Merseyside Police have rolled out 140 handheld metal detectors to frontline officers in a bid to tackle knife crime. They are distributed to teams in Response and Resolution, Targeted patrols, and the Matrix Road Policing Unit.

The devices will be used to target knife carriers and seize concealed weapons. They will not replace physical searches but will be used as an additional screening tool. They can also act as a deterrent to anyone who might carry such a weapon.

“There are no circumstances where carrying a knife as a weapon is acceptable,” said Superintendent Phil Mullally, Lead for Serious Violence and Knife Crime. “The use of the metal detecting wands are part of our wider work to tackle knife crime and make it more difficult for people to conceal and use weapons in Merseyside.”

Merseyside Police has made progress in reducing knife crime, but this issue remains a serious problem. In the last 12 months, the force has arrested 229 people for knife or bladed article possession and seized 1,088 knives from the streets.

Superintendent Mullally acknowledged this and said that their work to tackle serious violence remained ongoing. Merseyside Police will continue to drive down knife crime with the use of handheld metal detectors, along with Serious Violence Reduction Orders, weapons sweeps, open land searches, and the important work of the Violence Reduction Partnership. They also aim to educate people about the dangers of carrying a knife.

The force also recommends contacting the Merseyside Police social media desk if anyone has information about a knife crime in their community. The force is reachable through 101, X @MerPolCC, or Facebook “Merseyside Police Contact Centre.” Citizens should report ongoing crimes to 999.

Wider knife crime rate

Knife crime is a nationwide issue. According to the published Office of National Statistics data, around 45,000 knife offences were recorded in England and Wales, excluding the Greater Manchester Police Force, by the year ending March 2022. In September 2022, the number rose to 45,639. This is partly due to improved recording practices, but the overall trend is concerning. 

A study published in the National Library of Medicine found that young males are the most likely victims of knife crime. The study analysed data from 911 victims mentioned on various online news portals between January 2011 and December 2021.

It found that 71.7 percent of victims were less than 40 years old, 72.8 percent were male, and 22.2 percent were female. The study also found that individuals in the 11–20 age group were the most vulnerable as victims.

Approximately 43 percent of knife crime offenders were charged with a crime or given police caution in the year ending March 2022, based on information from the Home Office on “Crime outcomes in England and Wales.” The weapons are mainly used for assault with injury or assault with intent to cause serious harm and robbery.

HNWIs at higher risk

The above data also suggest that those who live in affluent areas are at a higher risk of knife crime. Criminals may attempt to injure or threaten them to obtain their valuables.

Investing in close protection services from agencies like Marengo can give high net-worth individuals (HNWIs) peace of mind while going about their daily activities, such as going to work, shopping, the gym, etc. They can also employ the services while travelling domestically or abroad to ensure a safe return home.

Close protection services usually include personal protection officers and bodyguards by your side or riding with you in the same vehicle. Some can also survey from a distance to ensure you are safe without hindering your activities. You can choose whichever service you prefer after reviewing the security recommendations, plans, and advice.