IF you ever wondered why many Harlow residents consider the Town Centre a “No-Go ” area, then you need not look any further than this haul of offensive weapons found hidden around the town centre on Tuesday morning.

On Tuesday, Harlow Council’s Community Safety Team joined the Harlow Community Policing Team early shift to carry out a knife sweep of the town as part of Operation Sceptre.

Together they recovered a knuckle duster, a claw hammer, screwdrivers, a dumbbell handle and five bags of drugs that were all hidden away. All are now off the streets and are being examined.

Inspector Tony Walker from Harlow Community Policing Team said: “This is an example of the work we’re doing to help make Harlow a safe place to work, live or visit.

“We work with our partners around the county to tackle knife crime and serious violence.

“I want to thank the Harlow Community Safety Team for their involvement in our week of action.”

Councillor Eugenie Harvey, Harlow Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community and Wellbeing, said: “This was an important exercise and has produced an excellent result for both the Community Safety Team and the police. The result will help to make Harlow safer.

“It is, of course, greatly concerning that dangerous weapons and drugs are being stashed around our town and this is something that we, in partnership with the police, will continue to tackle through Operation Sceptre. I sincerely hope that the examination of these items contributes to further action being taken against those responsible for hiding them around Harlow.”