CHESHIRE Police have launched a partnership with Warrington Wolves as part of Operation Sceptre – the national initiative to combat the disturbing increase in knife crime.
All this week, Warrington residents can expect to see Wolves players working with police officers, engaging with members of the local community, visiting youth organisations, and engaging with young people at schools and colleges.
Knife surrender bins will be placed across the town, including one outside the Wolves’ home at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, for members of the community to voluntarily relinquish any unwanted knives or bladed articles.
Superintendent Adam Ross, northern area commander for Warrington, said: “This week of action, which is the start of a long-running collaboration between Cheshire Police and Warrington Wolves knife to feel safe or protected on our streets.
“Working with the Wolves will allow us to increase engagement and strengthen our relationship with the local community throughout Warrington, including with the younger generation. Over the next week, members of the Wolves team will be joining my officers on visits to schools, colleges and youth organisations to increase their engagement and build relationships with the police.
“When it comes to issues as serious as knife crime, it is so important that everyone feels that they can come forward to us with any issues, so we can take immediate action.”
Of the 42 national police forces in England and Wales, Cheshire is the ninth lowest force in terms of knife crime. However, police have seen a 5.9 per cent increase in knife-related offences in the 12 months to March this year compared to the previous year.
To report any type of crime involving weapons, call Cheshire Constabulary on 101 or 999 in an emergency.
Anyone who knows someone who carries a knife can report it to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously
Information can also be passed to the force online via https://www.chesshire.police.uk/ro/report
