112 weapons seized in police anti-knife crime operation
Children as young as 10 were among those carrying weapons
Last updated 24th May 2024
Children as young as 10 have been found carrying weapons, according to Devon and Cornwall Police after their latest week-of-action.
They’ve just given an update on their so-called 'intensification week' which saw 112 weapons seized and 39 stop and searches - as well as test 21 purchasing operations and 39 talks with schools and community groups.
A total of three arrests were made with 25 weapons surrendered - which included gas-powered crossbows and other historic family knives.
Force Knife Crime Lead for Devon & Cornwall Police, Detective Chief Inspector Steve Fleetwood said, “Thankfully, knife crime in Devon & Cornwall remains low, but one person carrying a knife is one too many, so we work with our partners through the year to keep knives out of the hands of young people.
“Operation Sceptre has led to a successful week getting knives off the street, engaging with the public and raising awareness around knife carrying.
“This work doesn’t just happen twice a year though, we work tirelessly throughout the year to detect and prevent knife crime.
"Last week we used a number of tactics, including encouraging people to surrender their knives at local police stations, weapons sweeps in public areas, visiting schools and youth organisations with the knife arch to educate young people and carrying out test purchases with knife retailers. A number of arrests have also been made.
“Some people think knife carrying will make them safer or appear ‘cool’ or in control, when actually they are more likely to be injured with their own knife.
"We do recognise that incidents involving knives can and do happen. There have been a number of serious incidents involving knives over the last week alone. This emphasises the importance of our on-going efforts to remove knives from our streets.
“It is important that people are aware of the law and that we protect the public by raising awareness about the consequences of carrying a knife. If anyone has concerns about someone they know who carries a knife or knife crime in their community, we encourage them to report it.
“Devon & Cornwall Police remains one of the safest places to live in the country, but we remain vigilant and proactive in relation to preventing knife crime and keeping our communities safe. We will continue to use every available resource to combat knife crime and keep our neighbourhoods amongst the safest in the country”
Government advice on selling, buying and carrying knives can be found here