There has been a rise in the number of recorded weapon possession offences in Cumbria from 2022 to 2023, reflecting a national trend.

This means that there have been more cases where people were found to be in possession of an illegal weapon, like a knife, gun, or sword, which are often used in violent crimes or in possession of criminals.

There have been some cases in Cumbria’s courts recently where this has been a facet, such as the case of Carlisle man Reece Holmes, 22, who was caught selling drugs in the city centre, and was armed with a knife and a knuckle duster.

While the offence did not directly involve the weapons, the possession itself formed part of the overall prosecution’s case during his day in court.

There are however other cases which directly involve the possession of weaponry, such as the chilling case of a 14-year-old boy who was convicted of robbing someone of 71p while having a knife, who was then quizzed on his interest in knives.

The boy was said to have been having sharp objects that were like knives while he was in custody, and also had knives on him when he robbed his victim.

In Cumbria, there was a 69 per cent increase in the number of recorded weapon possession offences from 2022 to this year.

This comes during Cumbria police’s Op Sceptre which was relaunched this year, and involves people giving up their weapons to police control as a way to relieve the pressure and avoid a criminal charge.

A spokesperson from Cumbria police said: “There is no justification for a person to be carrying a knife on the streets of Cumbria.

“Cumbria one of the safest places in the country to live, visit and work but knife possession is an issue everywhere, including here in Cumbria

“Whilst higher levels of knife crime are typically associated with urban areas, there is no place for complacency.

“Carrying a knife can swiftly lead to yourself or someone else being seriously injured or killed.

“Cumbria Police prioritises knife crime and knife possession, which is why the constabulary regularly takes part in Operation Sceptre knife amnesties and visits schools to educate young people on the dangers and consequences of being in possession of a knife.”