More than 40 people arrested and 18 weapons recovered in latest knife crime crackdown by West Midlands Police

West Midlands Police participated in Sceptre Week, a national week of action to reduce knife crime and serious youth violence. 

Officers organised sweeps around the region and conducted 49 stop-and-searches specifically related to Operation Sceptre, focusing on areas identified as potential knife crime hotspots.

The week of action led to the recovery of more than 18 knives and the arrest of 43 people.

Throughout the week, police officers also engaged with local communities and youth groups, educating young people and their parents about the consequences of carrying knives. 

Inspector Kate Jeffries, from the West Midlands Police Project Guardian taskforce, said: "Reducing knife crime, and serious youth violence, is a priority for the force. We welcome intensification weeks like Sceptre to bring awareness, education, and greater partnership working across the West Midlands.

“We have acted against those exploiting vulnerable young people and causing serious harm to others. Working with partners is key to our work to tackle knife crime, policing cannot do this alone."

The operation also focused on supporting the victims of knife crime and promoting prevention programmes.

The prevention work included working closely with the police's local partners and charities to offer support services and resources aimed at reducing knife-related incidents.

The inspector added: "We will continue to remove weapons from the streets and disrupt violence through focused attention on each of our policing areas, Project Guardian taskforce teams, specialist drones and dog unit, and through school inputs and education.

“We urge anyone who has information about knife crime, the sale of knives, or suspected exploitation of young people to report this to the police immediately.”

Officers also completed more than 250 extra patrols in areas known for antisocial behaviour, drug dealing and knife crime.

Officers also searched 12 properties known for selling weapons and exploiting vulnerable people. Along with local authority partners, officers were able to carry out undercover operations with retailers to stop the supply and sales of knives to those under the age of 18.

The force said that Sceptre is part of a broader, year-round commitment by West Midlands Police to tackle knife crime and its dangers, with the force working closely with communities, schools and partner organisations to reduce knife-related incidents.