Over 180 people have been arrested in Merseyside’s latest crime crackdown.
Merseyside Police revealed the latest statistics just 50 days into the start of Operation Target, which aims to reduce serious and violent street crime.
Officers from the force have carried out more than 440 open land searches since July 1 and 740 stop-searches which have resulted in 76 knife-related arrests.
More than 53 knives were also recovered from individuals in addition to 46 discovered during open land searches.
Chief Superintendent Matt Boyle said: “Our work remains ongoing and we are seeing positive results in terms of arrests, charges and weapons and drugs seizures every single day.
“What is not captured in these figures is the amount of criminal activity which I know is being disrupted by the action we have been carrying out in our local communities in the past two months.
“It also doesn’t show the reaction of the public who have been very positive about our proactivity, and who, I hope, will be pleased to see an increased number of officers on the streets who are committed to making their neighbourhoods safer places to live, work and visit.
“Although our main focus has been on serious and violent crime including gun and knife crime we have also had success in seizing Class A drugs and weapons – as we know they can be used to cause misery in our communities – recovering stolen goods and apprehending known offenders.
“With the support of our partners including local authorities we will continue to carry out warrants, stop searches, roadside checks and open land searches to honour our commitment to keeping everyone in Merseyside safe.
“I would continue to urge people to come forward with information about criminality in their area.
“Passing on information about where weapons are being stored, who is carrying them and who is dealing drugs in your community is essential to allow us to take action.”
Anyone with information about criminality in their area is urged to DM @MerPolCC, call 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.