Home / Crime and Justice / Police Seize 300 Knives in Crackdown
Police Seize 300 Knives in Crackdown
26 Nov
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.
