TWO arrests were made during a train line operation this morning as part of Op Sceptre – a week of action targeting knife crime.
Officers from Redditch Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) teamed up with West Midlands Police and British Transport Police, for one of the ops they regularly carry out on the cross-city line.
A knife pole was deployed at Redditch rail station and knife arch Longbridge rail station, and behavioural detection officers were on the lookout for any suspicious behaviour and wanted people along the line and surrounding areas.
A man was arrested by West Midlands Police at Longbridge on suspicion of carrying a bladed article and another man who was wanted was arrested by Redditch SNT on suspicion of breaching his bail conditions.
SNT officers also engaged with passengers travelling through the Redditch platform around knife crime and any local concerns they wished to speak about.
Sgt Katie Ward of Redditch SNT said: “This morning we carried out one of our regular cross border train line operations working together with our colleagues at West Midlands Police and British Transport Police.
“Two arrests were made on the line, and those men are now helping police with enquiries. The knife pole was deployed in Redditch to scan for anyone carrying bladed articles, but I am pleased to say we did not detect any here on this occasion.
“We will continue to carry out similar operations in the future as West Mercia continue the year-round work to educate people about the dangers of carrying a knife, alongside firm enforcement against those who choose to do so.”
