More than 50 arrests made as weapons and drugs seized in crackdown on West Midlands youth crime
A specialist police unit has made more than 50 arrests and seized dozens of weapons and drugs as part of a renewed crackdown on knife crime and youth violence across the West Midlands.
Officers from the Guardian Taskforce, part of West Midlands Police, carried out patrols throughout January in Birmingham, Coventry, Solihull, Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton.
During the month-long operation, the team made 51 arrests and conducted 341 stop-and-searches.
Those searches resulted in the seizure of 20 weapons, including 11 knives, as well as quantities of illegal drugs.
In Birmingham alone, officers made 20 arrests, with a further 14 arrests across Coventry and Solihull.
On the western side of the force area — covering Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton — the taskforce made 17 arrests for a range of offences.
The Guardian Taskforce, also known as Project Guardian, is a specialist unit focused on tackling knife crime and serious youth violence.
The team uses a combination of tactics, including plain-clothed operations, high-visibility patrols and targeted stop-and-search activity.
Police say the results reflect continued momentum in efforts to reduce violence and disrupt the supply of drugs and weapons.
Inspector Colin Gallier, from the Guardian Taskforce, said: "Our teams are continuing to work incredibly hard to take knives and offensive weapons off the streets.
"Every knife seized is potentially a life saved. And these knives are the reason why we need to continue to carry out stop and searches.
"We work alongside other teams in local policing areas to take action and also warn against the risks of carrying a weapon. This remains ongoing as we continue our work to reduce incidents.”
The taskforce works alongside partners through the Violence Reduction Partnership to help steer young people away from crime.
As part of that prevention work, officers are also present in schools on a daily basis, offering support and engaging with pupils in an effort to deter them from becoming involved in violent or criminal behaviour.
Residents are urged to report suspicious activity by calling 101. Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
