SEVERAL terrifying blades – including a serrated-edged machete – were seized by police in a matter of hours in Coventry.
Five knives were recovered between 8am and 11am last Monday (March 4) after being reported by members of the public.
And more knives were recovered today (March 11) including two at Primrose Hill Park in Hillfields.
All have been seized for forensic analysis to determine if they are linked to any reported crime.
Coventry Police has launched a crackdown on knife crime as part of a national campaign called Operation Sceptre.
Tactics used to uncover these weapons will be employed during a week-long blitz on knife crime.
Police will be sweeping parks and public places searching for discarded knives as well as undertaking arrest warrants for high-profile suspects, they say.
A Coventry Police spokesperson said: “One of the knives was found in Wyken Nature Reserve by a woman walking to work; a large kitchen knife discovered hidden behind wheelie bins in Longford Road; and another found by a resident in a bag the garden of her Stoke home.
“The fifth knife was stumbled upon by children and their mum while walking to school in the Wood End area.
“Our officers carry out regular sweeps of parks and open spaces across the city on the lookout for knives or other weapons that may have been stashed by offenders.
“We’ll also have officers out in force covering key areas of the city, equipped with metal detection devices, to catch offenders and protect the public.
“And we’ll be visiting retailers to ensure they’re not selling knives to children and also providing inputs at schools warning of the dangers of carrying knives and steering them away from crime.
“Everyone has a role to play in addressing the root causes of knife crime, including parents, teachers, social workers…indeed anyone who comes into contact with children and young people.
“We’re asking parents to speak to their children about the devastating impact of knife crime – the life-changing consequences – and not to be afraid to check their bags or rooms if they suspect they could be arming themselves with knives.
“We need to collectively drive out the culture of people feeling comfortable to carry knives or who are carrying one through a misguided perception it’s for their protection.
“For more advice and support, search ‘knife crime’ at WMPolice online or call us on 101.”
