More than 20 arrests made in Walsall during 24 hours of 'intensive' police action
More than 20 people have been arrested in Walsall as part of Operation Advance.
West Midlands Police made 23 arrests, seized vehicles, and taken weapons off the streets in their latest day of action in Walsall yesterday (Tuesday).
The force's latest action in Operation Advance saw extra resources spread across the Walsall borough as officers delivered "24 hours of intensive policing" in the region.
During the day of increased action, officers tackled a wide range of crimes that "impact the community the most" - working alongside Walsall Council, Safer Travel and British Transport Police.
It resulted in 23 arrests across Walsall, including two men, aged 25 and 20, who were arrested on suspicion of possessing a knife, and a 23-year-old woman on suspicion of robbery.
Other notable arrests include a 32-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of wounding with intent, while three men, one aged 22, and two aged 18, were taken into custody after being arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle.
A 34-year-old wanted man was also spotted by eagle-eyed officers from Park Street and taken into custody.
He was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage, while other suspects were arrested on suspicion of assault, breach of a restraining order and recall to prison.
Chief Inspector Lee Wiggan, of Walsall Police, who led Operation Advance, said: "This was a fantastic day of really high-profile activity, using everyone from neighbourhood and response officers, to intelligence, our Problem Solving Team, Traffic, Op Guardian Officers and more.
“The activity was designed to be really visible and reassuring, while making a real impact in communities across the whole borough.
“This is all about making our town centres safe and welcoming for everyone, while making them hostile places for anyone wanting to commit a crime."
Other activities on the day included a Multi-Agency Road Safety Operation (MARSO), with partners including the DVLA, DVSA, number plates team, DataTag, Walsall Council and Wolverhampton Council's licensing teams.
Neighbourhood officers in the St Matthews region of Walsall also supported the council's Trading Standards Team, who seized 4,700 cigarettes, illegal pouches of tobacco, and an amount of cash.
Mr Wiggan added: "Op Advance will be returning to Walsall next year, when we will be out in full force again to have that significant impact that using teams from across the West Midlands brings.
“In the meantime, Walsall officers will continue working 24/7 to make the town safer and help and support people when they need us most.”
