RATES of gunshots recorded in the West Midlands have fallen by a third, police say.
Year-on-year figures comparing 2017-18 and 2019-20 show a 33 per cent fall in firearm discharges in the region.
West Midlands Police say the decrease is testament to the force’s crackdown on gangs.
A spokeswoman for WMP said: “We have seized 421 guns during this period – from an AK47, shotguns, handguns to pistols – as we continue our commitment to combating criminals and protecting the wider public.
“This has seen us increase numbers in our specialist gangs and organised crime teams to strengthen the work in proactively targeting those linked to criminal groups.
“The coronavirus outbreak offers no respite as we’re continuing plain-clothed and proactive patrols, along with planning operations, across Birmingham, the Black Country, Coventry and Solihull.
“Just this week we swooped on a car in Handsworth and recovered weapons, drugs and imitation guns.”
Detective Superintendent Anthony Tagg, from WMP Force CID, said: “We know the fear and serious impact that firearms have on our communities and it only fuels our commitment to tackling gun crime.
“We’ve seen 35 fewer discharges across Birmingham alone in the last 12 months, and follows our continuing efforts to seize potentially lethal weapons and disrupt those linked to gangs.
“We have some tremendous teams who are working day and night to keep the streets safe.”
We’re also working alongside the public sector and charities to divert children and young people away from gangs by highlighting the long-term life prospects through education and employment
Det Supt Tagg added: “Being linked to gangs is far from glamorous and can have devastating consequences such as serious injury or death.
“By educating young people early we can show there is a more fulfilling and brighter future by turning their backs on gangs.”
