'Carrying a knife really doesn't make you safer': Police seized nine weapons in five days across Northamptonshire

A dedicated campaign to tackle knife crime across Northamptonshire was carried out by police officers last week.

Operation Sceptre ran from Monday, March 29 to Friday, April 2 and focused on neighbourhood policing teams talking to people and community groups about knife crime, raising awareness and encouraging members of the public to report suspicious activity. Weapons sweeps resulted in a total of nine weapons being seized in just five days.

Superintendent Adam Ward said: "We want to make people aware that carrying a knife really doesn't make you safer - it can be used against you - it's also illegal, can potentially result in a prison sentence and puts yours and others' lives at risk.

"Prevention is key and if you don't carry a knife this can't happen in the first place. We are also working, with schools and partner agencies, to raise awareness among young people of the misconceptions around carrying knives and the very serious potential consequences and we’re urging parents to also be mindful of this advice."

Nine arrests were made in connection with knife crime last week, including a 28-year-old Wellingborough man who was charged for carrying a Stanley knife in public and a 27-year-old Corby man who was charged for carrying a kitchen knife in public. All offenders have either been released on bail or under investigation.

Superintendent Ward added: "As well as prevention and education, we’re taking robust action against those breaking the law and getting involved in knife crime as this week's results have shown. This work is ongoing and officers will be continuing to proactively tackle this.

“It's really important that we all work together to reduce the harm caused by knives in our communities and we can be much more effective if people come to us with concerns. If you need advice, help or want to report knife crime please do get in contact with us, or if you'd prefer to remain anonymous get in touch with Crimestoppers."

You can find out more about Operation Sceptre on Northamptonshire Police's website.Knife crime can be reported to Northamptonshire Police by contacting them on 101 or 999 in an emergency. Crimestoppers can also be called anonymously on 0800 555 111.