THIS photo shows some of the dangerous knives and blades – including a sword – that have been surrendered in Warrington.

Last week, officers from Cheshire Police intensified their efforts in tackling knife crime as part of a national week of action.

The force supported Operations Sceptre and Calibre, which seek to tackle knife crime and street robbery respectively.

With many incidents of street robbery often involving knives, the two operations run in parallel, with officers visiting schools and youth clubs to provide education and awareness on how choosing to carry a knife will almost always result in life-changing or fatal injuries.

Superintendent Andy Blizard, the force’s lead for knife crime, said: “Following on from Operation Sceptre week earlier in the year, we have stepped up our approach to stop and search, which has resulted in more bladed weapons being found throughout the county.

“This mentality of needing to carry a knife to feel safe is something that Operation Sceptre has played a significant part in challenging.

“Across this past week, the force has been intensifying its efforts in tackling knife crime, through methods including increased police presence in hotspot areas, the deployment of knife amnesty bins and knife arches and collaborative work with our various partner agencies, local authorities and youth representatives.

“This, the second of two Operation Sceptre weeks for 2023, has been a great opportunity to highlight the equally great work conducted by our officers as the force continues to strive toward creating a weapons-free Cheshire.”

In total, 39 knife sweeps were conducted in parks and public areas across the county, with only three bladed articles being seized by officers.

As well as this, officers have been visiting schools and youth clubs, delivering workshops and talks detailing the impact of knife crime and street robbery can have on those who carry offensive weapons and those they use them against.

Superintendent Blizard added: “Over the past week, we have been engaging with younger members of the Cheshire community, with our officers visiting schools and youth groups.

“Our goal is to achieve weapons-free streets throughout the county, and we endeavour – through education, awareness and action – to make Cheshire an area where no-one carries a knife, or feels that there is a reason to do so.”

Anyone who knows someone that carries a knife, or has been a victim of street robbery, can report it to Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org

Information can also be passed to Cheshire Police online via cheshire.police.uk/ro/report