378 knives and bladed weapons in West Mercia

Over 378 knives and bladed weapons were surrendered across the West Mercia area during Operation Sceptre.

Last week, West Mercia Police conducted a series of activities in support of Operation Sceptre, the national week of action to challenge and reduce the threat of knife crime.

Op Sceptre ran from Monday 26 April to Sunday 2 May with knife amnesty bins in place at police across the force area. These allow members of the public to dispose of unwanted knives safely in order to prevent them from finding their way onto the streets.

Overall, a total of over 378 knives and bladed weapons were surrendered throughout the week as well as four found in weapons sweeps which are searches conducted in areas known for weapons being deposited.

Knife surrender results by Local Police Area:

• Herefordshire 86
• Shropshire 49
• Telford & Wrekin 86
• South Worcestershire 91
• North Worcestershire 52

Officers across the force also carried out a number of other proactive activities in an effort to tackle knife crime, which included 35 visits to schools and colleges by officers educate young people in the dangers of carrying a knife.

In addition, 78 retail engagements and operations were also carried out in partnership across the force as well as officers attending community meetings and conducting high visibility patrols, media events, town pop up stands, 265 leaflet drops, 3 warrants and 17 arrests.

Chief Superintendent Paul Moxley who is the force lead for Operation Sceptre, said: “West Mercia Police is totally committed to reducing the threat of knife crime within our communities and reducing the number of victims of knife crime.

“Operation Sceptre is a national week of action that highlights our work to tackle this crime type, however it is important to stress that our work continues beyond this week of action and our officers are working every day to reduce the number of knives being carried and the number of people being hurt by them.

“As always the public have an very import part to play in helping to keep knives off our streets. They can help us as an extra of eyes and ears in our fight against serious violence and knife crime, and by making a report to us you could help save a life.”