200 knives taken off the streets during crackdown
A police crackdown on carrying knives has to more than 200 being taken out of circulation in the Northumbria force area.
OperationSceptre–which included weapons sweeps, searches and information visits to schools – began on Monday, November 22, and was part of a national week of action aimed at reducing the devastation caused by knife crime.
Sevenknifesurrenderbins wereplacedatstationsaround thearea–includingSouthwick police station in Sunderland – with a total of 93 collected.
Theseincludedoldkitchen knives and antiques – all will be disposed of safely.
Officers also conducted dedicated searches, looking for any knives or weapons hidden in bushes, parks or derelict buildings and other weapons were seized during stopsearches,arrestsandvisits to known knife carriers.
Twenty people were arrested during the operation for a range of offences.
In total, 215 knives and other potentially dangerous items were taken into police possession.
Presentations on the impact of knife crime were also given to almost 1,000 school pupils and over 4,000 leaflets into schools and toured the area in our Engagement Van to speak to people of all ages.
Northumbria Police assistant chief constable Neil
Hutchison, said: “Our stance on knife crime and serious violence is extremely clear – it has absolutely no place in our region and we are committed to playing our part in tackling this type of offending.
“We do see lower levels of knifecrimethancomparative areas of the country, however, wearenotcomplacent.Thatis why we will continue to bring offenders to justice and educate young people about the dangers of carrying a knife.”
He added: “There is always a choice. By carrying a knife, you risk ruining more than one life forever.”
He added: “We would urge anybodywhohasanyinformation about people going out with a weapon to come forward. Share that information withpolice,sowecanactnow.
If you have information about someone who is in possession of a prohibited weapon, or want to report any suspicious activity, use the Tell Us Something page on the Northumbria Police websiteorCrimestopperson0800 555 111.