Knife crime campaign sees seizure of 1,400 weapons

More than 1,400 weapons have been recovered during a week-long campaign warning of the "devastating consequences" of knife crime.

As part of a national operation, Lancashire Police said it had made 90 arrests and conducted 331 stop and searches.

Operation Sceptre saw the force work with the Lancashire Violence Reduction Network (VRN) and other local agencies.

About 15,000 youngsters who took part in workshops - held in schools, colleges and community groups - heard real-life stories about the effects of knife crime.

As part of the campaign, 23 "knife surrender bins" allowed people to safely dispose of knives and other dangerous weapons.

Meanwhile Trading Standards worked with police to visit 70 retail stores.

Using underage volunteers, they tested whether staff were complying with laws restricting knife sales.

Police said 27 stores failed, "highlighting the continued need for education and enforcement around responsible knife sales".

Ch Insp Dave Oldfield, operational lead for Lancashire VRN, said: "Sceptre isn’t just about enforcement – it is about prevention, education, and building trust.

"The recovery of over 1,400 knives and the engagement of more than 15,000 young people shows the significant strides we are making.

"But the work doesn’t stop here. By continuing to collaborate and address the root causes of knife crime, we can make communities safer for everyone."

Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw said: "Carrying or using knives is completely unacceptable and unnecessarily puts lives at risk."

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