Dozens arrested in Ayrshire during weapons crackdown

Jun 26 2008 Ayrshire Post

DOZENS of people were arrested for carrying potentially deadly weapons in a month-long cop crackdown.

Almost 100 weapons, mainly knives, were removed from Ayrshire streets and more than 500 people were searched during the initiative.

And the latest phase of the campaign against violence also saw red bins placed within police stations so that members of the public could hand in offensive weapons, no questions asked.

Community safety officers and school campus officers delivered talks to educate pupils on the dangers of carrying weapons and highlighted just how serious the consequences can be.

Superintendent Dick Stevens urged the public to continue supporting police after the campaign.

He said: “We will continue to deter violence and reduce opportunities for violence to prevail through high visibility and pro-active intelligence led patrols in areas of concern.

“Anyone intending to carry a weapon should think again and consider the serious consequences.

“We still encourage any person who knows of anyone carrying a knife or weapon to report this to the police or anonymously through Crimestoppers.”