Police tackle burglaries in Cathays and Roath

A POLICE operation to tackle burglaries in Cardiff has resulted in more than 15 properties being searched and 10 arrests being made.


Operation Chimera was launched to target burglars operating in Cathays and Roath and also suppliers of Class A controlled drugs.

Properties in Diamond Street, Mackintosh Place, Rhymney Street, Allensbank Road, and Gold Street were among those searched on Thursday and Friday.

A further warrant was carried out on Saturday in City Road.

Sergeant Matt Powell from the Central Priority Police Team said:

"Cathays traditionally has higher number of burglaries than other parts of the city with laptops being the most common item stolen. Unfortunately the high-number of multi-occupancy properties provides rich pickings for criminals who know that most students will have valuables such as laptops and IPod that can be easily carried and sold on.

The link between acquisitive crime and drug addiction is well known. Drug dependant offenders need to raise money to buy drugs and many will commit crime such as burglary to feed their habit.

This operation has therefore been aimed at targeting those suspected of breaking into homes, selling stolen properties and dealing drugs."

Operation Chimera involved officers from the Central Priority Police Team, drug squad, CID, Neighbourhood Policing Team and Community Safety.

Results include:

· 16-year-old male from Diamond Street arrested for burglary and handling stolen goods.

· An 18 year old female from Allensbank Road was arrested on suspicion of theft

· A 34-year-old man and 33-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of money laundering after £5,000 cash was found in Mackintosh Place

· In Rhy! mney Street a 43-year-old man was arrested for possession of heroin an d a 23-year-old man was arrested for theft.

· A 24-year-old man was arrested for a dwelling burglary which occurred in Emerald Street, Cardiff on March 16.

· A 26 year old man was arrested and is currently in police custody after a business premises on City Road, Cardiff was searched. Offcers seized 24 lap tops 3 of which have already been confirmed as stolen; 26 mobile phones 2 of which have already been confirmed as stolen; 3 digital cameras; 2 pink ipods; 2 ps3's; 2 Wii; 1 Wii fit; 1 Satellite Navigation System; 2 Japanese quartz watch sets with a photograph of a Japanese female in one of the boxes; a Nicky Clarke hairdryer.

· A 31 year old male from Gold Street, and a 32 year old male of no fixed abode were arrested for Possession with Intent to Supply Heroin

· More than 300 homes and business were visited by Community Safety Team in City Road and! surrounding streets including Kincraig Street, Pearson Street, and Treharris Street. These visits explained the police action in the area and were an opportunity for residents to discuss any concerns.

Sgt Powell added: "Hopefully this operation will send a clear message to those who commit crimes such as burglary in Roath and Cathays. Burglary is a crime that dramatically affects peoples lives and it will not tolerated."

"If anyone has any information about criminality in the area they can contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

For all your student safety advice to prevent being a victim of burglary visit here