Officers visited schools and educated businesses as part of Cumbria’s involvement in the most recent Operation Sceptre last week.

Operation Sceptre, is a national campaign which takes place twice a year, supporting the work the police carry out all year round to ensure residents are safe from knife crime in their community.

As part of last week’s operation, officers went into schools to speak directly with pupils about the dangers of carrying knives and the potential consequences.

A total of 58 school inputs were carried out across Cumbria which included assembly and classroom inputs, as well as workshops with pupils. Officers also attended and spoke to young people in Whitehaven at the Harbour Youth Project.

More than 20 businesses were visited and received knife crime information packs with advice and guidance on the sale of knives and how and when to properly challenge.

As part of Operation Sceptre, a knife amnesty was held where people had the opportunity to safely dispose of knives which could pose a risk to themselves and others.

A total of 48 knives and other bladed articles were handed in across the county.

Officers also carried out a joint operation with BTP colleagues at Oxenholme Railway Station.

Op Sceptre: Joint operation carried out at Oxenholme Railway Station – Cumbria Constabulary

Chief Inspector Steve Hunter of Cumbria Police said: “Cumbria supports every Operation Sceptre as our officers know the tragic consequences that can result from anything short of a vigilant and no-nonsense approach to knife crime.

“Whilst the number and type of blades handed in tends to get the most attention, the most important aspect for ourselves is the engagement we continue to have with schools, who open their doors to our officers so we can educate their children about the dangers of carrying knives.

“Cumbria is one of the safest places to live, work and visit and we can all help keep it that way by speaking to family members about the dangers of carrying a knife and the potential consequences if they attempt to use it or are caught in possession.”