National campaign to tackle knife crime

Cheshire Constabulary is taking part in a national campaign tackling knife crime.

Operation Sceptre runs from September 17 to 24 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. Knife crime can have a devastating impact on communities and the Constabulary is keen to get as many people as possible involved in tackling the issue.

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

Retailers are being asked to put in robust controls on the sale of blades, such as kitchen knives, as part of the operation.

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 extremely hard to eradicate this crime and is working 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.