135 knives surrendered in Shropshire in police amnesty operation
A total of 135 knives were surrendered in an amnesty operation last week.
West Mercia Police put bins in place for people to surrender weapons throughout the area as part of Operation Sceptre. In Telford and Wrekin, 86 knives were handed in, while 49 were surrendered in Shropshire. The force also carried out three warrants and 17 arrests across West Mercia.
The idea was to allow members of the public to dispose of unwanted knives safely in order to prevent them from finding their way onto the streets.
Officers also carried out 35 visits to schools and colleges across the West Mercia region to educate young people in the dangers of carrying a knife.
More than 70 retail engagements and 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 265 leaflet drops.
Chief Superintendent Paul Moxley, force lead for Operation Sceptre, said: “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 an 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.”
