Ten people were arrested and drugs, weapons and illegal goods were seized in Dudley in a day of intense police action

Another day of Operation Advance has seen arrests, drug seizures and illegal weapons and goods being removed from the streets of Dudley as police continue to ramp up operations in the area.

Operation Advance is the name given to special action days by West Midlands Police across the region, during which officers focus on tackling the issues that matter most to residents.

The final day of the operation, the second of its kind in the area, took place on Friday 28 June, with officers taking to the streets of Dudley to tackle issues including illegal tobacco and alcohol sales, harassment and assault, and complaints of anti-social behaviour.

As part of the operation, specialist teams from different police units joined forces to address residents’ concerns. Officers also used the opportunity to meet with the public and engage with them.

During the operation, officers arrested 10 people, eight of whom were allegedly evading arrest on charges including assault and theft, harassment and breaching bail conditions.

Among those arrested was a 23-year-old man who was allegedly spotted driving a vehicle with cloned number plates despite not having a licence. After the car was spotted running a red light and on the wrong side of the dual carriageway, it became stuck between other vehicles and the passenger fled on foot. The man was later arrested with the help of a police helicopter.

A 14-year-old boy from Kingswinford was charged with possessing a dangerous weapon and possessing cannabis after being stopped and searched on Stourbridge High Street. He was charged and later bailed to appear at Dudley Magistrates Court on July 23.

During the operation, police also assisted Dudley Council’s Trading Standards Unit in raiding a number of shops across the borough, with officers seizing thousands of pounds worth of illegal cigarettes and e-cigarettes from shops in Lye High Street.

During the day officers also took part in a road safety operation in Castlegate and, working with partners, recorded 24 road traffic offences including using a mobile phone, failing to keep vehicles in good condition and running red lights.

Deputy Chief Constable Mike O’Hara said: “Working with our partners including the DVSA, Immigration, the Motor Insurance Bureau and others, we have stopped a number of vehicles that were unroadworthy or had police markings.

“Ultimately, criminals are on the road, so it’s really important that we’re on the road with our partners enforcing the law.”

During the operation, officers also patrolled recreation and green areas in the area, where they searched the Dell Stadium for weapons and searched Fens Pool Nature Reserve in relation to suspicions of anti-social behaviour.

Officers also used the opportunity to speak to local residents, give commuters advice on how to travel safely and visit schools to talk to pupils.