GUN CRIME across the region is on the down fall, according to West Midlands Police.
The force says there has been a drop in the number of firearm discharges to 117 in 2022/23 compared to 148 in the previous 12 months.
As part of the force’s new operating model introduced in April, a new major crime team was set up with around 100 officers to specifically investigate recoveries of firearms and firearm discharges.
This dedicated team is an integral part of tackling gun crime and removing dangerous weapons off the streets.
From April 2022 to March 2023, police seized 107 guns and since April this year, 53 guns have been recovered with at least 10 to date in August.
Earlier this year, Operation Target was formed which targets organised crime across the West Midlands region, with West Midlands Police working alongside other forces and the Regional Organised Crime Unit.
Detective Superintendent Scott Griffiths, from Force CID, said: “We know the fear and serious impact that firearms have on our communities and it only fuels our commitment to tackling gun crime.
“We’ve seen 31 fewer discharges across the West Midlands alone in the last 12 months, and follows our continuing efforts to seize potentially lethal weapons and disrupt those linked to gangs.
“We have some tremendous teams who are working day and night to keep the streets safe.
“Through Operation Target we are confronting serious and organised crime at a number of levels. We are focusing our resources, expertise, technology and skills to disrupt these criminal gangs.
“We must stay one step ahead and Operation Target helps us to send a very clear and deliberate message to those who think they can get away with targeting the communities that we serve – we will act on local intelligence, we will track you down, take your assets from you and put you before the courts.”
Anyone with information on gun crime can contact West Midlands Policev via Live Chat at WMP Online or by calling 101.
Alternatively speak anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111; callers won’t be asked their names and calls cannot be traced.
