Over 160 knives seized in West Yorkshire weapons crackdown

Officers carried out 56 weapon sweeps during the week-long campaign, West Yorkshire Police said

More than 160 knives as well as other weapons have been seized and dozens of arrests made during a crackdown by police in West Yorkshire.

Machetes and hammers were among the items recovered during the week-long campaign, officers said.

Police also visited schools to educate young people about the consequences of becoming involved in knife crime.

Ch Insp James Kitchen said: "If you carry a knife, you are likely to become a victim of one."

Changing the culture of carrying knives was the key to breaking the cycle of knife crime, West Yorkshire Police said.

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During the crackdown, officers seized 163 knives and made 60 arrests.

Dozens of weapon sweeps were also carried out across the county, including in Kirklees, Bradford, Leeds and Wakefield.

Meanwhile, knife arches were put up at bus stations during busy times to deter anyone from carrying weapons onto public transport, a West Yorkshire Police spokesperson said.

Ch Insp Kitchen, leading the operation, said work to tackle the issue continued all year round.

He urged anyone aware of a person carrying a knife to "speak with them, speak to others, and report it".

He added: "Action from parents, friends, communities and partners at all levels continues to be absolutely vital if we are to succeed in driving home one key message: namely, that if you carry a knife, you are likely to become a victim of one."