Shoplifting and Retail Crime

Issued 21 September 2026

Action to be updated.

Actioned 21 December 2026

Anti-social behaviour

Issued 21 September 2026

Action to be updated.

Actioned 21 December 2026

Drug Dealing

Issued 21 September 2026

Action to be updated.

Actioned 21 December 2026

Anti-social Behaviour

Issued 23 June 2026

The Neighbourhood Police Team have taken steps by working with Immigration and Trading standards to make targeted visits to shops along City Road and adjacent streets to disrupt any anti-social behaviour taking place and any activities that contribute to ASB. PCSOs continue to provide community engagements that help bolster community trust and to provide reassurance when possible.

Actioned 23 September 2026

Shoplifting and retail crime

Issued 23 June 2026

Cathays NPT arrested an induvial in connection with 10 outstanding shoplifting offences. Further enquiries by officers with local retailers uncovered an additional 10 unreported offences. The offender was charged with 20 shoplifting offences and one count of Assault by Beating relating to an attack on a member of staff during one of the thefts. He was subsequently remanded in custody.

Actioned 23 September 2026

Drug use and dealing

Issued 23 June 2026

Officers in Cathays identified suspicious activity involving an e-bike rider. After conducting a search on the individual under section 23 of the misuse of drugs act, 33.5 grams of cannabis FFH, 7 grams of cannabis resin and £304.50 in notes and coins were found and later seized. The individual also modified an e-bike to be reach 62mph: the bike was seized. The individual later gave a full admission in interview and was charged and arrested.

Actioned 23 September 2026

Anti-social Behaviour and homelessness - Plasnewydd

Issued 23 March 2026

The Neighbourhood Policing Team has maintained a strong and highly visible presence in Plasnewydd. Uniformed officers have carried out reassurance visits to businesses and residents, focusing on peak periods to maximise deterrence and build confidence. PCSOs within the ward are diligently monitoring any Anti-social behaviour and making reports to ensure that nuisances are reduced. Recent work done with HMRC and Immigration was done to disrupt any anti-social behaviour under the Clear Hold Build.

Actioned 23 June 2026

Shoplifting and Retail Crime - Plasnewydd Ward

Issued 23 March 2026

Shoplifting and retail crime remain persistent issues within the Plasnewydd Ward, and the Neighbourhood Policing Team continues to prioritise proactive patrols and partnership work with local businesses. During May, officers across the Roath and Cathays sector made 42 arrests, several of which were linked to acquisitive crime offenders impacting the area. PCSOs and officers are working closely with store managers and security teams to improve reporting, share intelligence, and identify prolific individuals at an early stage. This approach ensures we can respond quickly, target the right offenders, and support retailers in creating a safer and more secure shopping environment for the community.

Actioned 23 June 2026

Clear Hold Build - City Road

Issued 23 March 2026

Clear Hold Build among City Road continues to be a priority for the local Neighbourhood Policing Team, with multiple operations being co-ordinated to disrupt any crime and to ensure safety among the area. A joint operation with HMRC and Immigration saw visits to various establishments among City Road to support safeguarding and compliance work, and to be a visible presence and provide reassurance when needed.

Actioned 23 June 2026

Clear Hold Build - Operation for City Road and the Winter Of Action for Albany and Wellfield Road

Issued 12 December 2025

1) Officers have identified suspicious activity at an address on Cathays Terrace. On forcing entry to the address, it was evident that the premises was being used to house a cannabis factory. 231 cannabis plants located, and a 32-year-old man has been arrested and charged for cultivation of cannabis. All 231 plants and factory equipment have been seized and sent for destruction.

2) Whilst out on patrol around hot spot areas, officers have sighted a outstanding stolen vehicle. 2 men have attempted to make off from the location before being detained. Searches recovered 22 wraps of heroin and 30 wraps of cocaine with an estimated street value of £1340-£1860. Both males have been arrested for autocrime offences and possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.

3) Following a stop search of a male in Cathays, 132g of cannabis and 40g of cannabis resin has been taken off the streets. The male was found in possession of 3 grip seal bags of cannabis and a mobile phone indicating drug supply. A search of his home address has recovered a further 36 individual deal size bags of cannabis and £525 cash. The 21-year-old has been arrested for possession with intent to supply (PWITS) Class B drugs.

4) Whilst on patrols in the area, a male was observed in hand-to-hand exchanges by officers. On detaining the male, 43 individual street deals of cannabis and £230 was recovered. The 21-year-old has been charged with possession with intent to supply (PWITS) class B drugs, concerned in the supply of class B drugs and possession of criminal property. He has been remanded in custody for sentencing on 05/03/2026.

5) Officers have sighted a male within a hot spot area for drug activity, riding an e-bike and wearing a face covering. Despite an attempt to make off and discard any incriminating evidence, the male was detained and e-bike seized. A search of an address, located a second male who also unsuccessfully tried to make off from officers. Within the address, a further e-bike was located along with 126g of cannabis and 12g of cocaine. Both males have been arrested and charged for being concerned in the supply of cocaine and cannabis.

Actioned 26 February 2026

Shoplifting & Retail crime - Thefts from stores

Issued 17 September 2025

The Neighbourhood Policing Team continues to prioritise shoplifting and theft from stores in Plasnewydd. Officers have been working closely with local businesses to make reporting easier and improve overall security, helping to maintain a plateau in thefts. Proactive patrols and targeted enforcement have led to significant arrests, including an individual apprehended in November for 17 offences, who is currently on remand. Such behaviour is not tolerated, and the team supports the use of Criminal Behaviour Orders where appropriate to prevent repeat offending. With the festive period approaching, continued vigilance will be key to preventing an increase in retail crime and protecting the local community.

Actioned 12 December 2025

Electric scooters

Issued 17 September 2025

Illegal use of electric scooters and e-bikes remains a focus for the Neighbourhood Policing Team. During the Summer Safer Town Centres campaign, Operation Totara successfully targeted this issue, resulting in the seizure of over 150 scooters and e-bikes and a noticeable reduction in their use across the area. The team continues to monitor and enforce against illegal riding, particularly where it is linked to drug-related activity. Looking ahead, we plan to deliver similar operations under the Winter of Action campaign, working closely with Cardiff Council and other partners to maintain a coordinated, sustained approach to tackling this problem and protecting the local community.

Actioned 12 December 2025

Drug use & dealing

Issued 17 September 2025

Drug use and dealing remains one of the most significant priorities for the Cathays Neighbourhood Policing Team, as it underpins many of the other issues the community experiences. Officers continue to disrupt both possession and supply through targeted patrols, intelligence-led operations, and arrests. Most recently, an individual was stopped and arrested for possession of 55 wraps of heroin, with investigations ongoing. While further operational details cannot be shared for legal reasons, such enforcement is a regular part of the team’s work. The NPT remains committed to tackling drug-related harm, protecting the community, and supporting partner agencies in addressing the wider impact of this criminality.

Actioned 12 December 2025

Drug Dealing - City Road

Issued 17 June 2025

The Neighbourhood Policing Team continues to prioritise tackling drug dealing on City Road. With the introduction of Operation Lipfern and Autumn Plans now in full swing, it is anticipated that enforcement and disruption activity will significantly increase over the coming weeks. Intelligence-led patrols and plain clothes operations are being deployed to target known offenders and hotspot locations, with a focus on safeguarding vulnerable individuals and disrupting local supply networks. Engagement with businesses, residents, and partner agencies continues to ensure a balanced approach that addresses criminality while reassuring the wider community.

Actioned 17 September 2025

Antisocial Behaviour - Roath Rec and Community Parks

Issued 17 June 2025

The Neighbourhood Policing Team continues to focus on reducing anti-social behaviour in and around Roath Recreation Ground and other community parks in Plasnewydd. Officers have conducted high-visibility patrols, particularly during peak times in the evenings and weekends, to deter nuisance behaviour and reassure park users. Engagement with local residents, park users, and community groups such as Fiery Jacks has helped identify recurring issues. Where necessary, problem-solving interventions have been implemented, including ASB warnings and targeted enforcement through Safer Town Centres. Officers have also conducted a Speed Swareness Campaign on Ninian Road next to the Rec, checking 501 vehicles in the operation.

Actioned 17 September 2025

Retail crime & Shoplifting - City Road and Albany Road

Issued 17 June 2025

Retail crime and shoplifting continue to be a significant issue on City Road and Albany Road. The Neighbourhood Policing Team is reviewing internal processes to ensure all incidents are fully captured and that repeat offenders are appropriately pursued. The frustration caused by the volume of shoplifting is shared by both South Wales Police and local business owners. Operational efforts have included deploying the CCTV van, running multiple plain clothes and high-visibility patrols, and utilising a range of tactics to deter offending and gather evidence. Efforts were made to engage all local businesses and use Safer Town Centre funding to provide RadioNet units to enhance community communication and collaboration; however, despite the offer of a free 12-month contract, uptake was limited. These activities aim to reduce retail crime, support the business community, and maintain public confidence.

Actioned 17 September 2025