How many knives were recovered in the West Mercia police operation?

West Mercia Police recovered 296 knives during the Sceptre operation.

What happened when retailers were tested during the knife crime crackdown?

Fifteen retailers failed to challenge for ID during test purchases.

What is the legal age to buy a knife in the UK?

By law, individuals must be 18 or older to buy a knife.

Home / Crime and Justice / Police Seize 300 Knives in Crackdown

Police Seize 300 Knives in Crackdown

26 Nov, 2025

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Summary

Nearly 300 knives recovered in regional operation
15 retailers failed to challenge for ID during test purchases
Four knife-related arrests made during the initiative

In a significant operation targeting knife crime, West Mercia Police successfully recovered 296 knives across Shropshire, Herefordshire, and Worcestershire. This initiative, part of the national Sceptre program, focused on the retail sale of bladed articles.

The police conducted 202 visits to retailers, with 42 conducting test purchases. Alarmingly, 15 of these retailers failed to adequately check identification, indicating potential weaknesses in age verification for knife sales. Superintendent Edward Hancox emphasized the importance of retailer vigilance, encouraging the adoption of the Challenge 25 policy.

Beyond retailer checks, the operation also involved community engagement, patrols, and stop-and-searches, leading to four knife-related arrests. Two stop-and-searches resulted in the recovery of knives, underscoring the ongoing efforts to tackle knife-related offenses and promote community safety.