Specialist equipment has been used to keep the public safe in a North city centre.

Officers from the York Inner Neighbourhood Policing Team worked alongside Special Constables, door staff, and premises supervisors on Operation Search, which was set up to detect and deter the use of weapons within the city's night-time economy.

Metal detection wands which detect dense metal objects were used to search people when they entered licenced premises.

Members of door staff were predominantly in charge of using the equipment to conduct the searches, with police officers on patrol nearby who could step in when needed. 

The Northern Echo: Metal detection wands used at venues in York. Picture: North Yorkshire PoliceMetal detection wands used at venues in York. Picture: North Yorkshire Police (Image: North Yorkshire Police)

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The operation was supported by the City of York Council, licensed premises, and door staff.

Several venues such as Popworld, Jalou, and Kuda participated on Saturday night.

Hundreds of searches were carried out as members of the public entered venues, and thankfully no weapons were recovered.

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Inspector Andrew Godfrey, from the York Inner Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “It’s fantastic to see that from the hundreds of people that were searched on Saturday no weapons were found.

“Members of the public should feel reassured by this, as it shows that York city centre is a safe place.

The Northern Echo: Officers hope this will reduce crime and reassure the public. Picture: North Yorkshire PoliceOfficers hope this will reduce crime and reassure the public. Picture: North Yorkshire Police (Image: North Yorkshire Police)

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“Although the operation is designed to recover weapons it also acts as a deterrent and helps us spread the message that we will not tolerate the use of weapons on the streets of York and North Yorkshire.

“I would like to thank the partners and the licensed premises who we worked with on Saturday evening.

“We will continue to work together and will plan similar operations in the future to ensure that York remains a safe place to be for everyone.”

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