Merseyside Police searching the Kings Gardens in Southport

Officers from Merseyside Police were searching the Kings Gardens in Southport this morning (19th May).

The officers were armed with long poles and were searching through the plants and bushes along the Promenade. The search is part of the week-long Operation Sceptre knife surrender.

Police said...

This week will also see enhanced activity including weapons sweeps, open land searches, stop searches and community outreach with young people and partners. 

In Merseyside, January 2023 saw the lowest level of knife crime since April 2020, and the lowest level of overall serious violence since February 2021. In the last 12 months, knife crime has reduced by 20%.

Inspector Laura Leach added: “Reducing knife crime in Merseyside is a priority for the force all year round. Both serious violence and knife crime are falling in Merseyside, but we know there is still work to do.

“This surrender, alongside increased proactive policing, will help us tackle these issues head on, and work with partners to understand the root causes of knife crime, carrying a weapon and serious violence.”

Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell said: “Sadly, we have seen far too many times the devastating consequences that carrying a knife can have on victims and their families, but also the families of those convicted of knife crime offences, and our communities.

“Work to prevent and tackle knife crime goes on all year round, but Operation Sceptre is so important in raising awareness of knife crime and educating the public on the dangers of carrying a knife and Merseyside Police has my full support during this important week of action.

“The police cannot do this work on their own though - we need everyone’s help. There is never a good reason to carry a knife. Statistics show those who do carry knives, even for their own protection, are more likely to end up suffering harm, so if you have a young person in your family, I would urge you to use this week as an opportunity to talk to them about the dangers of picking up a knife and the consequences if they are caught carrying a weapon.

“Also, if you have any information or know of someone who carries a knife within your community, please contact the police or alternatively Crimestoppers anonymously.”

Knife Surrender Locations
Main Stations
Open Monday to Friday 10:00 – 20:00 and Saturday 10:00 – 18:00

St Annes Street
Birkenhead
Huyton
St Helens
Southport
Sister Stations
Open Tuesday to Friday 10:00 – 18:00

Admiral Street
Wallasey
Kirkby
Newton-Le-Willows
Bootle (Marsh Lane)
The surrender runs from Monday 15 May until Sunday 21 May.