Police in Gwent have arrested six people and seized eleven cars following a two-week operation targeting vehicle crime in the Ebbw Vale and Tredegar areas.

The arrests were part of Operation Barium, a community safety initiative in Blaenau Gwent launched in response to increasing reports of petrol thefts and crimes linked to motor vehicles on A-roads, business districts, and building sites.

Officers explained that offenders were utilizing cars to transport stolen goods, often raiding multiple locations throughout a single night.

Neighbourhood policing team Sergeant Marc Porter explained that the operation demonstrated their commitment to tackling vehicle crime and ensuring community safety. He said that by acting on intelligence and carrying out targeted patrols, they had interrupted unlawful activities, made arrests, and removed vehicles involved in offences from local roads. He added that they had also worked closely with residents to help stop crimes from happening in the first place.

During the operation, six people were held on suspicion of various offences including preparation for stealing, dangerous driving, failing to stop when required, using false registration marks, taking vehicles without permission, driving while impaired, and involvement in supplying heroin. Further arrests were made for possessing Category B drugs.

In total, eleven vehicles believed to be linked to criminal activity were impounded, and officers issued eight fixed penalty notices for violations such as operating vehicles without proper insurance or MOT documentation.

As well as enforcement measures, police carried out extensive community engagement and crime prevention activities.

Led by the force’s We Don’t Buy Crime team, officers interacted directly with local residents and businesses to provide practical advice on reducing vulnerability to criminal acts.

Members of the public were also provided with vehicle crime prevention equipment, including Faraday bags, designed to help prevent thefts of cars equipped with keyless entry technology.

Local residents are being urged to remain watchful and continue taking steps to protect their property.

Neighbourhood policing teams will persist with targeted patrol activities and collaborate with communities to deter criminal activity and preserve safety throughout Blaenau Gwent.

Their goal is to reduce vehicle-related crime and improve public safety.

Anyone who witnesses suspicious activity is requested to contact police by dialling 101, submitting information through their website, or calling 999 in emergencies.

Further crime prevention advice is available at: We Don’t Buy Crime | Gwent Police.