Operation Sceptre is a week long intensive campaign to help raise awareness of the dangers of knife crime. Lancashire police will join other forces across the country.

The operation targets those who are carrying weapons, raise awareness of the dangers and impacts of knife crime, and engage with retailers.

Throughout Lancashire, officers will be working together with partner organisations to visit schools to educate young people, search for knives in public places, conduct high visibility patrols, use metal detecting arches to identify people who may be carrying knives, and give advice to shops on the laws on selling knives.

Taking place from 16^th – 22^nd May, Operation Sceptre runs nationally twice a year and supports the work that Lancashire Police does to keep people across the county safe from knife and violent crime.

Chief Inspector Dave Oldfield, of Lancashire Violence Reduction Network, said:

“This focused week of action is about police activity against knife crime, but we also spend a lot of time engaging with young people and wider communities. We aim to educate them 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. It’s truly devastating when an incident occurs so I urge anyone thinking about carrying a knife to reconsider as, in a brief moment, your life can be changed forever.

"Approximately 1% of Lancashire crimes during 2021 related to knife crime, which is lower than other areas, and hospital admissions in Lancashire for knife related injuries are lower than at their peak in 2020. Knife and violent crime are a priority and we continue to work together with partners to tackle the root causes of serious violence so that we can keep people and communities safe.”

Knife Surrender - Knife Bins

The best place to dispose of a knife is in a knife bin. These are safe and secure places to place unwanted knives or sharp items.

The knife bins are large and easy to spot and are in busy, well-lit areas across the county. They aim to provide a legal and safe way to surrender knives and bladed items including kitchen knives that you no longer need.

Using the bins helps to keep unwanted knives out of circulation. We empty the bins regularly and the knives are destroyed unless there is an obvious sign that one has been used in a crime.

Find your nearest knife bin:

Blackpool

84 Edgerton Road, Blackpool, FY1 2NW

The Grange, Dinmore Avenue, Blackpool, FY3 7RW

Blackpool Boys and Girls Club, Bowness Avenue, Blackpool, FY1 6AA

Revoe Library, Grasmere Road, Blackpool, FY1 5HN

Burnley

Croft Street, Burnley, BB11 2ED

Valley Street Community Centre, Burnley, BB11 5LY

Darwen

Darwen Police Station, Union Street, Darwen BB3 0DA

Fleetwood

London Street, Fleetwood, FY7 6SW

Lancaster

Under Carlisle Bridge, Morecambe Road, Lancaster, LA1 2RX

Morecambe

Near youth centre, Central Drive, Morecambe, LA4 4DE

Preston

Princess Street, Avenham, Preston, PR1 4HS

Kingsfold Community Centre, Kingsfold Drive, Preston, PR1 6EQ

Gamull Lancs, Preston. PR2 6SJ

Rawtenstall

Waterfoot Police Station, Bacup Road, BB4 7JA

Skelmersdale

Digmoor Community Centre, Birleywood, Skelmersdale, WN8 9BW

Tanhouse Community Centre, Ennerdale, Skelmersdale, WN8 6AN

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.