Major Police Operation Seizes Dozens of Weapons
An intensified crackdown on knife crime across the West Midlands has resulted in more than 70 arrests and the removal of almost 70 weapons from the region's streets in the past month alone.
The significant police action comes as West Midlands Police announced the expansion of its specialist Project Guardian Taskforce, the force's dedicated unit for tackling youth violence and knife-related offences.
Expanded Taskforce Takes Fight to the Streets
The taskforce has grown from four teams to five, now comprising approximately 50 dedicated officers whose primary focus is preventing violence and removing dangerous weapons from communities.
Project Guardian now operates with two dedicated teams for the Black Country – one covering Dudley and Sandwell and another for Walsall and Wolverhampton. These additions complement the two existing teams in Birmingham and another serving Coventry and Solihull.
A police spokesperson confirmed: "We've extra officers on the streets as we continue our work to reduce knife crime and serious youth violence around the West Midlands. This month we've expanded our Project Guardian Taskforce."
Visible Results and National Recognition
The impact of the intensified operations has been substantial, with recent crime figures showing a 16% reduction in knife crime and a 13% fall in serious youth violence across the region.
The taskforce's success has drawn attention at the highest levels, with the Policing Minister recently highlighting the role of Project Guardian and acknowledging West Midlands Police's work in reducing knife-related crime.
Officers employ a range of tactics including:
- Plain-clothed operations
- High visibility patrols
- Acting on community intelligence
- Monitoring known hotspot areas
In one recent incident in the Shannon Road area of Kings Norton, a 17-year-old boy was arrested after a foot chase and subsequently charged with possession of a knife.
The police spokesperson emphasised: "The work of the taskforce is having an impact. The teams recover hundreds of weapons and make hundreds of arrests every year."
Beyond Enforcement: A Partnership Approach
West Midlands Police stressed that their approach extends beyond simple enforcement, incorporating significant educational elements to deter young people from carrying weapons.
Through the Violence Reduction Partnership, the force works with partners to divert young people away from crime, while officers regularly visit schools to offer support and discourage violent or criminal behaviour.
"This is a real partnership approach and not something which policing can do alone," the spokesperson added. "Everyone including teachers, parents and carers all have a part to play. Talk to the young people in your life now."
Advice for parents and carers concerned about knife issues is available on the police's dedicated Life or Knife webpage.
