#NoMoreKnives Campaign supported with pop up knife arches in city centre

Merseyside Police has stepped up it’s campaign to tackle knife crime in Liverpool with the support of victims families.

We need to talk about knife crime, again. Liverpool is a city known for its warmth, it’s humour and a brilliant night out, yet in recent months we’ve heard more tragic stories about our young people being involved in knife crime, about families being ripped apart by loss and it’s time it stopped. Too many young, innocent lives have been lost and we all have a responsibility to look out for each other and to enjoy a safe, fun night out.

Last night (Friday 2nd March 2018) Merseyside Police launched Operation Hickory which involved setting up pop up knife arches in a number of locations (Ropewalks & Concert Square) around the city centre. Merseyside Police officers were on hand to reassure the public about safety while the pop up arches acted as a deterrent for those potentially carrying a knife or offensive weapon in our city.

We’re backing the #NoMoreKnives campaign to that we can all enjoy a great night out in our amazing city. Watch above as our Jay met with Merseyside Police Chief Inspector Steve Brizell, to find out more. 

100 venues with late licenses based in Mathew Street and the Ropewalks area, which includes Concert Square, Slater Street and Bold Street, received Knife Wands ahead of the busy New Year period back in January. The specialist equipment was issued free of charge, enabling venues to search customers in order to help detect anyone who may be carrying a knife, however the #NoMoreKnives campaign still needs your support to help spread the word and eradicate knife carrying and subsequent incidents, forever.

The Law on Knives

In the UK it is illegal to sell a knife to anyone under 18, unless it has a folding blade 3 inches long (7.62 cm) or less, carry a knife in public without good reason, unless it has a folding blade with a cutting edge 3 inches long or less, carry, buy or sell any type of banned knife or use any knife in a threatening way (even a legal knife).

There are some exceptions in terms of people who use knives at work, the exemptions are; taking knives you use at work to and from work, taking it to a gallery or museum to be exhibited. If a knife is to be used for theatre, film, television, historical re-enactment or religious purposes, for example the kirpan some Sikhs carry. If a knife is to be used in a demonstration or to teach someone how to use it, it may also be deemed legal, however a court will decide if you’ve got a good reason to carry a knife or a weapon if you’re charged with carrying it illegally.

For more detailed information on knife crime, how to report an incident and how you can support the #NoMoreKnives campaign, go to www.merseyside.police.uk or click here. You can get updates and information from Merseyside Police via Twitter on @Merseypolice