Merseyside Police Crackdown On Knife Crime
Police have seized 64 knives and arrested 24 people to tackle knife crime
Merseyside Police has seized 64 knives and arrested 24 people as part of Sceptre, a national initiative in hopes to tackle knife crime on the national front. The operation, which ran from 19th to the 25th of May, saw Merseyside Police join forces with police across England and Wales in a co-ordinated effort to reduce knife-related violence across the country.
A total of 50 weapons – including knives, swords and other bladed items – were voluntarily surrendered by members of the public. An additional 14 knives were seized by officers during arrests, warrants, and open land searches, including four machetes. It comes after an unprecedented number of incidents involving a sharp instrument last year, with 50,500 offences in England and Wales alone.
As a part of the operation a 44-year-old man, subject to a Serious Violence Reduction Order (SVRO), was stop searched in Liverpool city centre. He was found in possession of a bladed weapon and arrested on suspicion of possession of a bladed article in a public place.
Superintendent Phil Mullally, Lead for Serious Violence and Knife Crime said:
"Every knife taken off the streets is a potential life saved"
"We will continue working with schools, local organisations, and the public to educate, prevent, and enforce."
“Our commitment to removing knives from our streets remains unwavering, and we urge the public to report any concerns about individuals carrying weapons in their community.”
But the work doesn't stop after the arrests have been made, The Citizens in Policing Team supported the operation with knife crime awareness activities with young people. Mini Police from Liverpool schools visited the Museum of Policing and took part in a team-building walk, both featuring educational sessions on the dangers of carrying knives. Merseyside Police Cadets also conducted a weapons sweep in St Helens, engaging with the public to promote safety and reassurance.
In addition to enforcement and education, officers held free bike marking events across Merseyside and checked 142 pedal and e-bikes during patrols to identify stolen property and marked 126 bikes on the national bike register. Bike marking acts as a deterrent to theft by making bikes traceable and harder to sell.
How to report
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 X on @MerPolCC. You can also pass information via Crimestoppers anonymously.