15 arrested, 17 knives recovered and eight warrants executed across south Wales during week intensification

A week-long intensification to tackle knife crime saw people arrested and knives seized and handed in across south Wales.

South Wales Police took part in the national intensification between November 17 and November 23, dubbed ‘Sceptre’, aimed at tackling knife crime.

Officers ran a number of additional engagements and operations throughout the week, including additional patrols, test-purchasing, knife sweeps, and engaging with young people in schools.

Additionally, the operational activity saw:

15 arrests
Eight warrants
17 knives recovered through amnesty bins
Over 30 knives and swords, belonging to a collector, safely to a neighbourhood policing team
Over 180 community engagements

Other criminality was also detected during the operational uplift. While conducting an intelligence-led knife sweep in Llanishen, four plastic eggs were recovered containing zip lock bags containing suspected cocaine, worth between £2400 and £2500.

A warrant also in Llanishen resulted in cannabis and two ninja swords recovered, alongside £5000 cash. A man has been charged in connection.

A stop search in Swansea by the Neighbourhood Policing Team found a man in possession of cannabis. This was seized and a community resolution issued.

Knife crime lead Jonathan Duckham said: “This week of intensification saw some great results, but also focused heavily on engagements within the community, educating young people on the dangers of carrying a knife, alongside what to do if they become aware of someone carrying a knife.

“Teams also conducted test purchasing in shops with the support of our CYP, allowing us to ensure shops are being responsible with their sales.

“We are committed to tackling knife crime in south Wales, both by addressing those committing criminality, as well as addressing the issue early through education and engagement.”