Week of action sees police taking to the streets to educate the public about knife crime
Devon & Cornwall Police across Liskeard, Torpoint, Saltash and Looe recently took to the streets to raise awareness around knives and knife crime as part of the week of action, known as Sceptre - the national knife crime reduction initiative.
Neighbourhood police officers across the towns took to the streets to chat with members of the public about the dangers of carrying a knife, the consequences of carrying one and how people can dispose of knives safely.
Officers held engagement stands in the towns, as well as deploying the knife arch for people to learn more about the tool and how police use it to tackle crime. They also visited a number of local retailers to provide refresher training around the laws of selling knives.
PC Hayley Gething, who led the work across the towns, said: “Knife crime isn’t a major problem in Cornwall. However, if an incident does occur the outcome can be devastating. This work forms part of our approach to educate and deter people from deciding to carry a knife, so that we can prevent crime from happening now or in the future to keep our communities safe.
“We had some great chats with members of the public, who were interested in finding out more about this topic. The knife arch was also a fantastic talking point to raise awareness of the preventative work we do in Cornwall, drawing lots of people over to try it out.
“Encouraging open conversations like this is key to empowering people to make safe decisions, whether it impacts the person we speak to or if that person shares their knowledge with someone they know. It’s all vital in our efforts to tackle knife crime.”
In addition to connecting with communities, Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) and representatives from Mike’s Trust visited a number of schools and youth groups to speak with young people about knife crime.
Mike’s Trust is charity that is dedicated to educating and supporting young people to prevent knife crime and provide better opportunities for them. It was set up after Michael Riddiough-Allen, 32, was killed by Jake Hill, 25, outside Eclipse Nightclub in 2023.
PC Gething added: “This deterrent and preventative work will continue throughout the year. We want to keep our streets safe and work like this is key in helping us achieve that.”
If a person is found with a knife in a public place, they can be arrested and charged and possibly even get a criminal record. It is illegal for knife retailers to sell knives to people under 18.
The maximum penalty for an adult found carrying a knife or weapon illegally is either four years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both. You’ll get a prison sentence if you’re convicted of carrying a knife or weapon illegally more than once.
If you have any information or concerns about someone carrying a knife, please report it to Devon & Cornwall Police online via the website dc.police.uk, or Crimestoppers UK on 0800 555111. Your information could help save a life.
Published 29 May 2025.
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