Day of focused policing in Coventry sees close to 40 arrests
Operation Advance tackles crime with targeted patrols and community engagement
Last updated 2nd Jul 2026
West Midlands Police have made 38 arrests in Coventry, on a day of targeted action called Operation Advance.
Taking place on Tuesday (30th June), teams from various branches collaborated on a focused initiative addressing issues important to local people, including targeted patrols, warrants, and community engagements.
The operation resulted in 18 stop and searches, 23 vehicle seizures, and numerous positive interactions with the public.
Starting early, dedicated patrol teams, including the off-road bike team and road harm prevention units, operated in areas such as Stoke, Wyken, Henley, Longford, and Foleshill.
During the operation, eight vehicles were seized due to offences like lacking insurance or tax.
In Coventry city centre, neighbourhood teams, and partners from the Mounted Unit, BID officers, and the Offender to Recovery programme patrolled looking at retail crime and engagement with businesses.
The teams provided crime prevention advice and monitored frequent offender hotspots.
Knife arch operations were conducted at Pool Meadow bus station by officers from Safer Travel, alongside Project Servator teams performing visible deployments.
These officers, trained to identify suspicious activity, will be present in Coventry over the weekend forthe Godiva Festival.
The Coventry Police Museum opened its doors for Operation Advance, inviting visitors to explore the city's policing history.
Outside the city centre, a walk against Violence against Women and Girls in Foleshill was hosted in partnership with local women community groups.
In the South North West, officers attended retail parks to offer advice to shoppers and businesses and conducted Speedwatch patrols in Holbrooks amid community concerns about speeding.
Four visits by Trading Standards officers revealed hundreds of illegal cigarettes, vapes, and counterfeit goods at premises in Tile Hill, Hillfields, Foleshill, and Walsgrave.
Two multi-agency road safety operations took place at B&M Hinckley Road and Alvis Retail Park checking cars for insurance, tax, and antisocial driving.
The Coventry Police cadets participated by speaking to local peoples about their crime concerns and patrolling the city centre.
As night fell, officers conducted proactive robbery patrols and checked in at licensed premises during the World Cup matches, supported by teams including the Operations Support Unit and Dogs specialists.