Lancashire Police are joining other forces across the UK in the national Operation Sceptre week of intensive action to tackle knife crime.
The operation targets those who choose to carry dangerous weapons, raises awareness of the consequences and engages with retailers who sell bladed articles.
Officers will be working with partner agencies to carry out several initiatives throughout the week, including school visits to educate young people, searching for knives in public places such as local parks, using metal detecting arches to identify people who may be carrying knives and giving advice to shops on the laws on selling knives.
Knife bins are available, where bladed articles can be disposed of safely and anonymously, in Lancaster, under Carlisle Bridge on Morecambe Road, and in Morecambe, near the youth centre on Central Drive.
If you have any information about knife crime in Lancashire, contact the police on 101 or report anonymously to the independent charity, Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.
Chief Inspector Dave Oldfield, of Lancashire Violence Reduction Network, said: “We have seen some great results come out of our previous Op Sceptre weeks, with over 1,000 knives being recovered from surrender bins in Lancashire in May 2022.
“Op Sceptre is a great way to engage with young people and the wider community. It is so important to educate people on the laws around carrying knives and the dangers and potential impacts of doing so.
“Knife crime impacts not only the individuals involved, but their families, friends and wider community. My message to anyone thinking about carrying a knife is to reconsider as, in a brief moment, your life can be changed forever.”
Andrew Snowden, Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner said: “I fully support this surge in police activity targeting those who carry these dangerous weapons and the vital education on the risks they pose. Every knife removed from our streets, whether seized by officers or surrendered at a knife bin, makes Lancashire safer.
"It's important to reinforce the message, particularly to young people, about how carrying these dangerous weapons puts them and others at risk, and anyone who does so will feel the full force of the law.
"I've secured funding to continue the work of the Lancashire Violence Reduction Network for three more years and I will also ensure the Constabulary has the resources needed to proactively tackle knife crime and put offenders behind bars."
Lancaster remains best university in North West England in Complete University Guide
'Music with the Mayor' initiative launched to support North Lancashire’s Citizens Advice
DIARY: Beyond Radio presenter fighting cancer continues his '60 Before 60' challenge
BIG FIGHT COUNTDOWN: Tyson Fury's father John headbutts Usyk supporter ahead of undisputed heavyweight title fight
Decision to refuse Galgate housing scheme planning permission upheld following public inquiry
INTERVIEWS and PHOTOS: The story of Highest Point festival 2024
INTERVIEW: Lancaster prison officer backed by Tyson Fury wins sport contest ahead of Miss England bid
VIDEO and INTERVIEW: Lancaster schoolboy, 10, makes drum 'n' bass DJ debut at Lancaster festival
Highest Point 'Lancaster Rocks' night cancelled due to thunderstorms warning
Quad bike rider dies after road crash in Morecambe
Morecambe guesthouse couple to star on reality TV show 'Four in a Bed'
PHOTOS: Northern Lights dazzle on Highest Point festival day one
Mother and son unveiled as new Lancaster mayoral team
New police and crime commissioner for Lancashire begins role
Morecambe homeless man jailed after admitting criminal damage
Firefighters tackle fire at flat in Morecambe
Lancaster youth charity awarded £221,400 towards vision for 'creative youth space' in city
Tennis club near Lancaster unveils new courts after £50,000 fundraising campaign
INTERVIEW: Highest Point chief 'proud' of lineup for 2024 festival
Highest Point festival stage times: all you need to know
