290 blades including 24 machetes recovered from knife bins across Blackpool
and live on Freeview channel 276
This week marks the start of Operation Sceptre – a national knife crime initiative.
The week-long operation aims to target those who are carrying weapons, raise awareness of the dangers and impacts of knife crime, and engage with retailers.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdOn Thursday (November 17), police confirmed they had recovered 290 blades from knife bins in Edgerton Road, Mereside and Revoe Library.
“The items are destroyed unless they show signs of being used in a crime in which case the police have a duty to investigate,” a spokesman for Lancashire Police said.
“Any knives or sharp items can be disposed of in the knife bins.
“People who use the knife bins are disposing of knives safely and securely.”
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdOfficers will be working with partner agencies to carry out several initiatives throughout the week, including school visits, searching for knives in public places, using metal detecting arches and giving advice to shops.
Chief Insp Dave Oldfield, of Lancashire Violence Reduction Network, said: “We have seen some great results come out of our previous Op Sceptre weeks, with over 1,000 knives being recovered from surrender bins in Lancashire in May 2022.
“It is so important to educate people on the laws around carrying knives and the dangers and potential impacts of doing so.
“Knife crime impacts not only the individuals involved, but their families, friends and wider community. My message to anyone thinking about carrying a knife is to reconsider as, in a brief moment, your life can be changed forever.”