Crackdown on knife crime

Cheshire Constabulary is taking part in a national campaign tackling knife crime, working with partners to prevent young people from carrying knives.

Operation Sceptre is a week of action that runs until September 24th and aims to reduce the impact of knife crime in communities.

Whilst Cheshire has one of the lowest rates of knife crime in the country, the county has seen an increase in violent offending as part of a national trend.

As well as using stop and search powers to stop those who are suspected of carrying knives, officers will be working with partner agencies, such as Trading Standards and Crimestoppers, to educate people about the laws surrounding buying and carrying knives.

David Keane, police and crime commissioner for Cheshire, said: "Knife crime can have a devastating impact on victims and their families. Carrying a knife is a crime and we've seen in cases across Cheshire that minor issues can escalate into something much more serious and potentially life changing when people have knives in their possession which are ultimately used as weapons.

"I am pleased that police in Cheshire are doing all they can to reduce the number of dangerous weapons on our streets and I would encourage local residents who may have information about those who are illegally in possession of knives to come forward in confidence and report it."

Assistant Chief Constable (ACC) Sacha Hatchett said: "We will be supporting our colleagues nationally as part of the operation and officers will use their powers of stop and search where appropriate.

"Our officers will also be working with shopkeepers to stop the sale of knives to under 18s as part of the initiative. The law is quite simple. If you carry a knife in public, without a reasonable excuse, you are facing a prison sentence."

Cheshire Constabulary is working to eradicate this crime in partnership with Crimestoppers, an independent charity that encourages anyone with information to contact them anonymously on 0800 555 111. Alternatively call Cheshire Police on 101.