Why Did 29 Knives End Up in Police Bins Across South East Cornwall?

Police in Liskeard, Saltash, Torpoint and Looe have released the results of a week of proactive work aimed at deterring knife crime, which included more than one hundred hours of high visibility patrols, test purchase checks, rail network patrols and the recovery of 29 knives.

High Visibility Patrols and Knife Amnesty

Neighbourhood officers carried out a series of activities last week as part of Op Sceptre, a national focus on tackling knife crime. The work aimed to prevent serious violence through education and the removal of knives from the streets.

Inspector Ned Bowie, who leads neighbourhood policing 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.”

More than 100 hours of patrols took place across the four towns and surrounding areas. Officers focused on locations where concerns or intelligence about knife related issues had been raised. A total of 29 knives were dropped into police amnesty bins during the week.

Test Purchases and Shop Compliance

A test purchase operation saw two young people visit seven local shops to attempt to buy bladed articles. All seven retailers passed by following the Challenge 25 protocol and refusing the sale without valid ID.

Rail Network Patrols

Officers also worked with British Transport Police on a joint exercise. Patrols were carried out at train stations and on board trains to speak with the public and discourage people from carrying knives on the rail network.

Ongoing Commitment to Prevention

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.”

Police have reminded the public that anyone found with a knife in a public place can be arrested and charged, and may receive a criminal record. It is illegal for retailers to sell knives to anyone under 18. The maximum penalty for adults carrying a knife illegally is four years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both. A prison sentence is automatic if convicted more than once.

Anyone with information or concerns about someone carrying a knife is encouraged to report it to Devon and Cornwall Police online via the Devon & Cornwall Police website or anonymously through Crimestoppers UK on 0800 555111. Police say that information provided could help save a life.