THIS week, West Mercia Police are joining forces across the country for a national campaign to tackle knife crime.

This year’s ‘Op Spectre’ initiative coincides with the anti-violence bee tour which visited Bromsgrove and Rubery on Tuesday, November 15 and Wednesday, November 16.

The Anti-violence Bee is the first UK sculpture to be made entirely from knives and firearms.

Officers will also be conducting high visibility patrols, searching for knives in public places, using metal detecting arches to identify people who may be carrying knives, and giving advice to shops on the laws on selling knives.

West Mercia Police say the level of knife crime in the area is ‘relatively low in comparison to other parts of the country’ but ‘it’s vital work continues to help keep these levels low’.

West Mercia Police’s knife crime lead, chief inspector Helen Kinrade, said: “When it comes to knife crime, we know early intervention is vital.

“For the past three years, our successful ‘Steer Clear’ programme has helped young people involved in, or on the periphery of being involved in knife crime find an alternative route.

“This along with initiatives like the anti-violence bee sculpture currently touring our region, help educate and raise awareness of the dangers of carrying weapons.

“Carrying knives or other weapons does not keep you safe.”