What a week! National knife crime campaign sees multiple arrests & knife seizures across Merseyside
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That’s a wrap - #OpSceptre week has come to a close and forces up and down the country have been hard at work putting a specific focus on tackling knife crime.
Supt Jenn Wilson said: “Reducing knife crime in Merseyside is an ongoing process, but this dedicated week of action provides all police forces with a platform to shout about the activity they have going on as well as talking to young people, targeting specific areas, seizing a range of knives and putting those carrying weapons behind bars.”
Last week (26th April – 2nd May), through #OpSceptre policing activity alone, we stop searched 141 people, conducted 121 weapon sweeps, recovered 61 knives and arrested 15 people for possession of a bladed article.
During the week, officers also visited a number of schools where they spent time speaking to students, gauging their thoughts on knife crime and educating them on ways they can protect themselves against potential threats.
We also visited 380 retailers across the region where further advice was given around the sale of knives and a number of test purchases were conducted to ensure retailers were being responsible.
Deployments also focused efforts at major transport links including Liverpool Lime Street where a number of people were arrested for drugs offences. Knife poles were also used to detect anyone in possession of a knife or other weapon and the quad bikes were out to assist patrols in the local area.
Supt Wilson continued: “We are working all year round to take weapons off our streets and protect the community. This week of action is only a snapshot of what we have going on and I hope that those living in Merseyside feel reassured and know that we will continue seeking out those involved in knife crime, enticing young and vulnerable people to carry weapons or involved in gangs.
“Carrying a knife puts you in significant danger and can lead to fatal consequences, whether this is the intention or not. Help keep Merseyside #BladeFree and leave the knives where they belong, in the kitchen!”
Anyone that knows someone involved in knife crime or has any information that could lead to the recovery of a dangerous weapon should contact us on 101 or via Crimestoppers anonymously.
