Knives seized and arrests made in South Yorkshire during special operation
163 knives were retrieved from surrender bins
It's been revealed 54 knives have been seized and 32 arrests made by South Yorkshire Police as part of a national week of action focussing on knife crime which took place last month.
163 knives were retrieved from surrender bins.
meanwhile officers also carried out educational visits at 20 schools talking to students about the dangers of carrying knives.
The Force says:
"Over the last week we have shared a snapshot of the behind the scenes work which is completed all year round by officers to reduce, detect and prevent knife crime.
"Our officers completed weapon sweeps, search warrants and stop searches across all four districts - recovering 54 knives and making 32 arrests in relation to knife-related offences or knife-enabled criminality."
Detective Superintendent David Cowley, who is the force lead for knife crime, said:
"This week gives us an opportunity to show you the day-to-day work we carry out as part of our determination to reduce knife crime across South Yorkshire.
"We know the devastating consequences knife crime can have on our local communities and taking part in Sceptre allows us to show you what we are doing to seize these awful weapons.
"As well as the weapons recovered through operational activity, we also retrieved 163 knives from surrender bins. These amnesty bins are in place all year round and provide you an opportunity to drop off dangerous or unwanted knives and blades. The bins are a safe and anonymous place to do so."
Test purchase operations at over 35 venues were also conducted to see if license premises comply with the law when selling knives to members of the public.
Det Supt Cowley added:
"We know education is a key tool in preventing young people from carrying knives. It is our responsibility to work with our partners to engage with children from a young age to show the repercussions of carry knives or decide to use a knife to threaten or harm someone.
"We will continue working hard on a daily basis to reduce the number of knives on our streets. Your support can have a big impact on our ability to do so.
"If you suspect someone is involved in knife crime, please report it either directly to us or anonymously through Crimestoppers."