THE RESULTS from a week-long operation to tackle knife crime has seen eighty-eight weapons handed to police.

A national week of action to challenge and reduce the threat of knife crime, between May 16 and May 22, saw Thames Valley Police crackdown on blades as part of 'Operation Sceptre. 

The force made 38 knife-related arrests, out of 128 stop-and-search warrants, seized seven weapons, and had 88 blades handed into amnesty bins at police stations. 

READ MORE: Man caught with knife at WESTGATE shopping centre

These bins are permanently placed, for unwanted knives to be safely disposed of. 

As part of the project, police made 81 school visits to engage with students on the dangers and fatal consequences of using knives.

Cadets and police volunteers carried out 178 test purchases of knives to make sure vendors were checking the ages of customers, in partnership with trading standards.

Chief Inspector Chris Young, tactical lead for knife crime, said: “Operation Sceptre is part of our ongoing proactive work to reduce knife crime across the Thames Valley.

“During the week of action, there has been an increased police presence in our communities, with officers engaging with the businesses, young people and working in partnership to disrupt crime.

“I would like to thank everyone who has supported this week of action and all those who continue to support us to tackle knife crime and make our communities a safer place.”

To report a knife-related crime: call 101 or dial 999 in an emergency.

You can report information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Read more from this author This story was written by Shosha Adie.  She joined the team in 2022 as a digital reporter.    To get in touch with her email: Shosha.Adie@newsquest.co.uk Follow her on Twitter: @ShoshaAdie A message from our Editor Thank you for reading this story and supporting the Oxford Mail. If you like what we do please consider getting a subscription for the Oxford Mail and in return we’ll give you unrestricted access with less adverts across our website from the latest news, investigations, features, and sport. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tik Tok for more.  You can also join the conversation in our Facebook groups: stay ahead of traffic alerts here, keep up to date with the latest from court here, share your favourite memories of Oxford here, get your daily dose of celebrity news here and take some time out with news that will make you smile.  If you’ve got a story for our reporters, send us your news here. You can also list an event for free here.