Results delivered in police’s ongoing efforts to deter knife crime, South East Cornwall
Proactive work carried out by police to deter knife crime in Liskeard, Saltash, Torpoint and Looe saw over one hundred hours of high visibility patrols, 29 knives handed in, a specialist exercise on the rail network and plain clothes visits to shops.
The neighbourhood team carried out a series of activities last week in an effort to prevent serious violence through education and the removal of knives from the streets.
The operation was part of Op Sceptre – a national initiative focused on tackling knife crime.
Inspector Ned Bowie, who heads up neighbourhood police officers in the Liskeard Sector said: "Knife crime is not a major problem in Devon and Cornwall, or indeed our sector, but we know how important it is to carry out activity that educates and deters people from carrying knives and to ensure our streets are safe from dangerous weapons.”
During the week, a test purchase operation took place in which two young people visited shops attempting to purchase bladed articles from local retailers.
Of the seven shops tested, all passed by following the ‘Challenge 25’ protocol, refusing to sell the bladed article unless a valid ID was provided.
In addition to this, officers ran a joint exercise with British Transport Police whereby officers patrolled train stations and on trains to engage with the public and to discourage knives from being carried on the rail network.
Over 100 hours of high visibility patrols took place across the towns and surrounding areas, which included locations where concerns and/or intelligence around knife related crime had been raised.
29 knives were also dropped off at police amnesty bins.
Insp Bowie added: “Whilst highlighted as part of an awareness week, work like this continues throughout the year.
“Our teams remain committed - not just through robust enforcement, but through education and partnership work - to reduce violence and keep our communities safe.”
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.
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