Over 600 knives recovered in East Lancashire after knife crime operation

Monday, November 25, 2024

626 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 from Monday 11th November to Sunday 17th November 2024, 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:

• 27 weapon sweeps in local public spaces.
• 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, engaging with over 6,400 children.
• 104 stop searches taken place.

Officers emptied the five knife bins dotted across East Lancashire and recovered 626 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 Michael Johnson, from Lancashire’s Violence Reduction Network said: “Nothing good can come from carrying a knife. They are dangerous, and by carrying one, you put yourself at greater risk of harm.

“Operation Sceptre week has achieved some good results, with many knives and weapons being removed from our streets. Our strong partnerships have been key in spreading the message that knife crime has no place in East Lancashire, and this work will continue.

“Our efforts don’t 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

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.