Information on Loughborough

Portable metal detector keeps Loughborough safe

Posted on 03/03/2009

Portable metal detector keeps Loughborough safe Sgt Andy Thornley and Paul Wayte-McPherson in front of the knife arch

Sgt Andy Thornley and Paul Wayte-McPherson in front of the knife arch

The police in Loughborough are planning to use a portable metal detector in the towns nightclubs to discourage people from carrying knives in the town centre.

"We do not have a knife crime problem in Loughborough town centre," said the Town Centre Sergeant, Andy Thornley, "and I am determined to keep it that way.  I hope that using the knife arch will send out two key messages; first, that the town centre is a safe place to enjoy a night out and, secondly, that knife crime will not be tolerated."

In the last six months there have been just six incidents involving knives in the town centre - on four occasions, knives were merely possessed and not used. On the other two occasions, injuries occurred where a knife was involved.  The arch will be placed in the entrance of clubs which support the initiative, and visitors will be required to walk through it.  It will detect knives and any other metal weapons.

Sergeant Thornley continued; "Loughborough is a safe place to live and work and it does not suffer from a knife crime culture.  However, I am aware that knife crime is the subject of great interest in the media and I want to reassure night time visitors to Loughborough that we will deal effectively with any incidents and that weve put preventative measures in place.

"Anyone who sets off the alarm will be searched by a police officer. If they are found to be in possession of a knife they could face a fine of up to £5000 or a spell in prison of up to four years. There is no reason why anyone should ever feel the need to carry a knife but if they are caught they will be punished.

"I am grateful to the Managers of the clubs who have agreed to use it in their premises and are working closely with us to ensure Loughborough remains a safe place visit."

Paul Wayte-McPherson, the General Manager of Vice Versa on High Street said; "We are really happy to work with this police on this initiative.  Anything that reassures people that my club is a safe place to enjoy a night out is a good thing and if you have nothing to hide then walking through it shouldnt be a problem."