Terrifying weapons found on the streets
KNIFE crime in London continued to rise in 2018, despite the hard work of Metropolitan Police officers who managed to recover thousands of weapons which were being carried by those wandering the streets.
Reports of stabbings in the capital rose 16% last year and, judging by the types and sheer quantity of knifes officers recovered, that figure has every chance of rising even further, though officers intercepting such blades can help to prevent stab attacks.
The Gazette has taken a look at 15 of the most terrifying knives found on the streets of London in 2018.
1. Samurai sword
This Samurai sword was used by gang members who threatened staff at betting shop Ladbrokes at branches all across London.
Gang members were recorded swinging the sword, as well as threatening use of a gun, at staff. The six people responsible were jailed for more than 44 years earlier this year.
2. Sword used in armed robbery
This sword was recovered by police after officers were called to an armed robbery in Streatfield Road, Harrow, in October.
A 23-year-old man threatened a lone shop keeper with the 45cm sword before stealing alcohol, cigarettes and cash. A man was arrested and the stolen items and sword was recovered.
3. Machetes found in car
These dangerous machetes were found in the car of Hazem Elrayes as he was arrested on October 8 after making a series of bungled attempts to evade police in Hillingdon.
Also found in the car was nearly £10,000 worth of drugs. The 20-yearold was jailed for five years and seven months.
4. Machete seized in Brent
This enormous machete was seized by police in Brent in June after a man was allegedly seen carrying it in the street.
A 30-year-old man was seen carrying the weapon in Stag Lane, Edgware, at around 8.30am, and was arrested by police who were quickly on scene.
5. Frightening haul of weapons found in Croydon
A frightening haul of weapons and a “large quantity” of drugs were seized by police after they were found inside a car in Croydon in September.
The vehicle was stopped in Canterbury Road, Broad Green, by police officers on patrol.
The terrifying haul of weapons included a range of kitchen knives, zombie knives and an axe. Also found was a crossbow with bolts.
6. Knives found in Croydon raid
In February, knives, a smoke grenade and £50,000 were found at a home in Croydon.
The raid was part of the Met’s Operation Sceptre, which aims to fight knife crime. In February alone, nearly 300 arrests were made and in excess of 250 weapons taken off the streets.
7. Machete ‘waved in street’
A man was arrested in April after he was seen “waving a machete” in a street in Wealdstone.
He was also found in possession of the knife, which is also pictured.
8. 3ft long knife recovered
Police found this horrific three-footlong weapon after pulling over a car in Lewisham in June.
Lewisham Police confirmed at the time that two people had been arrested.
9. Teen hides machete in waistband
Police conducting a stop-and-search in April found a 14-year-old boy hiding a machete.
The weapon was found in Lewisham High Street. When officers searched the boy, who originally claimed he was only 13, officers found the 25cm machete in the waistband of his trousers.
10. Dangerous knife in Wandsworth
The knife, which has a 30cm long blade, was discarded by a youth in Wandsworth after a foot chase by a lone police officer.
A suspect was arrested at the time of the incident in June.