VOLUNTEERS with metal detectors will be helping police to hunt down discarded weapons as part of efforts to tackle knife and gun crime.
West Midlands Police have recruited a team of detecting enthusiasts willing to give up their time to help officers search areas such as parks and bushes.
If a detector does pick up trace of a dumped knife or gun it will then be seized by an accompanying cop and assessed for evidence linking it to criminal activity.
Volunteers will not handle any weapons but police believe their skills will play an important role in helping them to seize weapons.
With the easing of Covid-19 restrictions they hope the detectorists will be able to regularly join officers and PCSOs in checking open spaces where weapons may be concealed.
They also hope to recruit more enthusiasts to help over the coming months.
One of the new recruits is Mike Morton who has been metal detecting for eight years and is pleased to put his hobby to good use.
He joined Sandwell neighbourhood officers during recent weapon searches at locations including a park in Cradley Heath.
Mike Morton with his metal detector. Pic - West Midlands Police
The 65-year-old said: "I would normally be looking for coins and artefacts which can date back centuries and reflect the history of the country.
"But it feels very satisfying to use my hobby to support the police in removing potentially dangerous weapons from society.
"I’m not only developing my own metal detecting skills but doing something which is beneficial."
Mike Morton with his metal detector. Pic - West Midlands Police
Jess Redmond, who oversees the recruitment of the metal detectorists, added: “Our volunteers are skilled in what they do and can really help us in our efforts to trace and seize weapons.
“With the pandemic restrictions starting to lift we will hopefully be able to call on their expertise in the coming months.
“A detectorist will always be accompanied by officers when carrying out weapon searches and won’t put their safety at risk.
“But it’s a different challenge while also playing an active role in protecting communities. We’re hoping more metal detectorists will be willing to offer their support."
Anyone interested in getting involved can email volunteers@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here