Hundreds of knives taken off county's streets during week of police action

HUNDREDS of knives have been taken off the streets of Cheshire.

Operation Sceptre, a week-long campaign by Cheshire Police, saw officers work with residents, community groups and partner organisations to tackle knife crime.

It follows a sharp rise in knife-related offences in the county.

Superintendent Andy Blizard, the force’s knife crime lead, said: "We are very proud of the fact that when compared to our fellow 42 forces in England and Wales, knife crime in our county remains relatively low (ninth lowest).

“However, in the 12 months to March 2024, we have seen a 5.9 per cent increase in knife-related offences when compared to the previous year.”

Officers carried out a knife sweep at Winsford Town Park as part of the week-long campaign (Image: Cheshire Police)

Supt Blizard says this increase is partially the result of the force’s proactive approach.

During Operation Sceptre, which ran from May 13 to 19, officers conducted more than 140 stop searches.

Police also carried out 70 weapons sweeps in parks, towns and residential areas across Cheshire.

Meanwhile, more than 450 knives were handed into police through surrender bins.

Overall, Operation Sceptre directly resulted in eight arrests.

"These great results are a testament to the excellent proactive police work put in by our dedicated officers and has led to a sizable number of lethal weapons being removed from Cheshire's streets,” Supt Blizard added.

Northwich PCSOs, Winsford town councillors and Weaver Vale Housing Trust representatives held a pop-up police station on Cheviot Square, Winsford (Image: Cheshire Police)

Operation Sceptre also saw officers hold more than 50 community engagement events, including local surgeries and beat meetings.

There were also 65 school engagements, with police educating young people on knife crime and gang culture.

Supt Blizard said: "Over this past week, we have seen some great examples of community engagement and partner relationship building that, moving forward, will help us in our efforts to promote the idea that Cheshire a hostile environment for anyone who chooses to carry a knife.

"Knife crime is not an issue police can tackle on their own, which is why engagement between your local policing teams, schools, youth organisations, community groups and businesses alike is incredibly important when it comes to pushing for a wider societal change."

Following a police surgery in Knutsford, officers collected eight kitchen knives and three samurai swords handed in by members of the community (Image: Cheshire Police)