13 arrested in day of action across Worcestershire

A day of action across Worcestershire saw 13 people arrested yesterday (Wednesday 14 October), a large cannabis grow uncovered, and e-bikes and e-scooters seized.

Multiples warrants were executed, included in Worcester, Warndon and Kidderminster, in relation to drugs supply and animal welfare concerns.

Called Operation Forefront, the day of action took place to highlight the work officers carry out 24/7 every day of the year targeting key crimes and high harm offenders.

It saw patrol officers, Safer Neighbourhood Teams (SNT), Prevention teams, CID, Operational Policing Unit (OPU), Task Force (TF), and dogs’ section, focus on arresting wanted suspects and engaging with the community.

There were also operations targeting the illegal use of e-bikes and e-scooters in Worcester and Wyre Forest.

Among the results from Op Forefront were: -

• Two men were charged and remanded after a cannabis grow was discovered in Kidderminster.
• Three men arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs following a warrant by Proactive CID at Rose Avenue, Worcester, where cash and drugs were recovered. They have been bailed pending further enquiries.
• Rural Crime Team, RSPCA and SNT officers executed two warrants in Warndon and Whittington
• One man arrested on suspicion of a public order offence by SNT after making threats in Worcester city centre.
• Two men arrested by Kidderminster SNT – one on suspicion of robbery and one on suspicion of assault.
• Three men arrested by Redditch SNT – one for breaching a domestic violence protection order (DVPO) who was remanded to court, one who was wanted on recall to prison and one on suspicion of theft who was later charged and remanded.
• Redditch SNT on plain clothes patrol also disturbed some men breaking into cars. One threw a brick and made off, but a suspect has since been identified from officers’ body worn video footage.
• One woman arrested on suspicion of assault by Worcester SNT.

As well as the arrests, other results and activities included: -

• Seven e-bikes and e-scooters seized from various locations in Worcester.
• Two vehicles seized in Ronkswood for document offences.
• One e-bike and one e-scooter seized by Wyre Forest SNT.
• One imitation weapon being seized in Worcester city centre following calls from members of the public about knife crime.
• Plain clothed officers were on patrol in Evesham town centre targeting ASB and looking out for suspected drug dealing.
• Two summonses served to prolific shoplifters in Worcester city centre and two community resolution notices given, also in Worcester.
• Partnership engagement with Worcester BID, Neighbourhood Matters sign-ups, multiple bike markings and youth engagement around knife crime in the city centre.

Superintendent Helen Wain said: “Op Forefront in Worcestershire was a successful day with 13 arrests and multiple new investigations launched because of our officers’ actions, including with partner agencies.

“The co-ordinated day of action highlighting the work our officers carry out round-the-clock 365 days a year with an emphasis on those who cause the biggest harm in our communities and priority crimes.

“The warrants in Worcester and Kidderminster resulted in arrests and charges brought and there were multiple illegal e-bike and e-scooter seizures which we hope reassures our communities we are tackling these areas of concern.

“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.”