A series of raids have been carried out targeting people suspected of carrying weapons and drug dealers.
The Cleveland Police Force area has one of the highest number of knife crimes across the country and the force is taking positive action in the wake of recent stabbings and a murder in the area.
Lewis Bell, aged 26, from Stockton, died at the scene on Hills Drive, Norton, after a reported incident at around 12am on September 19.
Three people have been charged as part of the murder investigation including a 17-year-old youth.
As a result of the raids to tackle the growing problem of knife crime five people have been arrested with drugs and weapons seized, including knives, a baseball bat and a stab vest.
Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Hodgson said: “This was a proactive arrest day showing positive action in or communities to tackle knife crime.
“Knife crime is a serious problem nationally and Cleveland Police is no different. We currently have the third highest in the country by population, we were second, so we are moving in the right direction.
“More recently we have seen some serious violent incidents where a knife has been prevalent. It’s really important that we show our communities how we intend to tackle it and there is a zero-tolerance approach.”
Just hours after the fatal stabbing of Mr Bell, another man was stabbed on Ruskin Avenue, Middlesbrough, around 2.30am September 19.
The 37-year-old man was taken to James Cook University Hospital with serious injuries, which are not believed to be life-threatening.
The third stabbing on that day was investigated by officers who were called to Sainsbury’s on Saltersgill Avenue in Middlesbrough at around 8.30pm.
The man was taken to hospital with serious injuries to his arm, leg and back. His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
Last month, the force launched the campaign – Carrying a Blade Doesn’t Give You an Edge – which aims to pull on the heartstrings of parents and carers whose lives can be filled with worry for young teenagers often involved in violent crime.
From August 2023 to the end of July 2024, 186 young people aged 24 and under, were victims of a crime involving a knife or a bladed weapon in the force area.
At least 258 of those suspected to be involved in crimes involving a knife or a bladed weapon were aged between 14 and 24, accounting for 32 per cent of all identified suspects for crimes involving a knife or a blade.
Whilst 63 young people were caught carrying a blade during the same period, which is over a third of all charges for carrying a knife or bladed weapon.
And DCI Hodgson has issued a stark warning to anybody who habitually carries a knife.
He said: “It’s really important to break down that misconception that carrying a knife makes you safer, it’s statistically proven that you are more likely to come to harm than if you don’t.
“If you are carrying a knife habitually if you are carrying a knife on a daily basis, then you are putting yourself at more risk.
“Not just risk from the police but you are putting yourself at the risk of harm. If you do have a knife with you then that one split second can change your life and somebody else’s life forever.
“Don’t carry knives.”
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Two 17-year-old males have both been arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class B drugs following warrants on Headlam Court, Stockton.
A 22-year-old man and a 28-year-old woman were both arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary with intent.
A third 17-year-old was also arrested on suspicion of breaching his court bail. All five remain in police custody at this time.
Class B drugs, three knives, a baseball bat and a stab-proof vest were also seized from a property.
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