Over 1,100 knives recovered in East Lancashire after knife crime operation
Thursday, June 5, 2025
1,173 knives have been recovered throughout East Lancashire as part of 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 from Monday 19th May to Sunday 25th May 2025, 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:
- Numerous test purchasing operations to check retailers are complying with legislation.
- School inputs across the division to raise awareness of the impact of carrying a knife.
- 217 stop searches taken place.
Officers emptied the six knife bins situated across East Lancashire and recovered 1173 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: “There is nothing good that can come from carrying a knife. They are dangerous, and by carrying one, you put yourself at greater risk of harm.
“Sceptre week has once again achieved some good results, with over a thousand knives and weapons being removed from the streets of East Lancashire. Our strong partnerships have been key in spreading the message that knife crime has no place in our communities, and this work will continue.
“Our efforts will not stop there; we all have a role to play in preventing knife crime. If you or someone you know is carrying a knife, I urge you to use one of our knife bins to surrender it safely and help make our communities safer for everyone.”
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
- King Street, Accrington (Bus Station)
- Nelson Police Station, Broadway, Nelson
- Railway Road, Blackburn
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.
