Police carry out 'important' knife crime operation

Devon and Cornwall Police carried out patrols on trains and at railway stations as part of the operation

Almost 30 knives have been handed in as part of a police operation in south east Cornwall.

Officers from Devon and Cornwall Police carried out a series of activities between 17-23 November in Liskeard, Saltash, Torpoint and Looe, which included amnesty bins, patrols on trains and visits to shops.

The force said the exercises, which were part of Operation Sceptre - a national initiative focused on tackling knife crime - led to 29 knives being dropped off in amnesty bins.

Insp Ned Bowie said that while knife crime was "not a major problem" locally, police were committed to raising awareness of the issue.

"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," he added.

Police said more than 100 hours of patrols had been carried out in towns and surrounding areas.

The force also worked with British Transport Police on trains and at railway stations to speak to people and discourage them from carrying knives.

Officers carried out test purchases with two young people attempting to buy knives from shops.

Police said of the seven shops visited, all passed by following protocols and refusing to sell the items unless a valid ID was provided.