West Midlands Police arrest 80 during week of action on knife crime
Officers carried out more than 500 stop-searches last month
West Midlands Police say 80 people were arrested during a national week of action targeting knife crime.
Officers carried out more than 500 stop-searches, over 50 weapons sweeps and recovered 23 knives as a part of Sceptre week, a national week of action aimed at reducing knife crime and serious youth violence in November.
In addition to the usual patrols, officers completed extra patrols in areas known for anti-social behaviour, drug dealing, and knife crime. These patrols included a mix of uniformed and plain clothes officers, dog units, firearms officers and traffic officers.
Officers and PCSOs also gave out crime prevention advice at 535 engagement events such as school workshops, community stalls and intervention talks to youth groups across the West Midlands.
Based on the information provided to police by the public, officers were able to search 31 premises known for selling weapons and exploiting vulnerable people. Along with local authority partners, they were able to conduct 12 retailer visits to stop the supply and sales of knives to those under the age of 18. Trading standards enforcement officers regularly check in with retailers and licensed premises to ensure they are not selling illicit, illegal or counterfeit items to the public.
"policing alone cannot solve this issue"
Sceptre is part of an ongoing commitment to tackle knife crime and its dangers. West Midlands Police say they'll continue to work closely with local communities, schools and partner organisations to maintain the momentum gained during the operation and ensure lasting reductions in knife-related incidents.
In Sandwell, PC Kaur and PC Holden-Arrowsmith did weapon sweeps and patrols in Victoria Park and Stony Lane Park while Tipton officers patrolled Princes End and delivered several anti-knife crime inputs at local schools.
In Birmingham, the Shard End neighbourhood team visited Tile Cross Academy, Timberley Academy, The Pump youth centre, and Shard End Wellbeing Centre to introduce our brand-new anti-knife crime car. Lozells and East Handsworth PCSOs were busy conducting weapons sweeps in local parks, attending a community coffee morning at Welford Primary school to talk about knife crime and attending Lozells Advice surgery with the local Councillor.
In Solihull, officers carried out a knife pole operation on Chelmsley Wood Town Centre and completed weapon sweeps around Elmdon and Jubliee Park.
Reflecting on the success of Sceptre week, Inspector Colin Gallier, from the Project Guardian team, said:
“Tackling knife crime and serious youth violence remains a top priority for our force. Initiatives like Sceptre are vital in raising awareness, promoting education, and strengthening partnerships across the West Midlands.
"We’ve taken firm action against those who exploit vulnerable young people and inflict harm on others. Collaboration with our partners is essential—policing alone cannot solve this issue.
"Our commitment continues: removing weapons from our streets and disrupting violence through targeted efforts in every policing area, supported by Project Guardian taskforce teams, specialist drones, dog units, and educational work in schools.
"If you have any information about knife crime, illegal knife sales, or think a young person is being forced to carry weapons, drugs, and more, please report it to us immediately.”