Police issue warnings after three Northamptonshire shops are caught selling knives to underage children

Prevention and Intervention Chief Inspector Oli Charter, who led the week of action, said it was disappointing and urged everyone to take responsibility for the dangers of knives.

It comes as police said the Neighbourhood Policing Teams and Youth Violence Intervention unit had conducted 42 visits, engaging with more than 5,000 young people.

During the week:

198 knives recovered from amnesty bins/handed in

37 weapons sweeps conducted, finding 16 weapons

A number of stop and searches completed where weapons were found, with multiple arrests made

45 engagement events took place

42 school visits, speaking to more than 5,000 young people and 250 professionals

12 visits to people offered additional help and support

Chief Inspector Charter said: “We’re committed to tackling those involved in knife crime and our week of action allowed us the opportunity to use all tactics available to us.

“We know talking with young people about the dangers of knife crime and helping to provide practical guidance to those who may be involved in carrying weapons are some of the most impactive steps we can take to help prevent offences, so engaging with more than 5,000 during the week is a really positive step.

“Our teams also took part in a number of searches and found 16 weapons which had either been discarded or hidden, they also made 13 arrests of people wanted for knife-related offences.”

Chief Insp Charter added: “The Emergency Service Cadets also got involved in the week and helped with nine test purchase operations. They visited high street shops and in three cases were sold knives despite being under the legal age to do so.

“It is disappointing that knives were sold to children under 18 without any ID checks taking place.

“We all have a part to play when it comes to tackling knife crime, including shop workers, teachers, parents, guardians and other trusted adults.”