More than 60 arrests and 28 weapons including knives seized in West Midlands
61 arrests were made in the West Midlands by the team in March.
West Midlands Police’s Guardian Taskforce have been cracking down on knife crime and youth violence by making dozens of arrests and seizing weapons and drugs across the region.
During March, the officers carried out patrols across Birmingham, Coventry, Solihull, and also on the western side of the force in Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton.
A total of 61 arrests were made. And while patrolling, there were 421 stop searches carried out which led to 28 weapons being seized, including knives.
Teams from the Guardian Taskforce made 20 arrests in Birmingham, and 19 across Coventry and Solihull for multiple offences. Over in the western side, the Guardian team made 22 arrests.
Inspector Colin Gallier, from the Guardian Taskforce, said: "Our teams continue to work incredibly hard to take knives and 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 team works with partners through the Violence Reduction Partnership to divert young people away from crime.
There are officers who are regularly in schools to educate young people and offer support to deter youngsters from violent or criminal behaviour.
Project Guardian is a specialist taskforce which tackles knife crime and youth violence.
There is particular emphasis on reducing knife crime, through a range of tactics from plain-clothed operations to high visibility patrols and positive engagement with young people.
If you see something suspicious in your area get in touch with police by calling 101, or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 to stay anonymous.