TERRIFYING knives have been recovered after an alleged robbery in a Solihull Park.
West Midlands Police has launched a major knife crime offensive aimed at purging the streets of weapons and protecting young people.
Shirley West Midlands Police account Tweeted yesterday (March 28): “Three males were arrested yesterday evening after reports of a robbery in Shirley Park.
“A quick response from PCSO Hill along with colleagues from West Midlands Police dogs and West Midlands Police firearms resulted in three more knives being taken off the streets.”
Solihull Police Partnerships Tweeted in relation to the same photo, saying: “These were seized yesterday off three young people in Solihull following searches.
“Two are kitchen knives. Most of the knives we’ve recovered are kitchen knives.
“Young people are taking knives from home and carrying them. Where are yours? Are they accounted for? Please check.
“Over the last week we’ve visited a large number of small retailers within the community undertaking knife sales checks.
“None of the newsagents sold knives nor did the local fishing shop.
“Many retailers told us they’d stopped selling knives in case young people get them.”
It added in another Tweet: “Last week alone we swept 14 parks in Solihull recovering knives, delivered 19 inputs at schools (why not to carry knives), held 11 community search operations (searching people in key places) and made arrests… we’re working hard to tackle knife crime too.”
And in another it said: “Great job by a member of the public reporting suspected robbery suspects, officers took quick and decisive action.”
“Knives, balaclavas and gloves seized from three males in Shirley Park.”
Solihull chief superintendent Lee Wharmby Tweeted: “Thanks to the community who made those initial calls, and the response was excellent by all concerned. Patrols in all our borough parks continues.”
And on Wednesday (March 27), the Force Response account Tweeted: “Solihull B-Unit has dealt with a large number of incidents today involving knives, sledgehammers and other weapons.
“Five offenders in custody for weapons offences and robbery. Teamwork makes the dream work.”
West Midlands Police have been targeting key areas of the region and use police powers to search people they suspect could be carrying a weapon.
Other tactics include weapons sweeps of parks searching for hidden knives, metal-detecting operations in busy public spaces, checks on retailers to ensure they’re not selling knives to children, plus knife arches and educational inputs at secondary schools.
