Weapon Seized and Arrest for Armed Robbery in Week of Action to Tackle Knife Crime

Officers from the Force Proactive Team were out on Sunday evening - 13th November - for the beginning of the Operation Sceptre week of action to tackle knife crime.

Officers on patrol stopped a male who was presenting as suspicious in the Hartington Road in Stockton. He was searched by officers and found to be in possession of a knife and a small amount of cannabis. He was arrested for possession of a bladed article and possession of a controlled drug.

In Middlesbrough, officers from the same team stopped another male who was searched and found to be in possession of a large amount of cash and substances believes to be controlled drugs heroin and crack cocaine. He was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a controlled drug.

Then, following reports that a man who was wanted on suspicion of carrying out a knife point robbery had been seen in the area, officers from the Force Proactive Team searched the area and apprehended the man, who was subsequently arrested on suspicion of robbery.

Sergeant Darren Williamson from the Force Proactive Team said: “The Force Proactive Team was formed as part of Chief Constable Mark Webster’s commitment to reduce serious violent crime, tackle knife crime and the distribution of controlled drugs within our communities.

“Over the last nine days the team has made 29 arrests for various violence offences, warrants and prison recalls.

“Officers from the Force Proactive Team will continue to target habitual knife carriers through intelligence led policing, utilising stop and search powers to tackle knife crime and the distribution of drugs, when and where appropriate.

“We will also ensure our communities are safer by returning outstanding offenders to prison if they breach the terms of their license and bringing those who are unlawfully at large before the Courts.”

Anyone with information on knife related crime can contact Cleveland Police on 101 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.