A TEAM dedicated to tackling knife crime and serious youth violence has recovered over 450 weapons and made almost 800 arrests in the last 12 months.
West Midlands Police’s specialist Project Guardian Taskforce have carried out nearly 30,000 hours of active patrols across the region since last October.
The force says it has led to officers recovering a range of weapons – and making hundreds of arrests – as we work to reduce violence and knife crime involving under 25s.
In recent weeks this has included officers seizing 14 zombie knives, four spears, crossbow, machete, a taser, and PAVA spray in Birmingham.
Officers found a machete and Class A drugs after stopping a car in Coventry during patrols in and around the city.
The team has also been taking action to combat the sale of weapons via social media.
In October three teenagers were charged in connection with an investigation into the sale of zombie knives.
This comes after crime figures revealed knife crime has reduced by 16 per cent and serious youth violence has fallen by more than 13 per cent in the region.
Inspector Colin Gallier, from Project Guardian, said: “We’re working day in day out to take weapons off the streets and keep communities safe.
“Sadly, we have seen far too often the tragic and life-changing consequences of someone carrying a knife, gun or other weapon.
“We work alongside other teams in local policing areas to take action and also warn against the risks of carrying a weapon. This remains ongoing as we continue our work to reduce incidents.”
The police work with partners through the Violence Reduction Partnership to divert young people away from crime.
And there are officers who are in schools daily, offering support to deter youngsters from violent or criminal behaviour.
