Two people have been charged with weapon offences after a knife and a knuckle duster were seized during patrols in Dudley town centre. The arrests were made last week when the Dudley Central neighbourhood team, supported by the Guardian Taskforce, carried out both uniformed and plain-clothed patrols in the area.
Using their stop and search powers, officers made two arrests. A 15-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been charged with possession of a knife in a public place. He has been released on bail and is next due to appear at Wolverhampton Magistrates’ Court on September 23. A 20-year-old man has also been charged with possession of an offensive weapon in a public place, with his court appearance scheduled for October 28 at the same court.
High-visibility patrols with mounted unit
The neighbourhood team returned to the streets the following day, this time joined by the Mounted Unit and police horses Belgravia and Bruce for high-visibility reassurance patrols. Officers spent time talking to business owners and engaging with residents, answering questions, assisting with concerns, and stopping for photos with the public.
Dudley East Inspector Miles Patterson, whose teams police the town centre, said: "Carrying out proactive patrols like this is something my teams are doing regularly, sometimes in full uniform but other times like last Monday in plain clothes. So you may not always see us, but we are out there and listening to the community’s concerns."
Project Guardian tackles knife crime
Project Guardian is a specialist taskforce focused on tackling knife crime and youth violence. The initiative places 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.
Inspector Patterson added: "Part of our role is to listen and act on issues that are raised to us or that are seen through trends in crime being reported to us. Last week was a successful operation for the neighbourhood and Guardian team and resulted in dangerous weapons being taken off the streets and two people being charged."
He continued: "It's also important we have that visible presence in the town centre and are out engaging and speaking to residents to explain the work we’re doing, answer any queries and to show we’re there to help."
Police urge public to report concerns
A spokesperson for West Midlands Police said: "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." The force encourages residents to report concerns so that patrols and operations can be targeted effectively.
