This week, police in Lancaster and Morecambe are supporting Operation Sceptre, a national campaign tackling knife crime.
The week is running concurrently with the Ben Kinsella Trust’s Knife Crime Awareness Week and follows the trust’s theme of ‘Change can happen’, focusing on positive work and action to tackle knife crime.
On Tuesday morning, Morecambe’s Neighbourhood Police gave an update into the initiative, as they went out to empty the knife bins in Lancaster and Morecambe.
The bins are a place where knives and other bladed articles can be disposed of safely and anonymously.
PCSO Terry Roddan said: ‘There are many knives in the bins, which is better than them being out on the streets where they could do harm to others.
‘’We appreciate the continued support and use of these knife bins, which can be found opposite Morecambe Train Station on Central Drive, and on the cycle track underneath Carlisle Bridge in Lancaster.’
It is illegal to carry a knife in public in the UK without lawful reason. A blade by law is anything longer than three inches. It is illegal to possess any knife or blade that is concealed or disguised, any type of sword with a straight blade of 14 inches or more., a Zombie Knife or machete, or a knife where the blade opens automatically or is released, such as a flick knife or switch blade.
You can help police reduce knife crime in your area, by reporting any suspected knife crime issues on 101, or report online through the Lancashire constabulary website. In an emergency, ring 999.
You can also report any stores to trading standards for sales of knives to under 18s through Citizens Advice.
Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner says he is supporting ambitious national plans to drive knife crime down.
The government’s proposals set out a long-term ambition to cut knife crime by 50 per cent over the next decade.
The Lancashire Violence Reduction Network (LVRN) leads targeted early intervention and prevention work to tackle serious violence.
The LVRN Annual Report 2025 reveals that, for the second consecutive year, there were no homicide victims under the age of 25, alongside a 15 per cent reduction in knife crime and a 31 per cent fall in hospital admissions for injuries caused by sharp objects.
This work is being backed by more than £600,000 secured from the Home Office’s Knife Crime Concentration Fund, enabling Lancashire Police to intensify action in areas affected most by knife crime.
Clive Grunshaw, Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire, said: “Knife crime is preventable, and I strongly support national plans to drive it down further.
“Here in Lancashire, we’re already showing what works – early intervention, strong partnerships, and a relentless focus on prevention. The results speak for themselves, with significant reductions in serious violence and fewer young people becoming victims.
“As Police and Crime Commissioner, I will continue to back the Lancashire Violence Reduction Network to strengthen collaboration, protect vulnerable communities, and build on this progress.”
LISTEN: Lancaster Music Festival returns with local and international appeal
LISTEN: Morecambe mum completes one million steps challenge for daughter's legacy of kindness
Blue Badge holder free parking in Lancaster City Council car parks could be scrapped
PHOTOS: Inside new Morecambe second-hand bookstore after couple's dream becomes reality
Popular Lancaster café to close after the owners announce retirement
Police issue warning over cold callers in Heysham area
Acceptable Behaviour Contracts issued as police speak to 26 youths after Lancaster ASB spate
Fundraising for £150,000 revamp of Lancaster playground receives grant boost
Emergency services called to concern for welfare in Lancaster
Community spirit shines as volunteers transform Lancaster community farm
Crews tackle fire at property in Heysham
Lancaster whisky distillery to open new £150k warehouse and bottling hall at former antiques centre
Lancaster man makes final of UK's biggest classic car show
Man arrested for possessing alcohol in breach of police order in Morecambe
Pensioner in her 80s seriously injured following collision near Lancaster
PHOTOS: Symphony orchestra in a pub launches Lancaster Music Festival 2026
"It's beyond a joke" Businesses speak out after youths run amok in Lancaster city centre
Morecambe police officers receive awards for hard work and dedication
LISTEN: Lancaster Music Festival 2026 set to begin
Hospital chaplain set to host remembrance service in Lancaster
