A SHOCKING array of more than 300 weapons including swords, axes and a crossbow were seized by armed police on the streets of Bedfordshire last year.
Firearms incident officers confiscated 310 weapons between January 1 2011 and the beginning of 2012, with almost half – 147 – found on the streets of Luton.
According to figures obtained after a request under the Freedom of Information Act, 153 knives, 22 swords and a staggering 18 axes were taken from offenders during 2011.
Officers also seized 12 shotguns, three handguns, seven replica handguns and a crossbow.
A further 94 weapons, including air pistols and rifles, baseball bats, BB guns, a blank firing handgun and three toy guns were also held.
It is unclear whether charges were brought against any parties involved in each case.
But a spokesperson for Bedfordshire Police said yesterday that anyone caught with an offensive weapon is dealt with ‘robustly’.
She said: “Bedfordshire Police receives approximately 45,500 emergency calls each year and responds to all incidents where weapons are mentioned with the use of the Armed Response Unit to ensure the safety of the public, those involved in the incident and members of the emergency services.
“Reducing the number of violent offences in the county is a priority for Bedfordshire Police and anyone caught in possession of an offensive weapon is dealt with robustly.’
Between April and September 2011, serious violent crime in Bedfordshire fell by 28 per cent with 50 fewer victims.
> Police arrested a man on suspicion of possession of a bladed article after he was allegedly found with a ‘large dagger’ in his pocket in Luton.
The incident happened shortly before 7pm in Biscot Road.
An ambulance was also called to the scene.
> What do you think? Have your say, our contact details are on page 2