26 Weapons Recovered In Knife Crime Op

20 March 2019, 12:21

Kent police say they arrested 62 people and recovered more than 26 weapons during a national week of action targeting knife crime.

Knives, blades, a chainsaw and a baseball bat were all either seized or handed in as part of Operation Sceptre which also saw 150 people were stopped, 83 people searched and ten search warrants executed. 

Officers seized more than £97,000 in cash, suspected to have been gained through criminal activity, and more than 350 wraps of class A drugs, believed to be cocaine and heroin.

Districts such as Canterbury, Dartford and Tunbridge Wells saw proactive weapon sweeps and community engagement events at key locations such as train stations, shopping centres and high streets in partnership with local councils and the British Transport Police (BTP).

Following the successes of Op Sceptre in the county, Kent Police will continue its level of enforcement action targeting those who think it is acceptable to carry knives.

Kent Police Chief Constable Alan Pughsley said: "Knife crime is not just about injuring another person - it can include offences without causing injury such as possession and criminal damage.

"In tackling knife crime officers will without doubt address associated offences such as drug dealing and domestic abuse.

"Our message is simple; knife crime in Kent will not be tolerated."