Specialist Police Team Removes Knuckle Dusters, Machetes from Birmingham Streets
A dedicated police taskforce targeting knife crime and youth violence has successfully removed almost 500 dangerous weapons from Birmingham's streets while making more than 650 arrests. The Guardian Taskforce, part of West Midlands Police's Project Guardian initiative, has been conducting high-visibility patrols and plain-clothed operations across the city.
Recent Arrests and Weapon Seizures
On Saturday, February 14, officers patrolling around Hob Moor Road in Yardley seized a machete and crowbar while detaining two teenagers. A 16-year-old boy was subsequently charged with possession of a knife and scheduled to appear before Birmingham magistrates on March 3. A 15-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon and released on bail pending further investigation.
Also on Saturday, Guardian officers arrested 18-year-old Leo Eggington in Shirley Park. Eggington was charged with possessing an offensive weapon, possessing Class B drugs, and criminal damage.
Additional Weapons Recovered
On Sunday, February 15, the Guardian team was patrolling the Soho Road area when they spotted a man on Whateley Road. Following searches, officers discovered a knuckle duster and made an arrest on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon. Further searches at a connected address yielded a baseball bat and another machete.
Omar Coakley, 29, was charged with possession of an offensive weapon and is due to appear before Birmingham magistrates next month.
Project Guardian's Mission
West Midlands Police stated: "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."
The police encourage residents to report suspicious activity by calling 101 or contacting Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111.
