Over 200 knives recovered across Lancashire’s South Division during Operation Sceptre

Friday, November 24, 2023

Over 200 knives have been taken off the streets across Lancashire’s South Division as part of Operation Sceptre, a national week-long initiative to tackle knife crime which took place last week (Monday 13th November- Sunday 19th November, 2023)

Officers from South Division, which covers the areas of Preston, Chorley, South Ribble and West Lancashire, carried out a range of both operational and proactive engagement work throughout the week.

Operational activity included:

• 17 weapon sweeps in local public spaces.
• Numerous test purchase visits to check retailers are complying with legislation.
• 17 School inputs to raise awareness of the impact of carrying a knife, engaging with almost 800 children.
• Knife arches being put up at Preston Bus Station to help identify people carrying weapons.
• 88 Stop searches.

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

The knife surrender bins across South Division were emptied, in which 225 knives were recovered. Weapons included swords, cleavers and a dagger.

Sergeant Nick Miller from Lancashire’s Violence Reduction Network said: “Carrying a knife doesn’t protect you. They can destroy lives. That is why it’s so important we continue to engage with people and educated them on the consequences of carrying bladed articles.

“As always, the public play a vital role in helping to keep knives off our streets and can be our eyes and ears in the fight against knife crime. If you have any information about knife crime in your area, please do report it to us so that we can take appropriate action.”

You can find your local knife surrender bins at:

Preston

Onward Homes, Princess Street, Avenham, PR1 4HS

Kingsfold Community Centre, Kingsfold Drive, PR1 6EQ

Gamull Lane, Preston, PR2 6SJ

West Lancashire

Digmoor Community Centre, Skelmersdale, WN8 9HR

Tanhouse Community Centre, Skelmersdale, WN8 6AN