Merseyside Police removes more than 200 knives in week-long crackdown on knife crime

Merseyside Police has removed 230 knives, executed 16 warrants and arrested 40 people during a national week of action to tackle knife crime, known as Sceptre (17-23 November).

The week-long campaign saw Merseyside Police join forces with police across England and Wales in a coordinated effort to reduce knife-related violence.

Throughout the campaign, officers carried out a wide range of proactive activity that forms part of their daily work to tackle knife crime.

Key Results

• 230 knives removed from circulation
• 16 warrants executed
• 40 arrests for knife-related offences
• 420 stop searches
• 72 weapons sweeps and land searches
• Deployment of knife detection arches in hotspot areas
• 98 test purchase operations with retailers

Members of the public also played a vital role, with 204 weapons surrendered, including knives, knuckledusters, and other bladed items. Officers seized an additional 26 knives during arrests, warrants, and open land searches.

Officers also carried out 98 test purchase operations with local retailers to ensure compliance with knife sale laws. Most retailers refused to sell knives to underage customers or those without valid ID. Those who failed were provided with further training and guidance to help them meet legal requirements and prevent knives from getting into the wrong hands.

Alongside enforcement, officers engaged with communities through events such as a knife crime awareness day in partnership with the LFC Foundation, which brought together 70 young people for learning, discussion, and practical activities promoting safety and positive choices.

The force also marked a major milestone for its education programme, Operation Prospect, which has now reached more than 20,000 young people across Merseyside since its launch in November 2024.

The programme delivers a powerful message: prevention through education, helping secondary school students understand the devastating consequences of knife crime for individuals, families, and communities.

Superintendent Phil Mullally, Lead for Serious Violence and Knife Crime said: “Knife crime has absolutely no place in Merseyside. Every blade we remove from our streets is one less opportunity for harm, and we will continue to take a hard stance against those who carry or use knives.

“During this week of action, our officers carried out stop searches, executed warrants, and made arrests, clear evidence of our determination to tackle this issue head-on.

“Sceptre shines a spotlight on the work our officers do every single day – through enforcement, education, and engagement – to keep people safe. Our commitment doesn’t end with this campaign; investigations and proactive policing will continue to target offenders and protect our communities.”

If you have information about someone carrying a knife, or know someone involved in crime, you can report any concerns on 999 if a crime is in progress, via 101, or our social media desk via X on @MerPolCC. You can also pass information via Crimestoppers anonymously. 

If you are nervous about talking to the police, you can contact independent charity Fearless 100% anonymously. Anonymous means that your identity is completely unknown. Reporting information, no matter how big or small, helps to keep your friends, family and community safe. Visit https://crimestoppers-uk.org/fearless or call 0800 555 111.

Anyone affected by crime can request support from the Victim Care Merseyside Hub by calling Freephone 0808 175 3080 on weekdays between 8am and 6pm. Alternatively, a contact form can be submitted at www.victimcaremerseyside.org at any time.