The number of weapons confiscated in Bronx and city public schools is down 18 percent from the same time last year.

According to a New York Post report, more than 1,500 weapons were taken between July 1, 2006 and June 10, 2007. That number includes 353 guns and knives and more than 1,340 items such as pipes and fake guns.

Last year, police officers collected 383 guns and knives and about 1,678 items.

The NYPD attributes the drop to metal detectors and scanners installed at 82 middle and high schools.

The police department took over school security in 1998.