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Posted on Friday 26 May 2023
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Carrying a knife only puts you at greater risk of coming to harm.

A total of 55 weapons have been removed from the streets of County Durham and Darlington following a national sweep to reduce knife-crime.

For the last week, knife bins have been installed inside of front counters in local stations across the county including; Bishop Auckland, Durham City, Peterlee and Darlington which people could deposit weapons they no longer used, anonymously.

As well as the bin installations, officers took proactive steps to tackle weapon-based violence through engagement and enforcement.

Five warrants were carried out and six people were arrested during the week, one of those arrests was a direct result of officers using their stop and search powers to seize a kitchen knife from one individual.

Officers also worked alongside Trading Standards to carry out test purchases in a bid to tackle underage sales and visited primary schools across the county to discuss the dangers of carrying a knife with youngsters.

Inspector Michael Sammut, force lead for Operation Sceptre said: “The impact knife crime can have on individuals, families and the wider community is truly devastating and long lasting.

"Carrying a knife only puts you at greater risk of coming to harm.

“Although County Durham and Darlington have one of the lowest rates of knife crime in the country, we remain committed to reducing weapon-based violence across our patch and welcome any future campaigns such as this.”

Across the country, 9,737 knives were removed from the street and 1,693 people were arrested, of which 829 were related to knife crime offences.

If you are aware of anyone who carries a knife or have concerns for someone, please report it to police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.

If you don’t want to speak to police, you can contact Crimestoppers, completely anonymously on 08000 555 111.

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