Browse Sections

• Education
• Special reports

Technology helps in knife-crime fight

17/ 6/2008

A MACHINE to detect knives is being used as part of a crackdown on alcohol-related crime in Hyndburn.

Police set up the metal detector in Soprano’s bar in Great Harwood last Friday night.

It is the first time the device has been used in Lancashire.

It was brought into service as part of a wider operation which saw officers visit five pubs in Accrington and Great Harwood with a sniffer dog.

The dog discovered two small bags containing what police suspect were drugs which have now been sent for analysis.

The operation was organised through Hyndburn’s Pub Watch scheme with the full co-operation of licensees.

Sergeant Ian Corbett, who headed the operation, said: “It was very well received by both licensees and members of the public.

“Two bags of white powder were recovered, which we believe were discarded as the dog entered the premises.

“We will continue to run similar operations during Operation Summer Nights to promote our tough stance on drug misuse within our town centres.

“The metal detector was the first of its kind in Lancashire and will form part of our action plan to target violent crime within the town centres.

“The fact that no weapons were found shows that we are sending out a strong message to those thinking about carrying one.

“Thankfully we don't really have a problem with knife crime in Accrington town centre and hopefully this will prove to be a huge deterrent.

“It will be used throughout the summer.”

Operation Summer Nights will run throughout July and August, tackling and preventing anti-social behaviour.

It will focus on negative behaviour which results in injury - like drinking too much alcohol, violence, criminal damage, road deaths, fires, accidents and poor health.