Dangerous weapons seized

MORE than 40 people have been arrested and a number of dangerous weapons seized in an attempt to tackle violence in Coventry.

The arrests have been made in just six weeks as part of an operation launched by Coventry Police.

A total of 43 people have been arrested, with some of the weapons seized being a double bladed Batman knife.

Some of the offences include 34 for drugs possession, four for robbery and two for knife possession - and it’s led to 16 suspects being charged and placed before the courts.

On Wednesday (6 Feb) a 17-year-old male was arrested and charged with possessing a double-bladed knife and nine wraps of Class A drugs.

The arrests were made between January 1 and February 7.

The operation has also seen 25 vehicles seized and more knives recovered during ‘weapons sweeps’ of parks and open spaces in the city centre.

Two of the charges include possession of a lock knife and possession of 60 wraps of Class A drugs.

Superintendent Phil Healy, said: “Tackling violence in Coventry has been made as a West Midlands Police priority; it means the city is benefiting from a significant uplift in officers patrolling the city centre with traffic units, response officers, armed patrols and other support teams all increasing their presence here.

“In addition to increased patrols and proactive operations, intelligence work has been going on behind the scenes to more accurately map the make-up of street gangs and organised crime groups operating in Coventry and to disrupt their activity.

“The results achieved so far should reassure visitors to the city centre and surrounding area that we are determined to catch and convict people who are seeking to cause harm - and send a strong message to offenders.”