TWELVE people were charged with a variety of offences including possession of offensive weapons after police launched an operation in the city.

Operation Cyclone, which was launched on Monday, saw officers on Bettws Lane, Newport, using automatic number plate recognition equipment to spot vehicles which may not have insurance, tax or may be stolen.

The checks were part of the major police operation, to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in Newport.

Carried out by Bettws Policing Team, the operation aims to crack down on everything from drug dealing to stolen vehicles. Problems of truancy in schools, benefit fraud and outstanding court fines are also being targeted.

The operation covers Bettws, Malpas, Rogerstone and the Graig. Three people have been charged with driving while disqualified, and another was arrested on suspicion of theft of a vehicle.

On Monday, eight people were brought to court because of outstanding court fines and three were jailed. Nine more are being investigated for benefit fraud.

More than 34 officers are involved. They are working with fines warrant officers, the DVLA and the Department of Work and Pensions.

So far, 12 vehicles have been confiscated and will be crushed if fines are not paid. Inspector Daniel Taylor, at Bettws police station, said residents were supportive.

"People were clapping the DVLA as they were taking away vehicles," he said.

Officers also swooped on three houses and a small amount of cannabis was seized.

The operation ends on Saturday, when police will give crime prevention advice at Malpas Road retail park.