Over 400 weapons surrendered in Lancashire’s West Division after knife crime operation

Tuesday, June 10, 2025

From Monday 19 May to Sunday 25 May 2025, officers across Lancashire’s West division (which includes Lancaster, Wyre, Fylde and Blackpool districts) took part in Sceptre. 

Sceptre is a national awareness week that supports the work Lancashire Police carry out all year round to ensure residents are safe from knife crime. In partnership with the Violence Reduction Network and other key partners, Lancashire Police undertook a variety of operational and engagement activities, aimed at early intervention, education and enforcement.  

Across the division, seven knife surrender bins were emptied, with 406 weapons surrendered.  

Other activity included: 

• 36 shops subjected to test purchasing operations, in collaboration with Trading Standards. Of all 36, three failed, selling a bladed article to our underage volunteers. They have been issued with a written warning, received further direction and will be subject to further testing.  

• School inputs across the division to raise awareness of the impact of carrying a knife. 

• 149 stop and searches 

• Plain Clothes targeted operation within the town centres 

• High visibility patrols  

Sergeant Daniel Whitaker, from Lancashire’s Violence Reduction Network said: “It has been great to see so many partners, businesses and communities engage with Sceptre.  

“Knife crime is a serious issue nationally, and it is so important that we work together to make sure Lancashire stays a safe place to live, work and visit. By carrying a knife, or any other weapon, you are seriously increasing the risks of harm coming to yourself and others.  

“Although the week of awareness is over, we will not stop our efforts to reduce knife crime and increase awareness of its dangers. If you, or someone you know, carries a weapon, please strongly consider using one of the seven knife bins across West division.”  

You can find your nearest knife bin at: 

• Marton & Mereside Youth & Community Centre, Bowness Ave, Blackpool FY4 4TE 

• Revoe Library, Grasmere Rd, Blackpool FY1 5HP 

• 84 Egerton Rd, Blackpool FY1 2NN 

• Library @thegrange, 2a Bathurst Ave, Dinmore Ave, Blackpool FY3 7RW 

• Inspire North Lancashire – Fleetwood, the lofthouse building, London St, Fleetwood FY7 6JL 

• Carlisle Bridge, Lancaster LA1 1SA 

• Morecambe Bus Station, Central Drive, Morecambe LA4 4DW  

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.