Pub-goers warned knife detection unit will return to Rotherham

A KNIFE detection unit set up outside pubs and clubs in Rotherham town centre was welcomed by the public and businesses over the weekend, police said

In a bid to tackle knife crime, a team of officers set up a mobile blade detection device around the town centre on Saturday night.

The walk-through, arch-shaped machine detects whether people are in possession of knives. No weapons were found, but the team said the successful pilot will be repeated.

Insp Simon Kirkham said: “The launch of our knife arch operation this weekend was incredibly promising and I hope this type of dedicated proactive activity is reassuring to our local communities.

“It was immediately clear upon setting up the knife arch that this was a very welcome introduction to the night-time economy and supported by the public and businesses alike.

“To ensure that we didn’t stay in one place too long and risk being avoided by anyone carrying a dangerous weapon, we moved the arch around the town centre fairly regularly, moving to other licensed premises and shops.

“All the while, we were observing behaviour and ensuring anyone who seemed to want to avoid the arch was subject to a search in case they were in possession of anything they shouldn’t be.

“We were really grateful to get positive feedback from the public who were out enjoying themselves. This is definitely something we will repeat across Rotherham and South Yorkshire to keep the public safe.”