South Yorkshire Police have vowed to crack down on violent crimes after a man was sentenced to 11 years in prison for carrying a gun around Sheffield.
Detective Constable Lisa Yates, of the Armed Crime Team for South Yorkshire Police, said: “We do not tolerate firearms on our streets.
“Take this as a warning that if you have a gun, we will find you and you will be forced to face the consequences of your actions.”
South Yorkshire Police described the possession of the firearm as “reckless”.
Detective Constable Yates said: “Another relentless criminal has been taken off the streets and placed behind bars, and another firearm has been seized, preventing any more harm to have occurred.”
This comes as recorded crime increased by 12 per cent between 2021 and 2022, and violent offences, such as murder and manslaughter increased by 10 per cent.
Hassan Mohammed, 23, of Edward Street, Sheffield, was arrested by police in January after he was found to be carrying a handgun, ammunition and drugs. Mohammed was approached by plain-clothed patrol officers when they spotted a group of men acting suspiciously, and he attempted to flee the scene. He was searched after admitting to carrying a weapon, and was then detained by police.
Mohammed was also found to be in possession of a knife and suspected class A drugs. £375 in cash was seized, along with three mobile phones that he was carrying at the time.
A warrant was issued for the suspects home and a search was conducted, where police found a very large quantity of class A drugs, including heroin and cocaine.
Detective Constable Yates also commented: “This excellent result came from proactive work by our neighbourhood policing officers and comprehensive work carried out by the Armed Crime Team.”
Mohammed appeared at Sheffield Crown Court on 8 March, pleading guilty on all charges. He was sentenced on 17 April for possession of a firearm, possession of a bladed article in a public place, two counts of possession with intent to supply class A drugs, possession of criminal property and possession of ammunition without a certificate.
More information to come throughout the week at South Yorkshire Police.