A week-long operation saw police forces across Cheshire intensifying the fight against knife crime.

Launched on Monday 19 May, there was a particular focus on ensuring the county's retailers were aware of the rules and regulations surrounding the sale of bladed articles.

Several test purchase operations were made, with local young people attempting to buy knives and blades without proper age identification.

Efforts appear to have already yielded positive results, with recent figures showing that possession of weapons offences in Cheshire have fallen by 6.6%.

A total of 727 incidents were recorded in the last 12 months to April 2025, compared to 778 recorded in the previous year.

During the week-long operation, efforts in tackling knife crime were intensified through enforcement and engagement initiatives.

In Chester city centre, officers engaged with members of the public with the force's 'Well-Being Dog', Poppy.

They visited several youth organisations and Storyhouse, meeting young people to encourage open conversation with officers and discuss personal safety.

Personal safety alarms and #DropTheKnifeSaveALife stress balls were also handed out to visitors by local officers at the Safety Bus in various locations across the city.

The week-long operation resulted in a total of 205 knives and bladed weapons being removed from the Cheshire's streets.

Superintendent Cath Jones, who led the Force's Sceptre week, said: "Over the course of May's Sceptre week, we saw some great examples of community engagement and partner relationship building.

"This will help us continue to push the message that Cheshire is a hostile environment for anyone who chooses to carry a weapon.

"We have been busy working with our partner organisations, including local councils and charities, third-sector organisations, young people and community groups in conducting a number of activities such as knife sweeps, the delivering of safety demonstrations and the rolling out of knife arches and surrender bins in densely populated areas. 

"Our officers have also been visiting the county's retailers along with colleagues from trading standards to conduct test purchase operations, ensuring that knives are not falling into the wrong hands.

"It was very reassuring to see that the majority of retailers are aware of the relevant rules in regulations surrounding the purchasing of, what can be, lethal weapons.

"Knife crime is not an issue police can tackle on their own, which is why engagement between your local policing teams, schools, youth organisations, community groups and businesses alike is incredibly important when it comes to pushing for a wider societal change.

"We want everyone to feel that they can come to the police with any issues, not just knife crime, so we can take immediate action and keep them safe."

To report any type of crime involving weapons, call Cheshire Constabulary on 101 or 999 in an emergency.

Anyone who knows someone that carries a knife can report it to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via here.

Information can also be passed to the force online here.