More than 30 suspected offenders were arrested during a targeted police operation across Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan aimed at bringing wanted individuals into custody.
South Wales Police confirmed that 32 people were arrested on March 11 during what officers described as a day of intensified activity focused on locating individuals suspected of a range of offences. Those detained included alleged shoplifters, violent offenders and people wanted on outstanding warrants.
Among the arrests, eight people were detained on suspicion of shop theft, while three were arrested on suspicion of assault, three for affray, and two for domestic-related offences. The operation also led to the arrest of three individuals wanted on warrant and two wanted on recall to prison.
Police said the coordinated effort involved officers carrying out enquiries and arrest attempts across multiple locations throughout the Cardiff and Vale policing area.
Several suspects have already been charged following the operation. Those charged include Dwain Roberts, of Butetown, who faces three counts of theft from a shop and one count of attempted shop theft. David Hewings, 43, of Llanrumney, has been charged with several counts of burglary and attempted burglary, while Christina Cirpaci, 25, of Newport, and Lynsey Wyatt, 40, of Cadoxton in Neath Port Talbot, have both been charged with shop theft-related offences.
Police also confirmed that three individuals have already been convicted following their arrests. Among them, Damion Spriggs, 26, of Trowbridge, was convicted of two counts of shop theft and possession of a Class A drug and will be sentenced at a later date. Meanwhile, Adrian Shellam, 50, of Cardiff, was jailed for eight weeks after admitting theft from a shop and breaching a criminal behaviour order.
South Wales Police said the operation forms part of ongoing work to tackle crime and bring offenders before the courts. Officers said proactive operations such as this are designed to disrupt criminal activity, support local communities and reassure residents that action is being taken against those suspected of committing offences.
Enquiries relating to the arrests are continuing.
Source: South Wales Police – https://www.south-wales.police.uk/news/south-wales/news/2026/march/operation-in-cardiff-and-the-vale-sees-over-30-suspected-offenders-arrested-in-one-day/