More than 2000 knives taken from Lancashire streets in a week

More than 2,000 knives have been taken off Lancashire’s streets and 201 arrests made as part of a major week of action to tackle knife crime and raise awareness of its dangers.

The campaign, which ran from 19 to 25 May, was part of the national Sceptre initiative and saw Lancashire Violence Reduction Network (VRN), Lancashire Constabulary, and local partners join forces for a packed week of enforcement, education, and community outreach.

A huge focus was placed on preventing illegal knife sales, with 89 stores visited for test purchases. Fourteen failed to meet legal standards and have now been referred to Lancashire Trading Standards.

“Every knife handed in is potentially a life saved,” said Chief Inspector Gemma Barr from Lancashire VRN.

“It’s about prevention, early intervention, and making people – especially young people – think twice about carrying a weapon.”

Key results from the week:

• 2,095 weapons removed from circulation – including 2,077 handed in voluntarily at weapon bins
• 201 arrests for violence-related offences, 14 involving a weapon
• Knife arches deployed in town centres and transport hubs
• Mobile police stations set up in busy areas to engage with the public
• Educational talks delivered in schools, colleges, care homes, and cadet groups
• Weapon sweeps carried out across the county, including the seizure of an electric-powered BB gun

Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw praised the campaign, saying:

“Carrying or using knives is completely unacceptable. We must use every available resource to punish those putting others at risk – and just as importantly, educate young people about the dangers.”

He added that partnerships with organisations like Football Community Trusts are vital to reaching young people and preventing future violence.

Although Sceptre is held twice a year, police say the work to tackle knife crime in Lancashire continues all year round.

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