Over 60 arrests made last month by Guardian Taskforce officers

Our Guardian Taskforce have been continuing their momentum in driving down knife crime and youth violence by making dozens of arrests and seizing weapons and drugs across the force area.

During May, the officers carried out patrols across Birmingham, Coventry, Solihull, and also on the western side of the force in Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton.

A total of 61 arrests were made. And while patrolling, there were 427 stop searches carried out which led to 74 weapons being seized, including knives.

Teams from Guardian made 26 arrests in Birmingham, and eight across Coventry and Solihull for multiple offences. Over in the western side, the Guardian team made 27 arrests.

Guardian Taskforce have continued their momentum of tackling drugs, weapons, and serious youth violence, and the results show that the team are making more and more arrests each month.

In May, we also took part in Sceptre week, a national week of action aimed at reducing knife crime and serious youth violence.

Across the West Midlands, the force came together to sweep parks for weapons, arrest those carrying weapons, talk to pupils about the dangers of carrying a knife, and complete test purchasing of knives from retailers.

Inspector Colin Gallier, from the Guardian Taskforce, said: "Our teams continue to work incredibly hard to take knives and weapons off the streets.

"Every knife seized is potentially a life saved. And these knives are the reason why we need to continue to carry out stop and searches.

"We work alongside other teams in local policing areas to take action and also warn against the risks of carrying a weapon. This remains ongoing as we continue our work to reduce incidents.”

We work with partners through the Violence Reduction Partnership to divert young people away from crime.

We have officers who are regularly in schools delivering inputs and working alongside our schools-based officers to educate young people and offering support to deter youngsters from violent or criminal behaviour.

Project Guardian is a specialist taskforce which tackles knife crime and youth violence.

There is particular emphasis on reducing knife crime, through a range of tactics from plain-clothed operations to high visibility patrols and positive engagement with young people.

If you see something suspicious in your area get in touch with us by calling 101, or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 to stay anonymous.