KNIFE crime is the focus of a new police operation in Harrogate and Ripon aimed at protecting young people against the risks of carrying blades.
Operation Disarm focusses on two key elements: early intervention and prevention with vulnerable young people and robust enforcement when necessary.
The operation involves using information and intelligence to enable a more targeted approach to areas where police suspect knife-related activity is taking place.
Officers will be patrolling in uniform and plain clothes and will be using appropriate stop and search powers when there is clear justification.
Detective Inspector Simon Williamson, of North Yorkshire Police, said: “Knife crime in Harrogate and Ripon remains very rare – but one incident is one too many.
"We have a responsibility to protect our young people, ensuring that they understand the clear dangers of carrying a knife or any other weapon."
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