Police have seized hundreds of knives and made hundreds of arrests across the country in just one week of an anti-knife crime crackdown.

Forces across England and Wales including Merseyside Police took part in a week of activity from Monday April 26, amid concerns that violence could rise as lockdown measures are lifted.

Supt Jenn Wilson from Merseyside Police said:

“Reducing knife crime in Merseyside is an ongoing process, but this dedicated week of action provides all police forces with a platform to shout about the activity they have going on as well as talking to young people, targeting specific areas, seizing a range of knives and putting those carrying weapons behind bars.”

This week @MerseyPolice joined forces across the UK to launch a national week of action against knife crime. We spoke to Superintendent Jenn Wilson to find out why it's so important.

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— The Guide Liverpool (@TheGuideLpool) April 28, 2021

Last week (26^th April – 2^nd May), through #OpSceptre policing activity alone, we stop searched 141 people, conducted 121 weapon sweeps, recovered 61 knives and arrested 15 people for possession of a bladed article.

During the week, officers also visited a number of schools where they spent time speaking to students, gauging their thoughts on knife crime and educating them on ways they can protect themselves against potential threats.

We also visited 380 retailers across the region where further advice was given around the sale of knives and a number of test purchases were conducted to ensure retailers were being responsible.

Deployments also focused efforts at major transport links including Liverpool Lime Street where a number of people were arrested for drugs offences. Knife poles were also used to detect anyone in possession of a knife or other weapon and the quad bikes were out to assist patrols in the local area.

Supt Wilson continued:

“We are working all year round to take weapons off our streets and protect the community. This week of action is only a snapshot of what we have going on and I hope that those living in Merseyside feel reassured and know that we will continue seeking out those involved in knife crime, enticing young and vulnerable people to carry weapons or involved in gangs.

“Carrying a knife puts you in significant danger and can lead to fatal consequences, whether this is the intention or not. Help keep Merseyside #BladeFree and leave the knives where they belong, in the kitchen!”

Anyone that knows someone involved in knife crime or has any information that could lead to the recovery of a dangerous weapon should contact us on 101 or via Crimestoppers anonymously.

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