47 arrests and 47 knives recovered national week tackling knife crime

Across Greater Manchester last week, our officers were out in force tackling knife crime head on as part of national Sceptre week, 13 – 19 May 2024.

Knife crime is a national issue, and one we in Greater Manchester are not afraid to stand up to. As well as having a dedicated knife crime team, Op Venture, who are a force wide resource and part of the Greater Manchester Violence Reduction Unit, our local teams in every district play an important role in the prevention, deterrence and enforcement of knife crime and related incidents.

During Sceptre week, we have arrested 47 individuals, a number of those directly linked to knife crime, but many involved in offences that very commonly linked, such as drug dealing and robbery.

We have also recovered 47 knives during the week, through weapon sweeps of green spaces, deposited within knife amnesty bins and through powers such as stop and search. Getting these knives off the streets and out of the hands of potentially dangerous individuals is a key part of preventing violent incidents.

Education, engagement, and diversion cannot be forgotten in our approach to tackling knife crime. During the week, we visited several primary and secondary schools across Greater Manchester, delivering inputs about the risks and impacts of knife crime. We conducted targeted visits to young people who have been identified as being on the cusp of criminality to offer support and positive diversion away from carrying a knife. We know that often people feel that carrying a knife will offer them protection and safety, when actually statistically it is more likely to be used against that person.

We also visited several large retailers to check their processes for selling knives, as well as conducted test purchases at local stores. Whilst we are pleased to report that most premises did pass these tests, which meant they did not sell knives to under 18s, and effectively used challenge 25 policy, sadly some shops did fail. Of those who failed, we have issued written warnings, invited some for voluntary interviews, issued warning notices or worked collectively with trading standards to make seizures.

Superintendent Caroline Hemingway, who leads Op Venture, said, “The past week has seen many force resources pull together to tackle knife crime, something we do each and every day.

“Those resources have included our cadets, who not only assisted test purchase operations, but also weapon sweeps of local parks. Our student officers have been involved in the action, with one officer conducting his first ever stop and search, under expert supervision, on his very first patrol, recovering a knife in the process. Its important that we impress upon our workforce the effects of knife crime and the importance proactive policing has in preventing knife crime.

“It wasn’t just officers supporting the operation. PCSOs in Irlam had major success with a mobile amnesty bin they promoted throughout the week. 24 weapons were handed into this bin, including imitation firearms and large knives. These have all now been safely removed from potential criminals and can be disposed of.

“We were also at Altrincham Interchange last Wednesday supporting partners we work closely with at the Greater Manchester Violence Reduction Unit, teaching those passing through the station basic first aid skills, aimed at stopping and controlling bleeding. Not only are these life saving skills extremely useful should someone be injured in a knife attack, but in any emergency where someone has an open wound. Many of those engaged with were school children, some who we had already delivered inputs to at school.

“This week of action is yet another example of how committed we are, alongside our partners, to tackling knife crime. It is a joint approach and cannot just be about enforcement, even though that is an important part of what we do. We are working holistically, bringing policing, health, education, prevention and lived experience together through the Greater Manchester Violence Reduction Unit, so we can continue making strides to reduce knife crime, and the harm it causes.”

​Deputy Mayor for Policing, Crime, Criminal Justice and Fire in Greater Manchester, Kate Green, said: “Greater Manchester’s Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) places a large focus on prevention and reducing the risk of violence as we know that the reasons young people carry knives are complex.

"As part of our multi-agency approach, which includes Greater Manchester Police, we focus on prevention and education opportunities to deter people from carrying knives. However, where incidents occur, we need to be responsive.

"Our Stop the Bleed session at Altrincham Interchange supported this by offering vital skills to members of the public around how to control a life-threatening bleed. The pilot event was a success thanks to partners working together for the benefit of our communities. We're looking forward to the prospect of rolling out more community sessions in the future with the support of our partners and members of the public.”