Cleveland Police carried out 174 more stop and searches last month compared to June

Cleveland Police carried out 174 more stop and searches last month compared to June as officers continue to conduct high-visibility patrols.

A total of 859 stop and searches were conducted in July, marking a 25% increase from the 685 stop and searches in June.

Of those 859 searches, almost a quarter resulted officers locating prohibited items such as illicit drugs and dangerous weapons.

Stop and search powers are a vital tool to help make the local community safer by preventing and detecting crime. 

Officers will only exercise their legal right to stop members of the public and search them when they genuinely suspect that doing so will further their investigations into criminal activity.

This could include looking for weapons, drugs or stolen property.

Superintendent Marc Anderson said: “Stop and search allows officers to stop those acting suspiciously and carry out the required checks to prevent and deter crime.

“By catching criminals going equipped to steal and taking dangerous weapons and drugs off the streets, we’re making our communities safer for residents.”

Information from the public is invaluable so if you see anything suspicious please contact Cleveland Police on 101 with any information or concerns.