South Wales Police have seized a machete, drugs, electric bikes and fireworks as part of a crackdown on an area hit by anti-social behaviour. They said officers were investigating a series of incidents of anti-social behaviour in Gabalfa, Cardiff, including stone-throwing at police vehicles.
Police have been working in conjunction with the National Aviation Service to fly planes over Gabalfa in a bid to crack down on crime. Police issued a Section 60 notice this weekend (12-13 July) which allows any uniformed officer to stop and search any pedestrian, vehicle, driver or passenger for offensive weapons or dangerous instruments. For the latest Cardiff news, sign up to our newsletter here
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Police said a 22-year-old man from Fairwater was arrested in the Pill area of Newport early on Sunday, July 21. He was arrested on suspicion of assault, possession of an offensive weapon and various drug offences. A number of items were recovered from the address, including a machete, quantities of cannabis and a large sum of cash, police said.
They added that a significant seizure of proceeds of crime was also made, with designer bags, clothing and trainers removed from the property.
Two further arrests were made on Sunday morning. Police said a man and woman, both aged 20 and from Gabalfa, were arrested on suspicion of possession of cannabis with intent to sell. At that address, a hunting knife was seized as well as a large quantity of cash, a large quantity of cannabis and fireworks believed to be linked to a previous incident where vehicles were targeted in the area.
Officers also seized two Sur Ron electric bikes believed to be linked to incidents where police vehicles were targeted.
Local police inspector Ben Davies said: “Fairwater neighbourhood team worked late into the night last night to secure an urgent warrant which led to today’s arrests. They were supported by the Territorial Support Team and others from Cardiff Division.
“We have recently carried out high visibility patrols with the assistance of mounted officers and traffic units. Our priority is to ensure that everyone can feel safe and go about their daily lives in Gabalfa without feeling intimidated, and we will continue to work tirelessly to apprehend those who cause problems.”
