West Mercia Police involved in nationwide focus week on tackling knife crime
Operation Sceptre has been running since Monday 19 May and has focused this time on retailers who sell knives
A West Mercia Police superintendent says knife crime remains an important topic for police to keep addressing.
The force have been involved in Operation Sceptre this week, a week of action on knife crime, focusing on retailers who sell knives across Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Shropshire.
Superintendent Brian Gibbs says officers have been visiting shops to offer advice and support, but the week also focuses on educating young people about the dangers of knife crime.
"West Mercia remains an incredibly safe place to live, to visit and and to work, however, we cannot understate the impact and the trauma caused by by knife crime," he said.
"Whilst I absolutely welcome the legislative changes, particularly around zombie knives and the proposed changes around swords, ninja swords and so called samurai swords, plus the legislation within our retailers, this is about behaviour change.
"This is about early intervention, early identification, diversion and education, primarily starting with our young people, it's about identifying the risks and intervening at an early stage, because if we're at the point where the police have to intervene, it's too late."
As part of the week, members of the public are also being encouraged to drop off unwanted knives and blades in dedicated knife surrender bins around West Mercia to ensure they are disposed of safely.