During a national operation, the Metropolitan Police Service seized 411 knives across the capital.
Met police carried out a range of activity in a bid to reducing violent crime in London, including weapons sweeps to recover dangerous weapons; targeted patrols in areas of violence; and search warrants to target high harm offenders.
The operation, which ran from Monday, 26 April to Sunday, 2 May, resulted in a total of:
– 411 knives recovered, including: machetes; Rambo knives; lock knives; and kitchen knives;
– 166 other weapons seized;
– 994 arrests;
– 3,227 weapon sweeps;
– Nine knife arch deployments;
– 11 Automatic Number Plate Recognition deployments;
– 74 warrants executed.
Targeting the drivers of violent crime, namely drug-supply, was also a focus and officers used Automatic Number Plate Recognition technology as a way to target people carrying and supplying drugs on the roads in and out of London.
There was also an important focus on education, diversion and prevention, with 31 people being referred into intervention programmes, receiving advice and guidance.
In one instance, an 18-year-old man handed in a machete at a south London police station before asking for help and support to exit that lifestyle. One of the DIVERT coaches in custody then came to help him, offering support to help him get onto the right path and have referred him into an employment development programme in south London.
Along with 195 presentations in schools to highlight the impact and stark consequences of carrying weapons while offering further advice and support to those who wanted it; and engaged with 113 businesses, to educate them and ensure they were not selling knives irresponsibly to young people.
Commander Alex Murray, the Met’s Violence Lead, said: “The results from this operation highlight the Met’s dedication and commitment to tackling violent crime, and I’m convinced that with us seizing so many knives, we have prevented further stabbings. As we move forward into the summer months, reducing violence and saving lives will remain our top policing priority.
“The recent incidents of violence we have seen in London reminds us exactly why operations like this are so important. While this operation may have ended, be assured that our officers will continue to be out on the streets every single day, carrying out these activities and using every tactic available to them to prevent violent crime…”