Knife crackdown by police hailed a success.

A CRACKDOWN on drugs and knives at popular night spots is working, say police officers.

More than 2,000 people have been checked for illegal drugs and weapons by police at perceived violent crime hotspots this year – and not one knife has been found.

Revellers intent on violent crime appear to be getting the message, said Chief Superintendent Nigel Avron, of Gloucestershire Constabulary.

He said: "Measures such as operations using knife arches have worked well and those who think it is okay to carry knives have got the message that possession of offensive weapons will not be tolerated, and they will be dealt with robustly.

"Largely in response to the national focus on knife crime, we are keen to deal with the public's concerns. Policing has centred on deterring anyone who thinks it may be a good idea to bring a knife with them.

"We want people to be able to enjoy themselves and feel safe on a night out, and we conduct patrols every Friday and Saturday night for that purpose."

In the latest police operation, officers in Gloucester searched city centre revellers over the weekend, using airport-style arches and wands to detect metal.

Of the 878 stopped, not one had any drugs or weapons on them.

In Cheltenham, no knives were found on more than 300 clubbers during an operation in June, at the Que Pasa restaurant and bar and The Place nightclub.

And not one of 1,100 clubbers checked on one night last month in Gloucester had a weapon.

City centre inspector Chris Thorley said: "The large visible police presence in Gloucester city centre on Friday and Saturday nights sends out a clear message that crime will not be tolerated on our streets.

"We have received very positive feedback from owners and managers of licensed premises, and members of the public, who have appreciated the police presence."

Last weekend's operation involved officers searching people visiting the Liquid and Innteraction nightclubs on Saturday for offensive weapons and drugs.

Officers used the detection arches and wands to search the 878 clubbers, who were asked to co-operate with police as a condition of entry.

Further operations will be carried out to ensure that Gloucestershire remains a safe place to visit and to live.