Weapons sweeps form part of targeted patrols

WEAPONS have been seized and more than 150 arrests made in a week of action aimed at tackling knife crime and serious violence in the North East.

- By NICOLE GOODWIN

Northumbria Police carried out warrants at properties across the force area while also taking part in targeted patrols including weapons sweeps at a number of locations, as part of Operation Sceptre last month.

A total of 34 knives were seized by officers and more than 500 - including 17 zombie knives - were handed in to surrender bins, which are in place at police stations across the force's area commands. Among the items either seized by officers or handed in were samurai swords, machetes and a set of nunchucks.

Proactive operations with knife arches - used to detect weapons being carried in busy areas including at transport hubs - saw 600 people engaged with. Alongside colleagues at British Transport Police, teams were out on the region's Metro system to spot any knife crime issues and also pass on safety advice to the public. Colleagues in the Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) took part in engagement sessions at schools and colleges to emphasise the dangers of choosing to arm yourself with a weapon. Through this activity, more than 1,000 children received advice.