Streets 'safer' after South Yorkshire Police seize THIRTEEN guns in three months
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Chief Constable Stephen Watson disclosed the figure in a progress report on his force’s efforts to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour – one of the priorities on the Police and Crime Plan for South Yorkshire.
Mr Watson revealed that in January, February and March, 11 suspects were charged with firearms-related offences as a result of ‘a number of complex investigations’ during which 13 guns were found.
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Hide AdHe praised the work of the specialist the Armed Crime Team for its efforts in reducing gun crime.
Mr Watson said: “The Armed Crime Team, which was implemented to tackle the illegal use of firearms across the county has continued to impact positively.
“The team has had a number of complex investigations, which have successfully led to 11 individuals being charged with serious firearms related offences over the last quarter.
“The team has also seized thirteen firearms from various addresses as a result of these investigations, which will have undoubtedly made the public safer as a consequence.”
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Hide AdHe revealed that last year 66 guns were seized by the force.
Mr Watson added: “Through coordinated work from district proactive teams, the Armed Crime Team, the force’s specialist uniform teams such as Tactical Support Group and Firearm Support Group, and with additional support from local neighbourhood policing teams, officers across South Yorkshire in total recovered 66 illegally held firearms during 2020 – this represents a 32 per cent increase on recoveries compared to 2018.”