CHESHIRE Police made eight arrests during a week-long crackdown on knife crime.

The force last week took part in Operation Spectre, a campaign aiming to combat knife crime in England and Wales.

Across the county, eight suspects were arrested on suspicion of knife-related offences and nine weapons were seized.

Officers conducted 48 knife sweeps in Cheshire, stopped and searched 78 people, issues 12 warning notices to ‘habitual knife carriers’ and hosted awareness sessions with schools as well as visiting retailers to ensure laws were being followed.

A total of 16 bleeding control kits were also issues to supermarkets, shopping centres and schools.

Chief Inspector Sarah Heath, the constabulary’s knife crime lead, said: “We take knife crime extremely seriously in Cheshire and are proud of the fact that we have a lower rate of crime involving knives than most other counties in England, but we won’t rest until we achieve our goal, which is to achieve weapons-free streets throughout the county.

“However, we cannot achieve this goal on our own.

“Knife crime is a societal problem that cannot be solved without the support of everyone, so with support and by providing education and awareness we want to make Cheshire an area where no one carries a knife, or feels that there is a reason to do so.

“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 throughout the year to achieve long-term change by educating young people about the dangers and futility of carrying weapons.

“If you have any information regarding knife crimes or those who carry weapons, please let us know or phone Crimestoppers anonymously.

“Reporting it could be enough to save a life.”

Meanwhile, Cheshire Police are now holding a week-long gun amnesty following a law change which makes it illegal for members of the public to own antique firearms without proper certification.

Superintendent Richard Rees said: “This latest legislation makes it more difficult for criminals to get their hands on a gun, which is vital in protecting the public and helping prevent criminals committing serious harm to our communities.

“The one-week surrender means you can hand in any dangerous weapon, as well as the now illegal antique guns.

“If you are concerned that your antique gun may now be illegal, you can either call us on 101 requesting your gun is collected by an officer or enquire about obtaining a licence if it falls into the categories – but please don’t hand your gun in at a helpdesk.”