We have recovered more than 1,000 knives as part of intensified efforts to tackle knife crime across Staffordshire.

Ditch the Blade, the campaign we run twice a year, started on Monday 11 November and saw a joint effort with local policing teams and partners to tackle the issue as proactively as possible. 

A total of 1,150 knives were recovered across eight separate surrender bins during the week. Some of these bins had been collecting knives for the last five months. 

One knife was found after a stop-and-search and another three knives were found in arrests and pre-planned search warrants. 

We worked alongside local councils to carry out 16 weapon sweeps across high-footfall areas in Staffordshire, as well as completing 10 stop-and-searches, three direct arrests and 10 search warrants. 

Aside from the enforcement, we also carried out educational talks at care homes, shopping centres and key community hubs. Around 600 letters were sent or visits carried out at schools too, with officers talking to at-risk groups about the dangers of carrying a knife and the support available to anyone who may be coerced into criminal activity. 

We carried out seven test purchases of knives in retailers across the county, with three failing the test in Stoke-on-Trent. They are being progressed by Trading Standards teams.  

Chief Inspector David Barrow, who leads on knife crime for the force, said: “Knife crime is a complex issue that needs to be addressed as a collective effort, not just by police or local authorities alone. 

“It’s vital that enforcement is robust against those who are carrying knives, but wider education and support is delivered to those who are in high-risk groups nationally. We want to stop people from carrying a knife in the first place and offer them the right support instead of dealing them with the offence after it has happened. 

“It’s pleasing to see a continued proactive approach with our partners to engage with people and businesses in Staffordshire about an issue which many of our communities have at the top of their priorities. 

“We’re being proactive each and every day with our partners in Staffordshire to tackle this issue as effectively as we can.”

Councillor Amjid Wazir OBE, cabinet member for city pride, enforcement and sustainability, said: “We are urging all businesses to remain diligent in their efforts to verify the age of customers before committing to the sale of items with age restrictions. 

“Laws and legislation are in place for a valid reason and our teams work hard to support businesses with the appropriate information."

For more information on the #DitchTheBlade campaign, and links to support organisations visit: https://www.staffordshire.police.uk/news/staffordshire/news/2023/november/staffordshire-police-relaunches-ditch-the-blade-campaign/