Northumbria Police Operation Collects Over 400 Knives

Over 400 knives were surrendered, and 173 individuals were apprehended on charges including weapons possession, drug offenses, robbery, and suspected impaired driving. This operation, conducted by Northumbria Police, focused on apprehending wanted individuals and delivering educational content to young people through 250 outreach sessions. Additionally, patrols were carried out across the area’s public transportation system, resulting in 141 stop and search procedures. Chief Superintendent Joanne Park-Simmons of Northumbria Police described the outcomes as “excellent”. During the November initiative, designated knife surrender bins were positioned at police stations located in Alnwick, Bedlington, Berwick, Hexham, Wallsend, Newcastle, Gateshead, South Shields, and Sunderland. Throughout the week-long enforcement period, a cumulative total of 433 knives were deposited into these bins. Furthermore, an additional eleven knives were confiscated during the execution of a house search. Chief Superintendent Park-Simmons stated: “I’d like to thank our officers for their hard work throughout the week of action and also those members of the public who handed in knives at our stations.” Susan Dungworth, Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, further commented: “There is never a right time to carry a knife – it puts lives at risk and makes you more likely to use it. “Too many lives have been lost, futures destroyed and families left heartbroken due to knife crime.”