More than 200 arrests have now been made as part of Operation Raptor, Lincolnshire Police’s dedicated campaign to tackle weapons offences.

Officers executed warrants at various locations across the county during the last week, part of ongoing action which forms part of a wider violent crime reduction initiative. This puts the care and safeguarding of victims at the core of the work, while also targeting offenders.

A machete was recovered in a warrant executed in Grantham, while three people – a woman aged 29 and two men, aged 21 and 32 – were arrested on suspicion of supplying Class A drugs. They have all since been released on bail.

The latest warrants also bring the total number of weapons seized since Raptor’s launch, in October, to more than 150. This includes knives and firearms, while dozens more were handed in at police stations by members of the public, during our weapons surrender.

Following success in the west of the county, Raptor has been extended to all of Lincolnshire.

Detective Chief Inspector Sep Myers said: “We have taken strong action against offenders across the county and will continue to do so.

“Our focus is to reduce violent crime, protect and safeguards victims, and bring to justice those responsible for these crimes.

“Every weapon off the streets makes Lincolnshire an even safer place to live, which is why this is an ongoing campaign.

“We will work tirelessly to combat this issue, and to provide the best service possible to the people of our county.”

Operation Raptor is a targeted campaign which combines enforcement with education to tackle the issue of weapons in our county.

Since its launch, neighbourhood policing teams have worked with schools to educate on the dangers of carrying weapons, while the licensing team has carried out weapons testing at various clubs and bars across the county.