A KNIFE arch will scan for hidden weapons as hundreds flock to see popular hip hop group N-Dubz this weekend.
Police will be manning the airport-style metal detector prior to the Mobo (Music of Black Origin) award-winning group hitting the stage at Sunderland's Campus Academy.
The arch will be placed at the entrance to the Student Union club on Sunday.
The move forms part of a series of crime-prevention initiatives run by the city centre neighbourhood policing team throughout Freshers' Fortnight, to ensure new students stay and feel safe in their new home city.
Dedicated university officer, Pc Alex Hulme, said: "We work closely with the university to make sure students can enjoy what the city has to offer and make their time here is as safe and secure as possible.
"Using the arch not only acts as a deterrent against those who may be tempted to carry a knife, it also reassures the students and public that they can attend events like this without fear.
"Our officers will reinforce the message that illegal possession of knives and weapons is never acceptable and will lead to the arrest and prosecution of the individual concerned."
The initiative also coincides with Sunderland police's knife amnesty.
Disposal bins have been put in place at stations across the city as part of officers' war on weapons.
Wearsiders are now being given the chance to bin their knifes safely until January 1.
Earlier this year, a knife amnesty saw 96 weapons, including cleavers, a machete and a hunting knife, being dumped.
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