Police arrested 80 people in a major crackdown across the West Midlands. Knives were also seized during Op Sceptre deployments in Coventry , Birmingham and the Black Country.

Op Sceptre was launched in November with the aim of reducing knife-related incidents and serious youth violence in the Midlands. Officers targeted hotspot areas in the city, including Lady Herberts Garden and Millennium Place.

Across the West Midlands, 544 stop-and-searches were conducted, and 23 bladed weapons were seized. Patrols were also increased in areas notorious for antisocial behaviour and drug dealing.

Police raided 31 premises believed to be involved in the sale of knives and other illegal weapons. Officers also visited 12 retailers to stop the supply and sale of knives to people under the age of 18.

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