More than 350 knives seized across Lancashire in week-long crackdown

More than 350 knives have been taken off the streets in Lancashire as part of a national week of action aimed at tackling knife crime.
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Running from November 9 to November 15, Operation Sceptre is a national initiative which sees police working with partners to conduct intense activity to tackle knife crime.

The week, which had a theme of 'knives and the law', saw officers conduct 38 weapon sweeps looking for knives hidden in public spaces; 20 knife-related arrests were made which involved 10 knives being seized; and 21 visits were made to members of the public who had purchased knives online.

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Officers also visited schools to teach pupils about the repercussions of becoming involved in knife crime. This was supported by social media activity on local and county-wide police accounts.

Officers search for weapons as part of Operation Sceptre.Officers search for weapons as part of Operation Sceptre.
Officers search for weapons as part of Operation Sceptre.

Chief Insp of Steve Anderton, of Lancashire Police, said: "This week of intensification adds to our focus on knife crime and we are pleased that a significant number of knives are now safely off Lancashire streets so that they cannot be used to create harm.

"It’s illegal to carry a knife without a reasonable purpose and there are serious repercussions if you are found out, including a prison sentence.

"Fortunately, people who carry knives are in the vast minority. If you are involved in knives or violent crime, I urge you to use this second lockdown to reflect and make positive change for yourself, your family, and your community."

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Clive Grunshaw, Lancashire's Police and Crime Commissioner, said: "I am fully supportive of Lancashire Constabulary’s bid to remove knives from our streets and this activity has shown that officers in the county are committed to getting dangerous knives, and those who would carry them, off our streets.

"No-one should live in fear of knives being used in their community. I am committed to tackling violent crime and ensuring that – above all else – residents feel safe and secure.

"Tackling crime and developing safe and confident communities are key priorities for me and policing alone cannot prevent people offending. We need to work together to tackle violent crime and make Lancashire safer."

If you have any information about knife crime in Lancashire, contact the police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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