Knife crime crackdown sees over 100 blades and weapons recovered from 'surrender bin' in Preston

This week marks the start of Operation Sceptre - a national knife crime initiative.

The operation aims to target those who are carrying weapons, raise awareness of the dangers and impacts of knife crime, and engage with retailers.

Today (Wednesday, November 17), police recovered 102 blades and weapons from the Knife Surrender Bin in Princess Street.

Taking place from November 15-21, Operation Sceptre runs nationally twice a year and supports the work that Lancashire Police does to keep people across the county safe from knife and violent crime.

Throughout Lancashire, officers will be working together with partner organisations to visit schools, search for knives in public places, conduct high visibility patrols, use metal detecting arches to identify people who may be carrying knives, and give advice to shops on the laws on selling knives.

Temp Chief Insp Dave Oldfield, of Lancashire Violence Reduction Network, said: "Knife crime impacts not only the individuals involved, but their families, friends and wider community.

"It’s truly devastating when an incident occurs so I urge anyone thinking about carrying a knife to reconsider as in a brief moment your life can be changed forever.

"Knife and violent crime are a priority and we continue to work together with partners to tackle the root causes of serious violence so that we can keep people and communities safe."

If you have any information about knife crime in Lancashire, contact the police on 101 or report it anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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