Detectorists join the fight to prevent knife crime

HELPING IN SEARCH FOR DISCARDED BLADES

- DAMON WILKINSON

POLICE have enlisted metal detectorists in their fight against knife crime in Greater Manchester.

Volunteers in Wigan are scouring parts of the town for hidden or discarded blades, burner phones and other criminal paraphernalia.

So far the two detectorists' efforts have uncovered knives, a hammer, a sharpened piece of metal, a BB gun and drug-taking equipment. The move is being overseen by Wigan-based PCSO Alan Mitchell, himself a keen detectorist.

And he's now appealing for more volunteers to come forward in other parts of Greater Manchester.