Merseyside Police join forces across the UK for national week of action against knife crime

Police forces across the country, including Merseyside Police are ramping up their efforts to tackle knife crime with a week-long nationwide crackdown.

Operation Sceptre will see officers carry out weapon sweeps and give people the opportunity to dispose of knives in amnesty bins across the country from Monday.

Superintendent Jenn Wilson form Merseyside Police said:

“Although this week highlights knife crime in particular, this remains our priority all year round. With determination from us and support from the public, I have no doubt that we can positively impact our communities and make changes to ensure the safety of all those living in and visiting Merseyside.”

Across Merseyside, officers will be carrying out a variety of policing activity including open land searches, stop searches, high visibility and plain clothed patrols, weapon sweeps as well as working with our partners, local schools, youth clubs and retailers.

Supt Wilson continued: “This concentrated week of action is dedicated to tackling knifecrime, but we will also spend a lot of time talking to the wider public and educating young people about the dangers carrying a knife can lead to. We hope that this intervention activity along with our proactive policing can deter them from getting involved in this sort of criminality and provide them with appropriate advice and support to seek more positive futures.

“In addition to #OpSceptre, we continue with our own forcewide initiative; Operation Target, which is focused on reducing all serious and violent crime.  We’re proud that this financial year (April 2020-March 2021) has resulted in a 4,312 people being arrested for knife and serious violence offences as well as seeing a 15% decrease in serious violence compared to the same period the previous year (2019-2020).

“Our collaborative #BladeFree campaign also provides a hub for young people to find exciting clubs and activities in their area to ensure they are steered away from crime. We are always looking for supporters and hope that whether you are a member of the public, run a club or volunteer at a community centre, you too can get involved.

“I hope this week of action amplifies our ongoing work to tackle knife crime and we will see further positive changes throughout the year.”

If you would like to report someone in possession of a knife, know whether they are being hidden or are simply concerned about your loved one, please do contact us @MerPolCC or via CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111, or the Fearless campaign website here.

Forces across the country will also visit schools with NPCC’s lead for knife crime, deputy assistant commissioner Graham McNulty, saying:

“Coronavirus has been a huge part of everyone’s lives for over a year now but we want to remind people that our normal policing role hasn’t stopped during this time.

“Forces are determined to tackle violent crime and with the restrictions easing, taking knives off our streets and helping people understand the dangers of carrying a knife remains a top priority.”