STOP and search powers led to higher numbers of arrests in Gwent than in England and Wales, a report reveals today.

Nearly 14 per cent – 1,029 out of 7,442 people – held under stop and search powers in Gwent, were arrested, compared to nine per cent overall in England and Wales in 2011/12, official statistics show.

At the same time, the figures showthat 12.9 per 1,000 people were stopped and searched in Gwent compared to around 20 per 1,000 in England and Wales in 2011/12.

The figures were published today in a new report by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary.

Gwent Police Chief Supt Julian Knight said: “Stop and search is an extremely useful tool for officers, who have reasonable grounds supported by evidence, to approach individuals and if necessary, arrest and take them off the streets.

“Within Gwent, the use of stop and search is continually monitored to ensure it is being used fairly and proportionately.

We appreciate the HMIC report.”

The report showed that almost half the stop and searches in Gwent – 49.06 per cent – were for drugs compared to 48 per cent in England and Wales.

More than one in five – 22.6 per cent – of the searches were for theft, going equipped or deception, compared to 22 per cent in England and Wales.

Meanwhile, 3.6 per cent were for offensive weapons, compared to nine per cent in England and Wales.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent, Ian Johnston said: “I welcome the HMIC report into Stop and Search. It is pleasing to see that Gwent comes out higher than the national average in relation to the number of arrests made following individuals being stopped and searched.

“This power can be extremely useful and effective for officers, however, I will continue to scrutinise how the Force uses it to ensure that the correct procedures are followed and that it is only actioned on occasions where it is suitable, fair and proportionate.”