A DRUGS warrant, teams targeting priority suspects, high visibility street patrols and proactive car crime events all formed part of a police ‘day of action’ across North Worcestershire on Tuesday.
A 40-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of importing cannabis at a property in Redditch. He was bailed while further enquiries are carried out.
Officers from West Merica Safer Neighbourhood Teams (SNTs) also carried out patrols engaging with the community, as well as targeting shoplifters in Redditch, Bromsgrove, Rubery, and Wyre Forest.
Steven Fellows, 35, of Crossley Walk, Bromsgrove was charged with nine counts of shoplifting and seven counts of breaching a Community Protection Notice.
He appeared at Kidderminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday where he was remanded on conditional bail to appear at Worcester Magistrates’ Court later this month.
Road policing units supported officers with speed enforcement activities at known hotspots in Redditch and Hollywood.
Officers visited Hagley and Drakes Cross as part of the ongoing proactive car crime operations which were coupled with prevention activities including a car theft workshop, burglary prevention advice and giveaways.
Patrols were also carried out at Redditch Railway Station where officers were to spot known criminals coming from Birmingham.
The day was hailed success with three stop searches, eight arrests, four interviews and 16 charges made so far. Six vehicle searches were undertaken, two were seized, 46 drivers were given advice about their driving and 46 traffic offence reports were filed.
There were also 25 drivers caught speeding. They were either given words of advice, will face a speed awareness course or points or a court date – the latter included one driver doing 47mph in a 30mph zone.
North Worcestershire Local Policing Commander, Supt Mel Paley, said: “This day of action was North Worcestershire LPA’s chance to shine a light on the work we carry out to protect them not just on days of action like this, but every single day of the year.
“Criminality of any kind will not be tolerated by West Mercia Police, and I hope the success of this intensive day of action will send that message to potential offenders.
“We are here 24/7 to protect and serve the public we but they too have a very important part to play in helping to keep our communities in North Worcestershire safe, as they are our extra eyes and ears in the ongoing fight against crime.”
North Worcestershire is the third local policing area to take part in Operation Forefront, which is the name given to the day of action.