Police Nab 25 in Cardiff Crackdown; Barry Man Charged

Key Points

• A man from Barry is among 25 people arrested during a coordinated police operation across Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan on 28 January 2026.
• The operation targeted suspects for offences including shoplifting, burglary, domestic abuse, drug supply, blackmail, outstanding warrants, and recall to prison.
• Four arrests related to domestic abuse offences; one for drug supply; one for blackmail; four on warrant; five on recall to prison.​
• Three charged: Dominic Ferrugia, 51, of Barry, for attempted burglary; Michelle Court, 49, of Adamsdown, for theft; Chanelle Actie, 42, of Butetown, for two counts of shop theft.
• Shanice Roderick, 21, of Ely, convicted of two counts of burglary after guilty plea on 29 January; sentencing on 26 February.
• Chief Inspector Matthew Hicks emphasised pursuing harm-doers and encouraged public reports.
• Operation part of ongoing efforts to disrupt crime and enhance community safety; follows prior action with 32 arrests.​

Cardiff (Cardiff Daily) 31 January 2026 – South Wales Police detained 25 individuals, including a man from Barry, in a major day of action on 28 January targeting shoplifting, burglary, and other crimes across Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan. The coordinated operation addressed suspects on warrants and those wanted for recall to prison, with arrests at multiple locations to tackle criminal activity swiftly.

What Triggered the Coordinated Police Operation?

The day of action formed part of broader police efforts to disrupt criminal networks and bolster community safety in the region. As detailed in reports from Bro Radio, officers focused on individuals suspected of various offences, executing arrests throughout 28 January. This followed a similar operation earlier in January that resulted in 32 arrests, demonstrating a sustained push against local crime.​

Chief Inspector Matthew Hicks of the Cardiff and Vale command unit stated: “We are going to pursuing those doing harm to our community and bringing them to justice. If you have concerns in your area, please report them and we will take action.” He further noted in Bro Radio coverage: “We are already seeing the impact of yesterday’s action,” highlighting early positive outcomes.

Who Were the 25 People Arrested?

A total of 25 arrests occurred, encompassing a range of suspected crimes. Four individuals faced detention on suspicion of domestic abuse-related offences, one for drug supply, and another for blackmail. Additionally, four were wanted on outstanding warrants, while five required recall to prison.

The operation zeroed in on shoplifting and burglary suspects, contributing to the overall tally. As reported across sources including Glamorgan Star and Bro Radio, these arrests aimed to bring offenders before the courts promptly.

Which Individuals Faced Charges?

Three people have been formally charged post-operation. Dominic Ferrugia, 51, of Barry, was charged with attempted burglary, as confirmed by Bro Radio and Glamorgan Star reports. Michelle Court, 49, of Adamsdown (also spelled Adamstown in some coverage), faced charges for theft.

Chanelle Actie, 42, of Butetown, was charged with two counts of theft from a shop. These developments were noted in police updates shared via community pages and media outlets.

What Happened in Court After the Arrests?

One arrestee has already reached a conviction. Shanice Roderick, 21, of Ely, pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary dwelling and theft during a court appearance on 29 January. She is scheduled for sentencing on 26 February, according to Bro Radio and other sources.

This swift judicial progression underscores the operation’s effectiveness in fast-tracking cases. Police statements emphasise that such actions ensure accountability.

How Does This Fit into Broader Police Strategy?

Why Focus on Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan?

The region has seen repeated days of action, with this being the second major sweep in January. Bro Radio reported 32 arrests in an earlier operation, setting the context for the 25 detentions on 28 January. Locations spanned Cardiff districts like Adamsdown, Butetown, and Ely, plus Barry in the Vale.

What Impact Has It Had So Far?

Chief Inspector Hicks highlighted visible results, urging residents to report issues. As per his quote in Glamorgan Star: “We are going to pursuing those doing harm to our community and bringing them to justice.” The charges and conviction signal progress in reducing burglary and theft prevalence.

What Offences Were Targeted Specifically?

Shoplifting and burglary topped the list, alongside serious matters like domestic abuse and drug supply. The blackmail arrest added a layer of complexity, indicating varied criminality. Warrants and prison recalls addressed absconders, preventing further offences.

Four domestic abuse arrests reflect commitment to protecting victims. Bro Radio detailed: “four people were arrested for domestic abuse related offences, while there was one arrest for supplying drugs and another for blackmail.”​

Who Is Chief Inspector Matthew Hicks?

What Did He Say About Community Safety?

As head of the Cardiff and Vale command unit, Hicks led the narrative on proactive policing. In Bro Radio: “We are doing to pursuing those doing harm to our community and bringing them to justice. […] If you have concerns in your area, please report them and we will take action.” His words reinforce public partnership.​

Where Did Arrests Take Place?

Multiple sites across Cardiff and the Vale saw activity on 28 January. Barry featured prominently with Dominic Ferrugia’s case, while Adamsdown, Butetown, and Ely linked to charged or convicted individuals. Community Facebook pages like Whitchurch & Tongwynlais PACT echoed police updates on these locales.

When Is the Next Court Date?

Shanice Roderick’s sentencing is set for 26 February. No further dates for others were specified in immediate reports, but charges suggest ongoing proceedings.​

Why Report Local Crime Concerns?

Hicks’ call to action promotes vigilance. Operations like this demonstrate rapid response, potentially deterring crime through visibility.

This operation exemplifies targeted enforcement amid regional challenges. With charges laid and a conviction secured, authorities signal zero tolerance. Residents can expect continued vigilance, as per police commitments.