‘No place for knife crime’ - Major Blackpool police operation takes weapons off streets
“No one should have to live in fear of dangerous weapons”
Police seized more than 600 knives through surrender bins, stop searches and warrents through an intense focus on knife crime.
It was part of Sceptre, a national effort focused on the most dangerous criminal activity to raise awareness of knife crime and tackling serious violence.
- Attended 10 education events and community meetings
- Delivered 11 school inputs
- Visited 40 retailers
- Conducted 26 test purchasing operations alongside Lancashire County Council. Of all 26, 2 failed by selling a knife to an underage volunteer buyer. The retailers are working closely with LCC Trading Standards team to ensure this does not happen again.
Sergeant Dan Whitaker, from Lancashire’s Violence Reduction Network said:“Knife crime has no place in our society and we will continue to work with partners across West division to prevent knife crime and educate communities on its dangers.
“Sceptre is just a snapshot into the type of work we undertake on a daily basis to tackle knife crime and offers an important opportunity to showcase all the hard work going on behind the scenes. I am pleased to see May’s week of action has seen so many positive outcomes and with early intervention, education, and strong enforcement, we will continue to address the root causes of violence as well as its consequences.”
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Commissioner Clive Grunshaw said: “No one should have to live in fear of dangerous weapons in their community. Education about the risks and realities of carrying a knife, combined with strong enforcement against those who break the law and endanger others, is essential.
"I commend everyone involved for their continued efforts to remove knives from our streets and keep our communities safe.
"I would encourage anyone who has information or concerns to come forward and report either to the police or anonymously via CrimeStoppers. As Police and Crime Commissioner, I will continue to support the Violence Reduction Network as it works with partners to take meaningful action to prevent and reduce serious violence.”
Sceptre is led by Lancashire’s Violence Reduction Network (VRN), a part of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office.
If you have any information about knife crime in your area, call 101 or report anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Your nearest knife surrender bin can be found online https://lancsvrn.co.uk/latest-news/knife-bin-locations/