Extra police presence in Dudley on Wednesday - here's why

More police officers and specialised units will be patrolling Dudley today (Wednesday) for an intensive day of action as Operation Advance returns to the borough.

Op Advance is a West Midlands Police force-wide initiative which takes place in each local policing area across the region throughout the year, starting in Dudley today.

Operations, enforcement activity, and community engagement events have all been planned to take place throughout the day.

Officers will be targeting organised and violent crime, road safety offences including off-road bikes and carrying out anti-social behaviour patrols.

They will also be looking out for vehicle crime offences and working with partners and businesses to act on retail crime.

The Dudley teams will be out in their neighbourhoods alongside specialist officers and staff from other departments including police dogs and the mounted unit, and will also be joined by some of their partners to further act on issues impacting residents and businesses.

Activity has already begun with teams heading out during the early hours to arrest suspects wanted for a range of offences.

Chief Superintendent Gill Davenport for Dudley Police, said: “Today sees Operation Advance return to Dudley, which has been planned to ensure maximum impact in tackling the crimes affecting our borough and issues that matter most to our communities.

“Our Dudley teams will be joined by officers from across the whole force and specialist units, working together alongside partners to deliver 24 hours of intensive police operations and a targeting a whole host of crimes.

“Op Advance is just an extension of what we do day in, day out, to ensure the whole borough is a great place to live, work, and visit.

“If you see officers out and about today feel free to come and say hello and have a chat about any issues that are affecting you, or to find out more information on what the teams are up to in your local area.”