Lancs police take 300 knives off our streets during anti-knife crime week
Lancashire police took 300 knives off our streets a fortnight ago as part of the Operation Sceptre national anti-knife crime week.
The national campaign, which ran from April 26th to May 2nd, saw the police increase their pro-active work to prevent knife and violet crime through a range of initiatives.
As well as taking bladed weapons off our streets, officers also made 72 arrests as a result of the operation, during which eight knives were seized.
26 public spaces were searched for weapons with help from police cadets and anti-knife crime campaigner Byron Highton of JJ Effect CIC, resulting in four knives being recovered.
Officers also took time out of their day to visit over 400 young people to teach them about the risks and dangers of knives in a bid to discourage young people from becoming involved in knife crime in the future.
Inspector Dave Oldfield of Lancashire Violence Reduction Network, which co-ordinated activity, said: “It’s been a hugely successful week with lots of positive interaction with the public.
“Officers have undertaken a number of intelligence driven operations to keep our communities safe from the dangers posed by weapons. Fortunately, knife crime is low in Lancashire compared with other areas.
“We have had a huge push on knife crime prevention during Op Sceptre week, supported by working with Byron Highton of JJ Effect CIC. By working with younger people to encourage them away from knives and working longer term together with partner organisations to address the root causes of knife crime we can develop safer communities for now and the future.
“As COVID-19 restrictions continue to ease I urge anyone who is thinking about carrying a knife to think twice. If you carry a knife you are much more likely to get hurt and if you become seriously hurt it could affect you and your family for the rest of your life.”
If you have any information about knife crime in Lancashire, contact the police on 101 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. In an emergency call 999.