Over 40 knives were seized on Merseyside during a week of action to address the issue of knife crime and the ongoing work being done to combat it.

Merseyside Police was one of a number forces across the UK that took part in a week-long operation last week (July 17 -23).

As part of the week officers carried out high visibility patrols in key areas and offered safety, crime reduction and reassurance messages as part of its ongoing work to address the issue of knife crime.

Officers used a variety of tactics in identified hotspot locations across Merseyside including using knife wands as well as visiting licensed premises, visiting schools and carrying out knife sweeps and test purchases.

Merseyside Police to take part in week-long national operation to combat knife crime

In total 41 knives were seized, 40 people were arrested for a variety of offences, including possession of a bladed article, and there were 17 stop-searches.

Test purchases were carried out in Knowsley at retail outlets with no sales being made at any of the 11 stores and staff checking the buyer’s age. Further test purchase activity was also undertaken in Wirral with no sales made.

Knife wands were used in bus/train stations across St Helens and over 1700 primary and secondary students in the Liverpool and Knowsley areas received important educational messages about the risk of carrying/using knives.

Open land searches were also conducted across the Force by local policing teams resulting in the recovery of several weapons.

Inspector Andy Creer said: “We know that knife crime is of concern to the general public and I want to assure people that combatting and educating people about knife crime is part of our day-to-day work, not just during the week of action, and shows we are committed to ensuring that Merseyside remains a safe place for people to live, work and visit.

“I hope that by constantly stressing the dangers of knife crime that we are getting the message across, particularly to our young people. It was pleasing to see when test purchase activity was undertaken in Knowsley no sales were made at the stores we visited – the same shops sold knives when we took part in a similar week of action earlier this year, so it is clear that lessons have been learned.

“Knives are dangerous and there is no place for them on the streets of Merseyside. Using a knife can have devastating consequences not only for the victim and their family but also the offender.

“I would urge people to educate themselves, speak to their children and family members and prevent the repeat of any tragedies.

“We are grateful for the support of the community and our partners in carrying out this work and we will continue to work towards removing knives and dangerous weapons from our streets and bringing those responsible for carrying – and using – them to justice.

“We will act on all information reported to us around knife crime. Anyone with information can call police on 101 or the Crimestoppers line anonymously on 0800 555 111.”