Police in new clampdown on carrying knives

POLICE IN Warrington are taking part in a national campaign to take knives off the streets and educate people about the dangers of carrying weapons.
Operation Sceptre aims to reduce the impact of knife crime in communities.
Cheshire has one of the lowest rates of knife crime in England and statistics show that the number of serious knife offences committed in the county decreased by nearly 15 per cent from the year ending July 2018 to the year ending July 2019.
The force is determined to further reduce the number of weapons carried on the streets and its considerable ongoing efforts in this regard will be showcased as part of enforcement and engagement initiatives held during this week..
As well as conducting stop and search operations, deploying knife arches (mobile metal detectors which provides airport-style security) and distributing knife screening wands to pubs and clubs, officers are working with partner agencies such as community groups, housing associations and Trading Standards to educate young people and other residents about the laws surrounding buying and carrying knives.
The officers will also talk to them about the potentially fatal consequences of carrying weapons.
Sarah Heath, Cheshire Constabulary’s superintendent for tackling weapons and reducing serious harm, said: “Nationally knife crime is a growing problem and Operation Sceptre is a national initiative that the force is always more than happy to take part in and embrace.
“We are proud of the fact that Cheshire has a lower rate of knife crime than most other counties in England but our aim is for weapon-free streets throughout the county”
Retailers are being urged to have robust controls on the sale of blades, such as kitchen knives.
It is illegal to sell a knife to anyone under the age of 18 and anyone found carrying a knife in public, without a reasonable excuse, faces a prison sentence.
Warrington-based David Keane, police and crime commissioner for Cheshire, said: “Carrying a knife is a very serious crime, it doesn’t make you safer and knife crime can have a devastating impact on victims and their families.
“The killing of 18-year-old Eddie O’Rourke in Runcorn last September, and the subsequent murder and manslaughter convictions of the two teenagers responsible, is the ultimate example of why people shouldn’t carry knives.
“Not only did a young man needlessly die but three families have been ruined as a result of a knife being carried and used outside a Runcorn club that night.
“I am pleased that police in Cheshire are doing all they can to reduce the number of dangerous weapons on our streets and I urge anyone with information about people who carry such weapons to come forward in confidence and report it.”
To report any type of crime involving weapons call Cheshire Constabulary on 101, or 999 in an emergency.
Information can also be passed to the force online via https://www.cheshire.police.uk/contact/general-enquiries.
Anyone who knows someone that carries a knife can report it to Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.