Everything police did to stop people dying during week of knife crime action

Starting on May 15, Operation Sceptre saw all police forces across England and Wales take part in a week of intensified action. Officers have confirmed they have removed 70 knives from the streets.

They also arrested 76 people, of which 29 were related to knife crime offences. And now they have revealed the tactics they used across Birmingham and the Black Country.

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These included weapons sweeps, engagement with schools and local communities and putting knife arches in public places. Events and knife surrender bins were also booted up to remove deadly blades.

Supt Gareth Morris, who leads the response to knife crime in the West Midlands, said: "We carried out 265 stop searches during the week and saw lots of positive results, but the work to tackle knife crime doesn't stop there. We will continue working in collaboration with partner organisations to support young people in making informed choices.

"Youth engagement forms a significant part of our approach to tackling knife crime, with officers and police staff working with schools, colleges, youth groups and partners to help young people move away from violence and involvement in gang activity. It's vital that parents and teachers also talk to young people about knife crime so that we can all work together to tackle the root causes of youth violence and make the West Midlands a safer place."

Last week we reported Deputy Chief Constable Scott Green had insisted bobbies would be more visible this summer as his force seeks to avert a potential hot-weather crimewave.

He said: "As members of the public we're out and about in our communities much more over the summer. That's the same for our young people even more so because they are not in full-time education.

"The consequence of all of those things is lots of our activities end up being busier. Crime increases a little bit in the summer and we see more young people so we will continue to be visible throughout our communities."

Mr Green urged parents to speak to their children about knife crime. According to police research, anyone who carries a blade is 51 per cent more likely to have it used against them.

Mr Green added: "My message would be the same as it is to the young people in my life. I'm also a parent of teenagers and I would encourage all of us to continue to talk to young people about where they are going, who they are going to be with. Specifically in relation to knife crime, we [need to] talk about the obvious dangers that come from carrying weapons."

Got a story? Email: josh.sandiford@reachplc.com

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