Weapons seized in operation to tackle knife-crime

Devon and Cornwall Police took part in a national campaign called Sceptre

A week-long campaign to tackle knife crime across Devon and Cornwall has led to more than 100 weapons being seized and three people arrested.

Devon and Cornwall Police has taken part in a national campaign called Sceptre which aims to raise awareness of knife crime.

During the campaign, which ran from 13 to 19 May, officers enhanced patrols, completed stop and searches and gave educational talks at local schools and youth organisations.

Det Ch Insp Steve Fleetwood, knife crime lead for the force, said it "works tirelessly throughout the year to detect and prevent knife crime".

'Wrecks lives'

Officers also worked with police cadets in Devon and Cornwall to carry out 21 test purchases by under 18s.

In total 112 weapons were seized, 39 people were stopped and searched and three arrests were made.

Det Ch Insp Fleetwood said: “Some people think knife carrying will make them safer or appear ‘cool’ or in control, when actually they are more likely to be injured with their own knife.

"We do recognise that incidents involving knives can and do happen.

“It is important that people are aware of the law and that we protect the public by raising awareness about the consequences of carrying a knife."

Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, added knife crime "blights communities and wrecks lives".

"It disproportionately affects young people in urban areas all over the UK and whilst our region is proud to be one of the safest in the country, overall rates of violence are on the rise and under 25s are increasingly falling victim."