Walsall police launch crackdown on shoplifters and knife carriers

Officers armed with search warrants will be targeting those suspected of carrying knives and tackling retail crime as part of the intensive Operation Advance initiative. 

This means patrol teams will be joined by specialist officers from the force and staff from other departments to deal with some of the issues affecting residents and businesses ranging from organised and violent crime, road safety, knife crime, anti-social behaviour and shop thefts.

Walsall's Ch Insp Lee Wiggan said: "The return of Op Advance gives us an opportunity to tackle issues in the borough with the support of extra resources from across the West Midlands.

"What really matters to people living and working in our communities matters to us, and it's important we're at the heart of communities so we can act. We have lots of activities planned today and when you see our officers out and about come and have a chat and tell us about issues concerning you.

"Walsall is a great place to live, work and visit and we're committed to working alongside our partners to maintain this."

The policing team said the day of action will see activity across the whole borough.