Volunteer metal detectorists help police tackle knife crime in Greater Manchester

During Operation Sceptre, (which took place 13-19 November 2023), Greater Manchester Police (GMP) enlisted the help of two metal detectorists to help during the crackdown on knife crime.

The two men had been metal detecting as a hobby for some time and during Operation Sceptre - the national week of action tackling knife crime - they joined officers in scouring areas of Wigan for hidden or discarded weapons.

Volunteer metal detectorists with GMP work alongside Neighbourhood Policing Teams and Investigation Teams to scan areas for hidden or discarded objects of interest - such as weapons but also jewellery or burner phones. Once found, the items are removed from the streets safely and disposed of by police.

The volunteer detectorists are supported by one of GMP's own Police Community Support Officer's (PCSO) who is based in Wigan and is also a metal detectorist himself.

PCSO Alan Mitchell of GMP Wigan District, said: "I've been metal detecting for a few years now and last September I came across a new role advertised for Volunteer Metal Detectorists in GMP. 

"I thought it sounded interesting and offered to help manage the volunteers. During Operation Sceptre in November, the volunteers joined me in Wigan carrying out knife sweeps in the local park areas. 

"During the course of the day the detectorists successfully uncovered knives, a hammer, a sharpened piece of metal, a BB gun and drug paraphernalia. All these items were seized by officers and booked for destruction. 

"I hope the volunteer role will be extended to other areas of GMP as I think it's very valuable to the force. Thanks to the work of the metal detectorists, we have removed a number of potentially dangerous weapons from our streets safely. Without this intervention, it's very possible these weapons may have been used with tragic consequences.

"If you are a metal detectorist and you want to help your community, I'd advise contacting your local force to see if they have positions for volunteers."

Superintendent Caroline Hemingway, GMP's force lead for knife crime said: "I'm delighted with this latest initiative which enlists the help of volunteer metal detectorists. We've long said that we need communities to come together to help tackle knife crime and this is a perfect example of that in action.

"The seizures during Operation Sceptre show what can be achieved when we work together and I would welcome anyone who has an interest in volunteering their metal detecting skills to help police.

"I do want to stress however that GMP does not endorse or encourage weapons sweeps unless they are supervised by police. Weapons and drug paraphernalia are a potential bio-hazard and need to be recovered and destroyed appropriately by the police."

If you’ve have concerns about someone carrying a knife, call Police on 101 or report anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.