Bus station knife-arch operation 'a success'

Officers from the dedicated "town centre team" have used the knife arch, which uses magnets to detect knives and guns when people walk through it, on six occasions.

The latest operation was carried out during the half-term holiday, in a bid to screen people other than the usual mix of shoppers and commuters who use the transport interchange.

Almost 300 people were screened using the equipment during the four-hour operation last Friday, and officers involved said it was reassuring that each test returned a negative result.

Those screened by the arch were also tested for drugs and Sgt Chris Nicholson, who led the operation, said: "The vast majority of participants were in favour of the arches and supported the operation.

"As it was half-term, officers were also able to engage and interact with teenagers and young people, educating them on the dangers of carrying knives and the consequences they face if caught.

"This type of work provides high visibility of officers and deters potential offenders from carrying weapons or drugs into the town centre.

"We did not find any knives or instruments that could be used as offensive weapons or any drugs or drug paraphernalia. This sends a clear message that local policing of the area is working and that Rotherham town centre is a safe place to visit."

Police said the knife arch operations would continue throughout this year in the town centre, along with other activities to warn of the dangers of carrying knives and weapons.

Previous knife arch operations took place in Rotherham in May last year. One was mounted at the bus station and another took place at the town's Blue Ice nightclub. On both occasions hundreds of people were tested, but none was found to be carrying a gun or a knife, and no drugs were found.