No More Knives - Merseyside Police launch fresh crackdown in schools

Officers have been in Truebrook for land searches on Monday, looking for blades that may have been discarded there.

Forces across the UK are taking part in the week-long operation, which runs until Sunday 23 September, and which aims to highlight the work regularly being done across Merseyside, and nationally, to combat the issue of knife crime.

Additional action will include crime reduction messaging, a social media campaign targeting teenagers and young people, test purchasing in shops and diversionary educational activities run by local community groups.

Community Policing Inspector Andy Creer said: "We know that knife crime is of concern to the people of Merseyside and I want to reassure our communities that we are committed to reducing knife crime and educating people about the dangers and consequences of carrying knives.

"Violent crime - including knife crime - does have devastating consequences for the victim and their families and we have sadly seen at first hand the impact it has had on families across Merseyside – including the families of those who have died or those who have been convicted and jailed for knife crime offences.

"Merseyside has a great reputation for being a safe city to visit and we want that to continue and for the people who live, work or visit here, to enjoy their time in a safe environment.

"We would also urge people to think before they consider carrying a knife. There is never a good reason to carry one. Many of those who do carry knives say initially they carried them for their own protection. Evidence shows that those who carry knives for their own protection are more likely to become a victim as a result and the knife can be turned on them."

Community teams will also deliver talks at local schools and patrols will link in with door staff and licensed premises involved in the night-time economy in town centres across Merseyside.

Members of the public can also expect to see increased police activity and police presence in key areas.

Additional action will include crime reduction messaging, a social media campaign targeting teenagers and young people, test purchasing in shops and diversionary educational activities run by local community groups.