Knife crime: Lancashire police seize 1,400 guns in one week

As part of the campaign, 23 ‘knife drop-offs’ allowed people to safely dispose of knives and other dangerous weapons.

Meanwhile, Trading Standards worked with the police to visit 70 retail stores.

Using underage volunteers, they tested whether staff complied with laws restricting knife sales.

Police said 27 shops failed, “highlighting the continued need for education and enforcement around the responsible sale of knives”.

Ch Insp Dave Oldfield, Chief Operating Officer for Lancashire VRN, said: “Scepter is not just about law enforcement, it is about prevention, education and confidence building.

“The recovery of over 1,400 knives and the employment of over 15,000 young people shows the significant progress we are making.

“But the work doesn’t stop there. By continuing to work together and tackle the root causes of knife crime, we can make communities safer for everyone.”

Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw said: “Carrying or using knives is completely unacceptable and puts lives needlessly at risk.”