Operation Sceptre: Tackling knife crime in Blackpool and the Fylde    

Lancashire Police are joining other forces across the UK in the national Operation Sceptre week of intensive action to tackle knife crime.

The operation targets those who choose to carry dangerous weapons, raises awareness of the consequences and engages with retailers who sell bladed articles.

Officers will be working with partner agencies to carry out several initiatives throughout the week, including school visits to educate young people, searching for knives in public places such as local parks, using metal detecting arches to identify people who may be carrying knives and giving advice to shops on the laws on selling knives.

As part of Operation Sceptre, Blackpool Neighbourhood Policing Team have joined forces with Blackpool Sixth Form College in completing a sweep for knives at a local park this morning.

Officers said they were extremely grateful to the students from the Protective Services course for, not only working with them, but being so enthusiastic, wanting to make a difference in the community and their willingness to learn about the impact knife crime has on our communities.

If you have any information about knife crime in Lancashire, contact the police on 101 or report anonymously to the independent charity, Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.

Chief Inspector Dave Oldfield, of Lancashire Violence Reduction Network, said: “We have seen some great results come out of our previous Op Sceptre weeks, with over 1,000 knives being recovered from surrender bins in Lancashire in May 2022.

“Op Sceptre is a great way to engage with young people and the wider community. It is so important to educate people on the laws around carrying knives and the dangers and potential impacts of doing so.

“Knife crime impacts not only the individuals involved, but their families, friends and wider community. My message to anyone thinking about carrying a knife is to reconsider as, in a brief moment, your life can be changed forever.”

Andrew Snowden, Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner said: “I fully support this surge in police activity targeting those who carry these dangerous weapons and the vital education on the risks they pose. Every knife removed from our streets, whether seized by officers or surrendered at a knife bin, makes Lancashire safer.

"It's important to reinforce the message, particularly to young people, about how carrying these dangerous weapons puts them and others at risk, and anyone who does so will feel the full force of the law.

"I've secured funding to continue the work of the Lancashire Violence Reduction Network for three more years and I will also ensure the Constabulary has the resources needed to proactively tackle knife crime and put offenders behind bars."