A NATIONAL week of action to tackle knife crime has now concluded, and in Gwent during the operation, police have seen 104 knives taken off our streets, 191 people acting suspiciously stopped and searched and 12 arrests made.

Knives have been surrendered in amnesty bins at the county’s police stations as part of Operation Sceptre, while other bladed weapons were seized by officers during proactive arrests during the seven-day enforcement.

Incidents include one man arrested on suspicion of being in possession of offensive weapons following a ‘stop and search’ by officers in Newport, where a substantial amount of weapons were located, including several locking knives, throwing stars, axes and machetes. The items were seized and the individual arrested has since been interviewed and released under investigation whilst enquires are ongoing. 

Did you know it is an offence to sell knives, blades, razors, any axe or other article which has a blade or which is sharply pointed, which is made or adapted for use to cause injury, to anyone under 18?

Gwent Police cadets tried to purchase knives from 23 retail stores in Gwent, six failed and sold knives to the underage volunteer. They have since been advised of additional requirements for training at the point of sale, as selling to under 18s can result in up to six months in prison and a fine.

Operation Sceptre might have finished for now, but amnesty bins are still in place at police stations in Monmouth and Chepstow, where you can dipose of bladed articles.

If you hold any information about individuals involved in knife crime or have any concerns, call police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. In an emergency always dial 999.