Arch used by police to highlight knife crime
OFFICERS will be conducting knife arch operations over the Summer months in Hinckley.
The device detects metal as people walk through and were last month used in Wood Street Park and Belle Vue Road in Earl Shilton, and in the main shopping area in Barwell.
The work forms part of Operation Viceroy which aims to deter and detect knife crime throughout Leicestershire.
PCSO Nik Malbasa, from Barwell and Earl Shilton Beat Team, was among those who assisted with the arch, along with offices from Hinckley and Blaby Neighbourhood Policing Area and a number of special constables.
He said: “The purpose of this was to catch anyone who may be carrying a knife, deter people especially young people from carrying a knife and to reassure the wider community that Leicestershire Police is doing its utmost to reduce knife crime.
“Lots of people walked through the arch and while no knives were detected during the operation, officers received a lot of praise from the public and it was deemed a success.”
Sergeant Glen Iceton, knife crime coordinator and tactical lead for stop and search, added: “We want to give out a strong message to those carrying knives that this will not be tolerated and the penalties for doing so are severe.
“I’m pleased that our high visibility patrols and the use of the knife arch gave us the opportunity to engage with people living and working in those areas.”
Hinckley Police said in a post on its Facebook page that the knife arch was used with the aim of “educating people of the dangers of carrying knives and to deter people who may be thinking of having a knife on their person”.
The post also said: “Thankfully no knives were found during this operation and we were able to deliver a message to the community that we are committed to preventing knife crime.”