Nine people have been arrested across Norfolk following a crackdown on knife-crime with one man due in court in West Norfolk.
Police launched Operation Sceptre to highlight the risks of carrying blades as well as targeting people thought to carry them.
A total of 75 knives were taken off the streets during the week of action and handed over to police in a knife surrender initiative that allowed members of the public to surrender their knives at bins in King’s Lynn as well as elsewhere in Norfolk without being prosecuted.
People were also arrested during high visibility patrols targeting possible knife offences, and three were charged.
These included Luke Shand, age 32, of Gaywood Hall Drive, Gaywood, who was charged with possession of a knife/bladed article after being stopped by police in Coburg Street, King’s Lynn. He has been released on bail to appear at King’s Lynn Magistrates’ Court on 30 June 2022.
Officers also worked with Norfolk County Council Trading Standards to carry out checks at shops to ensure they are not selling knives to anyone under the age of 18, and visited schools and colleges across the county.
Inspector Ian Cox said: “Whilst this was a dedicated week of action, reducing knife crime and the violence associated with it is a priority for Norfolk police all year round. We know the devastating effect knife crime can have on victims, families and communities and we will continue to highlight the dangers of carrying a knife, as well as targeting offenders.
“However, we cannot tackle the issue of knife crime alone and it is important we continue to work with partner agencies and local communities to educate people about the risks carrying a blade can bring and prevent knife crime from happening in the first place. We all have a duty to protect our communities from harm and keep them safe.
“If you know someone who carries a knife, then please contact police. One call could help protect them or potentially save someone else’s life.”
If you suspect someone is carrying a knife, please call Norfolk Police on 101 or you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.