A KNIFE amnesty has resulted in 360 knives being taken off the streets, including in Worcestershire.

Operation Sceptre is part of a national week of action to challenge and reduce the threat of knife crime across West Mercia Police, including Worcestershire.

During the week a blade was found in Kempsey and was handed in PC Dee Stanley, of the local safer neighbourhood policing team, while out on patrol. Checks were also carried out in shops in Worcester city centre. 

A search in Evesham took place across Charity Brook Park, The Muddies and the walkways around Woodlands Adventure playground with Evesham Safer Neighbourhood Team checking in bushes and around trees with sticks.

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The knife sweeps are part of Operation Sceptre, the national policing week of action to tackle knife crime, and police said they wanted to target areas with previous reports of antisocial behaviour.

During the week, officers deployed knife arches in prominent locations and carried out 49 weapon searches in areas where there was information to suggest weapons could’ve been discarded.

Knife surrender bins remained in place at police stations open to the public which saw 340 weapons handed in, preventing them from getting into the wrong hands.

Working alongside partners, colleges and schools, officers made 44 diversion visits and delivered over 140 anti-knife sessions to help raise awareness of knife crime and the devastating impact carrying a knife can have.

The sessions covered the dangers and consequences of carrying knives and the laws around it, as well as advice on how to avoid becoming involved in knife crime and the diversionary pathways available to young people, including highlighting the Steer Clear programme.

Retailers can play an important role in tackling knife crime, by ensuring that they do not sell knives to anyone under the age of 18. Throughout the week, officers made 108 visits to local retailers to engage with those working in the sector.

Figures for OpSceptre week OpSceptre statistics Head of Prevention for West Mercia Police, Superintendent Edward Hancox, said: “Knife crime will not be tolerated by West Mercia Police and I hope the results from this week send that message."

“I want to make it clear that carrying a knife doesn’t make you safer. If you carry a knife it is more likely it will be used against you. It is also illegal and can result in a prison sentence. Our message is simple, carrying a knife puts yours and others lives at risk."

Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said: “Removing knives from our streets is vital to reducing the harm felt in our communities.

“I am proud to play my part in breaking the cycle of knife crime by investing in the Steer Clear campaign which educates young people on the life altering impacts knives have in our society."

Concerns about knife crime can be reported online via our website call 101 or dial 999 in an emergency if there is an immediate danger to life.

Alternatively, you can report concerns anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through Fearless www.fearless.org.