More than 300 knives have been taken off the streets locally as part of Operation Sceptre, a national week-long initiative to tackle knife crime.
Officers from West Division, which covers the areas of Lancaster and Morecambe as well as Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre, carried out a range of both operational and proactive engagement work throughout the week.
Activity included:
- Emptying the divisions seven surrender bins, where 337 knives were recovered
- 99 stop searches, in which three arrests were made due to possession of a knife
- School visits, engaging with over 8,500 students
- 24 retailer visits – nine stores failed a test purchase operation and will be subject to further action
- Six weapon sweeps in public areas such as local parks
Sergeant Dan Whitaker, from Lancashire’s Violence Reduction Network, said: “It’s been another successful Operation Sceptre for West Division, and we’re ensuring that we continue to spread the word about knife crime.
“Op Sceptre holds an important message, and we will continue the work to make West Division a safe place to be.
‘’I’d encourage people to make themselves familiar with their local knife bins, and to report any information regarding knife crime to us.”
You can find your local knife surrender bins at:
Lancaster
Under Carlisle Bridge, Morecambe Road, Lancaster, LA1 2RX
Morecambe
Near youth centre, Central Drive, Morecambe, LA4 4DE
You can report by calling 101, reporting online or calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Call 999 in emergencies.
Children's play area in Lancaster opens after £118k revamp
Illegal tobacco and counterfeit clothing seized during raid on Lancaster city centre shop
Lancaster bowling green fundraiser hits target
Six food businesses in Lancaster district fail allergen tests
LISTEN: Stars of Morecambe and Wise stage show can't wait for Eric's 100th birthday
LISTEN: Thousands enjoy Wray Fair finale to annual scarecrow festival
PHOTOS and VIDEO: Incredible sand art on Morecambe beach honours Sir David Attenborough
Row over Morecambe FC debt as ex-directors' firm issues winding-up petition against club
Morecambe Pride handed £3,500 grant boost
North West awards delight for talented stars of Lancaster musicals
Music festival set for Lancaster over Bank Holiday postponed due to ‘ongoing planning’
Lancashire Police Museum in Lancaster celebrates fourth anniversary
Police investigate alleged sexual exploitation at Lancaster flat
Beyond the Beat: Two arrests after assault in Lancaster city centre
Morecambe MP "appalled" as Lancashire set to quit refugee resettlement scheme
Replica RAF helicopter to go on display in Lancaster at three-day show
Life-size knitted mannequin pops up ahead of Eric Morecambe's 100th birthday
Stars play in celebrity football match in Morecambe in memory of brave teenager
Roses are red! Lancaster University students celebrate fifth straight victory
70 homes in Carnforth evacuated after bomb scare
