Knife scanner points way to safety

KNIFE crime will not be tolerated — that’s the message from police who patrolled Werneth Park during a hard-hitting week of action.

Visitors to the park were invited to walk through a mobile metal detector and officers carried knife wands to test passers-by for weapons.

Sergeant Trevor Harrison said: “Knife crime is a rare occurrence in Oldham but it is an issue that the public is rightly concerned about.

“By carrying out this operation we want to highlight the dangers of carrying knives and warn people that it will not be tolerated.

“There is absolutely no need for it, and we will prosecute all offenders”

Officers are working alongside various groups to address crime and environmental issues in Coppice and Werneth.

There will be more police on patrol throughout the week to prevent and disrupt criminal activity.