Knife recovered as heightened stop-and-search powers in Bolton set to remain throughout weekend

We've recovered a knife and charged a man with possessing an offensive weapon as part of increased stop-and-search powers authorised in Bolton following intelligence received ahead of this weekend.

The powers - under section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 - have been imposed since Friday (18 March) afternoon and will now run until 3pm on Monday 21 March to ensure heightened proactive police activity to deter suspected planned violence can be maintained.

This means officers can stop-search anyone in a defined area during that given time period.

Since the powers began to be exercised in the town, a total of 46 people have been stopped and lawfully searched.

One knife has been recovered and we arrested Jitesh Patel (32), of Carslake Avenue, who was later charged with possession of an offensive weapon ahead of an appearance at Wigan and Leigh Magistrates' Court on Wednesday 20 April.

Thankfully no other weapons have been recovered and no more arrests have been necessary.

Anyone found carrying dangerous instruments or offensive weapons will be prosecuted.

Extra uniformed and covert officers have been deployed in the borough over the weekend and will continue to be to assure the public that the increase in these measures is to keep people safe.

We appeal to parents, carers, and other responsible adults to talk to young people about their plans for the weekend to ensure they are safe and they are legal, and to report anything of concern to us.

Chief Superintendent Rick Jackson said: "These are exceptional measures that we've put in place on the back of very real intelligence that some of our young people may be out with the risk of getting seriously injured in the town this weekend.

"Given the recent serious - and some, sadly, fatal - incidents we've suffered in recent months, including in Bolton, then this was absolutely necessary to send a clear message to those intent on carrying out violence that we will stop you and we will prevent you from engaging in such criminal activity.

"And we also want to be clear with the wider public that when we get such information from adults and young people in the community, we will act seriously upon it to do all we can to keep people safe from the fear of unnecessary and unacceptable violence on our streets."

Contact us via gmp.police.uk or 101 if you have any concerns or information. In an emergency, always dial 999.

Information about crime can also be shared anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.