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Supporters of stop-and-search say knives seized in Fife this week prove point

Vicious looking knives were confiscated during a police effort to keep people safe in Levenmouth.
Vicious looking knives were confiscated during a police effort to keep people safe in Levenmouth.

Two potentially deadly knives were confiscated from the streets of Levenmouth this week.

The wicked-looking pocket knives were seized following a street search and a man has been charged.

Police Scotland said a special task force had been deployed alongside local officers in Leven, Methil and Buckhaven as part of a drive to keep people safe.

The force has warned that carrying a knife will not be tolerated and said anyone found with one could face prison.

During this week’s operation a Gerber knife was found as officers searched an “aggressive” man in Leven.

A second blade removed was described as smaller but just as dangerous.

Chief Inspector Adrian Annadale said: “Carrying a knife or any other weapon is a serious offence and one which will not be tolerated.

“Through targeted search activity we continue to recover these type of items, which can be used to inflict serious, or even fatal injuries, as we have tragically witnessed within the region in the past few years.

“My message to the public is simply not to risk it.”

He added: “Police Scotland works closely with the Crown Office to secure prosecutions and custodial sentences for weapons offenders and should you be found in possession of a knife or similar instrument, then you can expect to be arrested and even face time in prison.”

The police action has been praised by local politicians, who said the results proved the benefits of the force’s controversial stop and search policy.

Kirkcaldy MSP David Torrance, whose constituency includes Buckhaven and Methil, said knife seizures had led to a reduction in violent incidents.

“Knife crime has dropped across Scotland and it’s due to the diligence of Police Scotland and the seizure of illegal weapons on the streets through stop and search,” he said.

“When you see the collection of knives taken from members of the public, especially youngsters, it shows the need for this sort of surveillance because, at the end of the day, this saves lives.”

The SNP MSP said he was fully supportive of any police action to reduce street crime.

“Using a knife like the one seized in Leven would leave somebody permanently maimed or even dead,” he added.

Local councillor Tom Adams said: “Stop and search was piloted in our area and we’ve never had a problem with it.

“If these are the kind of results we’re getting then bring it on.”