Over 500 knives recovered in East Lancashire after knife crime operation

Friday, November 24, 2023

523 knives have been recovered throughout East Lancashire as part of Operation Sceptre, a national week-long initiative to tackle knife crime.

Working with the Lancashire Violence Reduction Network, and other partner agencies, a range of activity took place across the division to target those who carry dangerous weapons, raise awareness of the consequences of carrying a weapon, and engage with retailers who sell bladed articles.

This operational activity included:

• 22 weapon sweeps in local public spaces.
• Numerous test purchasing operations to check retailers are complying with legislation.
• 66 school inputs to raise awareness of the impact of carrying a knife, engaging with over 2000 children.
• 106 stop searches taken place.

Officers emptied the four knife bins dotted across East Lancashire and recovered 523 knives. Weapons included swords, cleavers and a variety of knives.

Officers also engaged with the community through educational talks, community visits and leaflet drops.

Sergeant Mick Johnson, from Lancashire’s Violence Reduction Network said: “Op Sceptre week has seen some really positive results, with lots of knives and other weapons being taken off our streets.

“Our partnership work has played a crucial role in getting our knife crime message out there and will continue to do so.

“However, the work doesn’t stop there, we all have a part to play in preventing knife crime. I would encourage anyone who you think may be carrying a knife to visit one of our knife bins to surrender any weapons safely."

You can find your local knife surrender bins at:

Waterfoot Police Station, Bacup Road, BB4 7JA

Calico Homes, Croft Street, Burnley, BB11 ED

Darwen Police Station, Union Street, BB3 0DA

Blackburn Road, Accrington (Bus Station)

If you have any information about knife crime in your area, call 101 or report anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.