More than 560 knives handed over in North Wales during week of action

More than 560 knives and bladed items were voluntarily handed in across North Wales during a week of action to combat knife crime. ‌​‌‌​​​‌‍‌​‌​‌​​​

Operation Sceptre took place from May 15th to 21st and was part of a nationwide week of action co-ordinated by the National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC).

The aim was to address the escalating issue of knife crime and its overall contribution to violent crime in the UK. ‌​‌‌​​​‌‍‌​‌​‌​​​

The campaign looked to encourage individuals to safely dispose of unwanted knives and weapons. ‌​‌‌​​​‌‍‌​‌​‌​​​

Police officers also visited schools and colleges throughout the region to raise awareness among pupils and students about the severe consequences associated with carrying a knife. ‌​‌‌​​​‌‍‌​‌​‌​​​

Additionally, visits were made to retailers, weapon sweeps were conducted, and leaflet drops were organised. ‌​‌‌​​​‌‍‌​‌​‌​​​

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During the week, 562 knives and bladed items were recovered from designated amnesty bins and some recycling centres across North Wales, providing an opportunity for people to dispose of these potentially dangerous weapons safely. ‌​‌‌​​​‌‍‌​‌​‌​​​

The operation also resulted in five arrests related to knife crime. ‌​‌‌​​​‌‍‌​‌​‌​​​

A total of 18 visits were carried out to retailers to ensure compliance with regulations regarding knife sales. ‌​‌‌​​​‌‍‌​‌​‌​​​

Seven retailers were warned for lacking appropriate signage related to the sale of knives. ‌​‌‌​​​‌‍‌​‌​‌​​​

Community Safety Sergeant Alyn Smith said: “Operation Sceptre highlights the commitment of the police working with the public and partners to prevent young people becoming involved in serious violence. ‌​‌‌​​​‌‍‌​‌​‌​​​

“Last week saw forces continued engagement with schools and communities by police forces across the UK. ‌​‌‌​​​‌‍‌​‌​‌​​​

“Young people must understand that carrying a knife is never the answer, nor does it offer the protection they think it does. It only puts them at greater risk.” ‌​‌‌​​​‌‍‌​‌​‌​​​

If you have concerns about someone you know or care about, who is carrying or hiding a knife, call North Wales Police on 101 or CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or visit the Fearless campaign website https://www.fearless.org/en/give-info. ‌​‌‌​​​‌‍‌​‌​‌​​​Always dial 999 in an emergency. ‌​‌‌​​​‌‍‌​‌​‌​​​