Weapons recovered at Lings Wood, Northampton during operational search

Police officers have been conducting weapon searches as part of our week of action focussed on drug harm.

We are now into our fifth Matters of Priority week of action and specialist search officers were joined by members of the local Neighbourhood Team as they conducted the search at Lings Wood, Northampton this morning (August 2).

Detective Chief Inspector Steve Watkins, who is leading this week’s activity, said: “We know drug gangs hide weapons and go to retrieve them when they feel the need, so it’s important we carry out these weapon sweeps to seize as many as possible.

“Not only does this remove them from the clutches of the gangs which may use them to injure a rival, it also prevents innocent people finding them and potentially getting hurt.”

Officers recovered four knives and a baseball bat during today’s search.

DCI Watkins added: “We regularly conduct these searches at locations across the county and will continue to do so as we tackle those people who commit crime in Northamptonshire.

“My plea to the public is to please tell us when you are concerned about people acting suspiciously, particularly if you see them return to the same area repeatedly.

“If you have any information or concerns, you’d like to pass on to us, you can do via northants.police.uk or by calling 101. Alternatively, you can call independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”