West Mercia Police knife crime campaign hailed a success as 294 weapons are surrendered - The Droitwich Standard

West Mercia Police knife crime campaign hailed a success as 294 weapons are surrendered

Droitwich Editorial 3rd Jan, 2022   0

A TOTAL of 294 knives and bladed weapons were surrendered at West Mercia police stations during Operation Sceptre, its week-long drive to take knives off the street.

During the blitz officers also carried out 50 sweeps in areas known for weapons being deposited.

To reinforce the message and to emphasise the force’s approach to early intervention and knife crime, knife bins at local police stations will remain in place.

The operation ran from November 15 to 21 and included 88 visits to schools and colleges by officers to educate young people in the dangers of carrying a knife, speaking to over 15,000 students and school children.




These early intervention exercises were supported by other events such as its Steer Clear workshops.

In addition, 80 test purchase operations were also carried out in partnership across the force as well as officers attending community meetings and conducting high visibility patrols, media events, town pop up stands and 28 leaflet drops, producing seven arrests.


Chief Superintended Paul Moxley who is the force lead for Operation Sceptre, said: “We remain totally committed to reducing the threat of knife crime within our communities and reducing the number of victims of knife crime.

“Operation Sceptre is a national week of action that highlights our work to tackle this crime type, however it is important to stress that our work continues beyond this week of action and our officers are working every day to reduce the number of knives being carried and the number of people being hurt by them.

“As always the public have a very import part to play in helping to keep knives off our streets. They can help us as an extra of eyes and ears in our fight against serious violence and knife crime, and by making a report to us you could help save a life.”

“If you are worried that someone you know is carrying a knife, please report it. We can then take the necessary steps to safeguard them.

If you need to report a knife related crime to police, please report it to us online via our website call 101 or dial 999 in an emergency if there is an immediate danger to life.

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