Police officers will be out in force this week in an operation targeting knife crime.

Officers across Kent are taking part in Operation Sceptre, which runs from today until Sunday, May 2.

Like previous Operation Sceptre outings, police will use enhanced measures to catch those carrying knives, including stop and searches as well as weapon sweeps in public places.

The British Transport Police are also taking part, so members of the public may see more officers at bus and train stations, alongside knife arches – mobile airport-style security that detects blades.

Kent Trading Standards will remind shopkeepers of laws around selling knives and are also doing checks during the week.

Detective Superintendent Shaun White said: "Operation Sceptre is a national campaign which takes place twice a year and is an extension of the relentless work our officers already do, night and day, to keep our communities safe.

"With lockdown restrictions further easing and the weather getting warmer, more and more people will be visiting our towns, parks and other public places, so this week of action will give us the opportunity to build on existing activity and enforcement."

He added: "Carrying a knife, even for protective purposes, puts you at greater risk of becoming a victim yourself and this campaign also acts as an important reminder about how serious we are about targeting serious violence and keeping weapons off our streets.

"It also enables us to crackdown even harder on associated offences such as county lines drugs supply, as well as public order offences linked to excessive alcohol consumption during evenings and weekends in our town centres."

National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for knife crime, deputy assistant commissioner Graham McNulty, added: "Coronavirus has been a huge part of everyone’s lives for over a year now but we want to remind people that our normal policing role hasn’t stopped during this time.

"Forces are determined to tackle violent crime and with the restrictions easing, taking knives off our streets and helping people understand the dangers of carrying a knife remains a top priority."

Read more about the Kent criminals caught with weapons in the last month here.

To get the latest updates in ongoing cases, police appeals and criminals put behind bars, click here.

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