Police are sweeping wooded areas and open land in parts of Huddersfield to keep discarded knives and similar weapons off the streets.

Huddersfield Neighbourhood Policing Team carried out searches across the town at the weekend and one knife was recovered.

Officers are now urging people to continue to report concerns about knife crime so police can help keep communities safe.

Knife sweeps are carried out regularly in West Yorkshire often with the support from the force’s Operation Jemlock team.

Operation Jemlock launched in 2019 to combat serious violence and knife crime in West Yorkshire. It involves officers patrolling high priority areas to provide a reassuring, highly visible presence and enforcement when needed.

Insp Graham Dyson, of Huddersfield Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Knife sweeps are a tactic that we regularly use to locate and remove discarded weapons.

“Having officers searching an area also ensures we are visible to the community, and gives us the opportunity to talk to people to discuss other issues that may be ongoing in their area.

“The work that we continue to do alongside detective colleagues ensures we are speaking to communities, listening to their concerns and also assisting with enquiries to identify those involved in incidents.”

He added: “If anyone has any information regarding locations where knives are being hidden, or regarding people who continue to carry knives, then please can I encourage you to contact West Yorkshire Police?”

Information can be given to the police on 101 or online at www.westyorkshire.police.uk/101livechat 

It can also be given anonymously to the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111