Teenager caught with machete near Lancaster cycle track arrested

A teenager who was caught carrying a machete in Lancaster has been arrested.
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Police seized the weapon - which appears to be around 30cm in length - on the cycle track near Salt Ayre Leisure Centre today (July 13).

A 19-year-old man from Lancaster has been arrested on suspicion of possession of a bladed article.

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"We would like to reassure the public that we are actively targeting these areas and those found in possession of items such as these will be robustly dealt with," a spokesman for Lancashire Police said.

Officers seized this weapon from a 19-year-old man in Lancaster. (Credit: Lancashire Police)Officers seized this weapon from a 19-year-old man in Lancaster. (Credit: Lancashire Police)
Officers seized this weapon from a 19-year-old man in Lancaster. (Credit: Lancashire Police)

It is illegal to carry a knife, even if it belongs to somebody else, and if you are caught you will be arrested.

Anyone who is carrying a knife and is intending to use it as a weapon - even in self-defence - can be arrested, go to court and receive a police record or even a prison sentence of up to 4 years.

The police can also search anyone they suspect of carrying a knife.

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The maximum prison sentence for carrying a knife is four years, but if you use the knife in a crime or to injure someone the penalties are a lot worse.

The teenager was arrested following a police chase in Waverley Park. (Credit: Lancashire Police)

It is illegal to:

- sell a knife of any kind to anyone under 18 years old, unless it has a folding blade 3 inches long (7.62 cm) or less.

- carry a knife in public without good reason - unless it's a knife with a folding blade 3 inches long (7.62 cm) or less, e.g. a Swiss Army knife (a "lock knife" does not come into the category of "folding pocket knife" because it is not immediately foldable at all times)

- carry, buy or sell any type of banned knife

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- use any knife in a threatening way (including a legal knife, such as a Swiss Army knife)

Good reasons for carrying a knife

Examples of good reasons to carry a knife in public can include:

- taking knives you use at work to and from work

- taking knives to a gallery or museum to be exhibited

- the knife is going to be used for theatre, film, television, historical re-enactment or religious purposes, e.g. the kirpan some Sikhs carry

A court will decide if you’ve got a good reason to carry a knife if you’re charged with carrying it illegally.

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To find out more, visit the Lancashire Police website by clicking HERE.

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