Police campaign against knife crime

CHESHIRE’S Warrington-based Police and Crime Commissioner has praised a week long operation carried out by the county police to tackle knife crime.
More than 50 knives and one BB gun were handed in when Cheshire Police took part in the national campaign, Operation Sceptre, which saw officers target people who carry and use knives.
Knife surrender bins were placed at police stations and recycling centres in four locations across the county.
A variety of knives were handed in, ranging from standard kitchen knives to dangerous weapons, such as samurai swords.
Police and crime commissioner David Keane, said: “The results from this campaign have been very encouraging. It’s fantastic that the constabulary has managed to take 50 more dangerous weapons off the streets.
“This is testament to officers targeting their activity in areas across Cheshire which see the highest incidences of knife crime.
“Thankfully, Cheshire doesn’t have a large knife crime problem. But as we have seen all too often in cases across the country, if people carry a knife, a minor dispute can soon become a devastating incident.”
As part of the operation, police worked with partner agencies, such as trading standards, to speak to shop owners about the Challenge 25 campaign to stop the sale of knives to under 18s.
Officers also went into schools across Cheshire to talk to pupils about the dangers of carrying these weapons.
Police in Cheshire are working extremely hard to eradicate knife crime in partnership with independent charity Crimestoppers to encourages anyone with information to contact them anonymously on 0800 555 111. Alternatively, call Cheshire Police on 101.