Three teenagers arrested and five weapons seized in Worthing
Officers carried out a day of action on Monday (19 October).
Three teenage boys have been arrested and five weapons seized during a day of police action in Worthing on Monday (19 October).
A 13 year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon in a public place following a report of a male threatening others with a baseball bat in Durrington on Sunday (18 October).
He has been released under investigation.
A second teenager – a 14 year-old boy - was arrested and cautioned in connection with a burglary in Victoria Road on 28 July where two bikes were stolen.
Meanwhile a 14-year-old male was arrested on suspicion of racially-aggravated criminal damage and theft, after a report of vandalism to a primary school in West Tarring.
He has also been released under investigation while police enquiries are ongoing.
This was followed by knife sweeps of seven local parks including Lamb Park, Sompting Road, Manor Sports Ground, Homefield Park, Dominion Road Park, Kitty’s Field, Goring Gap Green and Hill Barn/Rotary Recreation Ground.
Officers found and disposed of five weapons.
Sussex Police visited twelve shops for 'Challenge 25' test purchasing educational activities, to make sure businesses understand the laws behind the sale of knives and have the correct training in place for staff.
Police teams also dealt with two reports from UK Border Force regarding the importation of weapons.
The force confirmed both suspects were dealt with through community resolutions which were a warning letter and an educational talk from a police officer.
Officers used their new van at hotspot locations in the town centre to engage with the local community and raise awareness of the risks associated with carrying a knife.
The new initiative uses real-life stories of people whose lives have been impacted by knife crime to warn people of the dangers.
Superintendent Miles Ockwell, West Sussex District Commander, said:
"My huge thanks to the officers and search volunteers who participated in this day and are committed to protecting our local communities and keeping Sussex safe.
"To tackle the complex issues of violence and knife crime we're taking both a proactive and preventative approach.
"We'll be out engaging with young people in schools and warning of the dangers of knife and weapon possession as well as carrying out targeted operations and scouring public spaces for harmful weapons.
"We would urge anyone with information about violence or knife crime to make the right call and get in touch with us."
Sussex Police has got more information about the consequences of knife crime on its website.
Crime can be reported online or by calling 101.
In an emergency always dial 999.