Almost 250 dangerous weapons were removed from the streets as part of an "intensified effort" from Merseyside Police to tackle knife crime.
Knives and other dangerous weapons, including swords, were removed as a part of efforts by the police to reduce knife crime in the region. Operation Spectre, as it is known, ran from Monday November 13 till Sunday November 19. The operation saw 170 weapons handed over voluntarily by the public through knife surrenders at police stations.
However, a further 77 were seized involuntarily during "proactive stop searches" which resulted in 35 arrests. Highlighting the regions continuing struggles with knife crime in a week which saw a man stabbed to death in Bootle.
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Office for National Statistics (ONS) data has revealed a 22% decrease in knife crime in the last year; police recognise efforts need to be intensified to tackle the roots of knife crime.
Merseyside's Police Commissioner, Emily Spurrell, said: "We know that enforcement alone will not tackle the root causes of why people find themselves involved in violent crime and that’s why we’re focused on acting early and working with young people to steer them away from crime and towards a brighter future.”
As a part Operation Spectre, Merseyside Police took part in school events, which discussed the dangers of carrying a knife and the consequences. Similarly, events were held at Aintree University Hospital to educate communities on how to deal with a knife injury and how to stop blood loss.
In a statement, Superintendent Phil Mulally, lead for Serious Violence and Knife Crime, said: “Operation Sceptre builds on our ongoing partnership work with schools, retailers and organisations, who all support our clear objectives as a force: to reduce and prevent knife crime and the harm it causes to communities."
The statement continues: "Our work doesn’t stop when the week of action ends so please come forward with any information about knife crime in your area so we can continue to disrupt and deter knife crime.”
If you have information about someone carrying a knife, or know someone involved in crime, you can report any concerns on 999 if a crime is in progress, via 101, or our social media desk via Twitter @MerPolCC.
You can also pass information via Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org
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