on suspicion of burglary non dwelling and have been released on bail while investigations continue.
During a traffic operation across the borough the teams headed to known hotspot locations and those causing most concern to our residents including, Manor Way, Quarry Bank and Netherton – with off road bike patrols also taking place.
The mounted unit were also out on patrol around the Priory Park area engaging with the public and college students.
The unit also assisted officers with two stop searches after spotting two men acting suspiciously.
Schools officers also held events including a recruitment stand at Dudley College, a Violence Against Women and Girls workshop at Kings Edwards College, and a knife arch initiative at Halesowen College, speaking to students about the dangers of knife crime and how to report.
Chief Superintendent Gill Davenport, of Dudley Police, said: “We had some great results across the borough yesterday and made multiple arrests for a variety of offences alongside some great engagement events at our schools, colleges, and family hubs.
“Op Advance is an opportunity to tackle issues in the borough with the support of extra resources from across the force – but I want to stress work like this happens every day for my teams.
“We’ll continue our work to tackle the crimes that matter most to our communities and listen to your concerns to make Dudley a great place to live, work, and visit.”
