A WIRRAL teenager was among 20 arrested by police during a week of action targeting knife crime and street robberies across Merseyside.

Operation Sceptre, which took place from November 11-17, focused on knife-enabled robbery, to reduce the impact this high-harm crime has on local communities.

A number of proactive operations took place across the region, including stop searches, weapons sweeps, search warrants and knife detection arches deployed.

The week of intense activity resulted in: 53 knives seized

  • 20 arrests for knife-related crime
  • 34 stop and searches
  • Two search warrants executed
  • 14 retailers visited as part of a knife test purchase operation
  • 12 bike marking events

Test purchase operations were carried out at various stores across Merseyside to spot check age compliance for the sale of knives, with the support of Merseyside’s Police Cadets.

Of the 14 retail premises visited, 13 challenged the underage cadets for identification before refusing to sell the items.

The retailer which failed was given advice to ensure future compliance, will undergo a review of its underage sales policies and be subject to further test purchases.

Alongside checks at physical stores, the force continued to proactively investigate the sale of weapons online, targeting online vendors.

Two 18-year-old males from Bidston and Ellesmere Port were arrested on suspicion of online weapon offences following two warrants by the County Lines team.

The Roads Policing Unit carried out an operation to proactively target drivers who are subject to a Serious Violence Reduction Order (SVRO).

The court can grant a SVRO when an adult, aged 18 or over, is convicted of an offence involving a bladed article or offensive weapon. Two people were arrested on suspicion of possession of a bladed article.

The Matrix bike team patrolled several locations, including the Liverpool Loop Line, to disrupt those responsible for bike thefts and knife-enabled robberies of high value bikes.

During the week, police also held 12 free bike marking events across Merseyside and checked 59 pedal and E-bikes during patrols, to see if a bike had been reported as lost or stolen.

Through the #kNOwKNifeCrime campaign, free KnifeSavers bleed control kits, alongside innovative digital training, was provided to every secondary school across the Liverpool City Region.

The twice-yearly operation involves all 43 police forces in England and Wales and British Transport Police and builds on the prevention and enforcement work police carry out all year round to combat knife crime.

Superintendent Phil Mullally, lead for serious violence and knife crime, said: "Tackling violence is a year-round focus for the force – we are working day and night to protect our communities through targeted foot patrols, test purchase operations, knife arches, search warrants and a range of police powers such as Serious Violence Reduction Orders (SVROs).

"We remain focused on dealing with the accessibility of intimidating weapons and targeting those who are selling weapons online.

“I would also encourage the public to support us and tell us who is carrying, using, or storing knives or weapons.

"Please come forward so we can continue to disrupt offenders and bring them to justice.

"If you have information about someone carrying a knife, or know someone involved in crime, you can report any concerns on 999 if a crime is in progress, via 101, or our social media desk via Twitter @MerPolCC.

 

You can also pass information via Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form here