Weapons offences on the rise in Kettering

New statistics reveal the number of weapons offences from November 2016 to October 2017 stands at 68 – up from 48 for the previous 12 months.

Supt Chris Hillery, head of local policing at Northamptonshire Police, said a new operation to seize weapons has led to the rise.

He said: “Our proactive team has been working hard as part of Operation Fastnet, launched this year, to seize weapons and ensure those carrying them illegally are brought to justice.

“While this has led to an increase in weapons offences figures, it also means that more weapons are being detected and taken away from those who could use them to cause harm.

“We also took part in the firearms surrender co-ordinated by the National Ballistics Intelligence Service which saw more than 70 guns handed into police.”

An offensive weapon is classed as anything that could be used to injure someone, although the majority of cases highlighted in the media surround knives.

In December a man was stabbed in Grafton Park and in June a man was stabbed in Eskdaill Place.

In February, a teenager caught with a knife outside a Kettering bar was given a fine.

Across the borough of Kettering, William Knibb – incorporating the town centre – has seen the most incidents involving possession of weapons with 20.

Supt Hillery says the police will continue to bring anyone carrying weapons to justice.

He said: “We take weapons offences very seriously in Northamptonshire so will continue to use intelligence and proactive investigation work to identify and bring to justice anyone involved in weapons offences.

“I would also encourage people to report those carrying weapons to Northamptonshire Police on 101 or in an emergency, 999.

“Alternatively, the public can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Number of possession of weapons offences by ward:

William Knibb - 20

All Saints - 14

Avondale Grange - 9

St Michaels and Wicksteed - 7

Northfield - 5

Slade - 3

Rothwell - 3

Burton Latimer - 2

Pipers Hill - 1

Queen Eleanor and Buccleuch - 1

Welland - 1

Barton - 1

Desborough Loatland - 1

Brambleside - 0

St Peters - 0

Ise Lodge - no statistics present

Desborough St Giles - no statistics present