Force continues to take knives off the street

A week long operation to target knife crime has led to 13 arrests and knives being taken off the streets.

Operation Sceptre formed part of a national campaign aimed at reducing knife crime by targeting those carrying weapons and disrupt the supply of knives available to use.

19 knives were seized by officers, while eight were handed in to knife surrender bins around Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

Inspector Ian Weston, knife crime coordinator for the force, said: “This was part of a national campaign and clearly, given the situation we now find ourselves in, has had to be scaled back.

“Despite resources being stretched in some places, we were keen to continue this operation and show those who carry knives that this remains a force priority and will not be tolerated.

“Officers had planned to go into schools to speak to young people about the dangers and consequences of knife crime as part of our Lives Not Knives campaign, but clearly this wasn’t possible under the circumstances.

“Nevertheless, there are resources available to adults and young people through our website and we would point people who may have any concerns about their own behaviour, a family member or friend, to go here where they will find advice and support.

“Carrying a knife, even for protective purposes, puts you at greater risk of becoming a victim yourself.”