Police make 180 arrests in knife crime crackdown

Officers made 180 arrests and seized 30 bladed weapons during a week-long knife crime crackdown in West Yorkshire.

West Yorkshire Police conducted 55 "knife sweeps" in parks, fields and in urban centres in search of weapons as part of the national Sceptre initiative.

High visibility patrols were also deployed in 66 knife crime hotspots in the county, with police visiting 43 schools to carry out awareness campaigns.

A force spokesperson said the initiative was part of its "longer term work to dissuade young people from carrying knives in the first place".

During the seven days of targeted action, weapons including knives and a sword were uncovered after a search of an address in Batley.

Other avenues included visits to retailers to test if they were willing to sell knives to children.

One shop in Calderdale was found to be selling blades without carrying out age checks.

Ch Supt Lee Berry, of the West Yorkshire Violence Reduction Partnership, said: "I hope residents have been reassured by all of the highly visible action which has taken place in our communities.

"Anyone who has information about persons carrying knives or the illegal sale of them is urged to contact either their local neighbourhood policing team or the independent Crimestoppers charity."

Alison Lowe, West Yorkshire's deputy mayor for policing and crime, said: "This is a vital part of our collective ambitions on knife crime here in West Yorkshire.

"This dedicated awareness week offers just a window into the ongoing partnership work taking place, day in day out, to keep our communities safe."

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