NEARLY 80 bladed weapons were seized and 75 arrests made during a week of action to combat knife crime.

Officers from the West Yorkshire Police Operation Jemlock team, with colleagues, took part in the force-wide initiative.

As part of the week, labelled Sceptre, there was a particular focus on reducing knifepoint robberies.

Plain-clothed and uniformed patrols were staged in areas that had been identified as hotspots.

State-of-the-art search poles – funded by the West Yorkshire Violence Reduction Partnership – were deployed at several locations, including in the Bradford district. The devices can detect a variety of weapons, from guns to items as small as razor blades.

Of the arrests made during the operation, 47 were for knife-related crimes – with 17 people held specifically on suspicion of knifepoint robbery offences.

Multiple 'sweeps' for hidden weapons took place at locations across the area, and knife test purchases were carried out, with the support of police cadets.

Plus there were more than 40 school visits, with the aim of educating young people about the dangers of carrying knives.

Chief Inspector James Kitchen, head of Operation Jemlock, says: "Sceptre weeks are really important for us in terms of focusing resources and amplifying our ongoing work to reduce knife crime.

"Targeting criminals who use knives to commit robberies was a key part of this week of action and it's pleasing that a number of arrests were made.

"The operation has involved the use of cutting-edge technology and tactics, and I hope seeing all this activity on our streets has reassured residents."

He adds: "Huge amounts of educational and engagement activity have been ongoing with partners, and I want to thank them and policing colleagues for all their support over the Sceptre week.

"Those who carry knives are at significantly greater risk of being victims of them, and we are determined to keep delivering this message in our communities."

Detective Chief Superintendent Lee Berry, director of the West Yorkshire Violence Reduction Partnership, says: "It’s great to see that our proactive partnership approach to reducing knife crime is having such a significant impact for communities.

"We continue to deliver preventative interventions across the region, working in close collaboration with West Yorkshire Police to change attitudes and behaviours.

"In the past year alone, we have reached almost 25,000 young people aged under 24, and more than 800 people aged 25 and above, whilst training nearly 400 professionals."