Police hope increased patrols will reassure community during 24-hour clampdown to seize weapons
CARDIFF residents have been reacting to the 24-hour police stop and search order covering Cardiff city centre.
South Wales Police issued the Section 60 order yesterday (Monday) over concerns that recent incidents in Cardiff city centre could lead to further violence.
The Section 60 notice allows the police to exercise stop and search powers without reasonable grounds to search each person. It expires at 4.20pm today.
A stop and search notice allows the police to stop any person walking in the area to be searched for weapons or dangerous objects. It also allows them to stop and search any vehicle as well as the people inside.
The area covered by the notice includes Bute Park, Cardiff University, Cathays, Roath, Splott, Adamsdown and the city centre.
A spokesperson from South Wales Police said: “There is an ongoing police presence in the area to provide reassurance to our communities.”
Some residents have expressed concerns about crime and antisocial behaviour in Cardiff as well as the use of stop and search.
Monette Batulayan, from Llanedeyrn, said that violence was an issue in her area.
“It’s a bit rough. I don’t mind about the stop and search as long as there’s enough evidence. Why not if it’s for the safety of the community,” she said.
Danny Solsburg, 46 from Princes Street, Roath, said: “Theft in my area is quite high and I don’t think stop and search will really affect that. It’s not addressing the core issues of why it’s happening in the first place. It’s an infringement of your civil rights to walk down the street.”
Mr Solsburg, who said he had been a victim of a knife crime, believes the police should be engaging with the community more. “Soft rather than hard touch and this is very hard touch,” he said.
South Wales Police said: “This decision has been taken following incidents in the locality where violence has been threatened or used. Section 60 is aimed at preventing serious violence, to find dangerous instruments or to apprehend persons carrying weapons.
“There is a real concern that this matter could escalate.”
Police are able to exercise stop and search powers under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 but the order cannot last for longer than 24 hours.
Anyone with information about people carrying weapons or seeking to cause violence should contact police.
- People can report anonymously through Crimestoppers on 08090 555111. Or contact South Wales Police on Facebook and Twitter or by emailing SWP101@south-wales.police or calling 101.
South Wales Police say they have arrested an 18-year-old man in connection with robberies committed around Cardiff city centre.
