CHESHIRE Police is supporting a national campaign to take knives off the streets and educate people about the dangers of carrying weapons.

Running until November 15, Operation Sceptre aims to reduce the impact of knife crime in communities.

Cheshire has one of the lowest rates of knife crime in England but the force is determined to further reduce the number of knives carried on Cheshire’s streets.

Knives were also used in two high-profile crimes in recent months, in the murder of Ellesmere Port resident Slawomir Kulesza, and an attempted murder in Chester.

Chief inspector Sarah Heath, who is the force’s knife crime lead, said: "Nationally, knife crime is a growing problem and the week-long Operation Sceptre campaign is an initiative that Cheshire Constabulary is always more than happy to support.

"However, knife crime is an issue that the force tackles throughout the year, with officers working day and night to protect communities.

"We take knife crime extremely seriously and are proud of the fact that Cheshire has a lower rate of knife crime than most other counties in England.

"When people carry knives it is only a matter of time before someone suffers life changing injuries or is killed, and if you carry a knife then you are much more likely to be involved in knife crime.

"At Cheshire Constabulary we have a structured prepare, protect, pursue and prevent approach to tackling knife crime that involves various partner agencies, including local authorities, education providers, health authorities, third sector organisations, youth representatives and community groups.

"We work together to achieve long-term change by educating young people about the dangers and futility of carrying weapons.

"We make sure they know that carrying a knife, even if they have no intention of using it, is a crime and can increase the likelihood of suffering an injury and having a criminal record.

"We also steer them away from criminality and offer them attractive alternative ways to spend their time."

With the country in lockdown again as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, the work that can be done during Operation Sceptre next week is restricted.

Planned knife surrenders, community knife sweeps and school visits in Cheshire have had to be postponed in accordance with government guidelines, but plans remain in place to pursue offenders.

The force will continue to stop and search anyone suspected of carrying a weapon.

Plans are also in place to execute warrants related to knife crime and to pay warning visits to people believed to be habitual knife carriers.

To report any type of crime involving weapons call Cheshire Constabulary on 101, or 999 in an emergency.

Information can also be passed to the force online via cheshire.police.uk/ro/report.

Anyone who knows someone that carries a knife can report it to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously.