A series of knife sweeps were carried out across parks in the Borough by Bedford Borough Council’s Community Safety Team.
Council officers carefully searched areas in Bedford Park, Russell Park and Addison Howard Park in Kempston during three afternoons in May.
The recent knife sweeps help to keep parks and open spaces in the Borough free from hidden or discarded weapons, and continue to keep them a safe space for everyone to enjoy.
During the latest searches, Council officers did not find any concealed weapons or hazardous items.
This latest initiative is part of the Council’s commitment to tackle serious violence together with community partner, the Bedfordshire Violence and Exploitation Prevention Partnership (VEPP).
The knife sweeps also formed part of Operation Sceptre; a biannual national campaign aimed at reducing knife crime and serious violence across the UK.
Find out more about how Bedford Borough Council works with its partners to tackle violence and exploitation at https://bedsvepp.org/
Councillor Andrea Spice, Portfolio Holder for Economic Prosperity, Planning, Housing and Regulatory Services said; “To help minimise and combat serious violence in our Borough, our officers coordinated three knife sweeps in our parks to keep our well-loved green spaces free from weapons and dangerous items.
“We are determined to keep Bedford Borough safe for all and I am pleased to say that our officers did not find any targeted objects in the latest searches.
“We will continue to work closely with our community partners to ensure everyone across the Borough, young and old, is supported and continues to feel safe.”