Police to use stop-and-search powers in crackdown on knife crime

Police forces across Wales are set to ramp up stop and search activity as part of a UK-wide blitz on knife crime.

All forces in Wales and England are taking part in the week-long crackdown codenamed Operation Sceptre.

From Tuesday, officers will increase their use of stop-and-search powers, carry out weapons sweeps and target habitual blade carriers.

Knife crime has been under the spotlight after a spate of fatal stabbings in 2018.

Official statistics released in July showed police in Wales and England recorded 40,147 offences involving a knife or sharp instrument in the year ending March 2018, a 16% increase compared with the previous 12 months.