POLICE visited schools in Cumbria to educate children about the dangers of knives as part of Operation Sceptre.

Operation Sceptre is a national campaign which takes place twice a year, to ensure residents are safe from knife crime in their community.

The operation prioritised speaking directly with pupils about the dangers of carrying knives and the potential consequences.

The highlight of the week was the ‘JJ Effect’ presentations held at Barrow Town Hall, which were attended by more than 350 school children.

Chief Inspector Sam Turner said: “Whilst it is the knife amnesty results which often garner the most attention, for ourselves and partners we cannot emphasise enough the importance of engaging with young people at an early age about the dangers and potential consequences which can result from carrying a knife on the street.

“Our officers were attending primary and secondary schools last week to speak to children and we are also grateful to those schools who, despite Op Sceptre falling during mock exams, were still able to find the time to deliver their own inputs to their pupils on knives.

“However, the star of the week was undoubtedly the ‘JJ Effect’ presentations. I’m sure that the hundreds of children who attended and engaged will be positively impacted and that the experience will stay with them for a long time to come.”

As well as the focus on school children, a knife amnesty was also held during the week which saw around 40 knives handed in at police stations around the county.

Ch Insp Turner said: “Someone in possession of a knife is not only increasing the risk of harm to themselves but could also face a fine of £5,000 and a four-year prison sentence.

“We will continue to support the national Operation Sceptre moving forward as we continue to do all we can to ensure Cumbria remains amongst the safest places in the country to live, work and visit.”

Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, said: “Education is the key to prevention – by speaking to our young people about the consequences of committing knife crime we can prevent, reduce or stop future tragedies.

“Knife Crime can have devastating effects on communities as a whole – not just the victim and perpetrator – it can ruin entire families and affect the lives of those involved, such as the emergency services or bystanders rendering aid. Carrying a knife in public can never be acceptable. We need to tackle it head on and stop it.

“Thank you to everyone that handed in weapons to the amnesty – there are now 40 knives that are off our streets.

“Together we have made Cumbria that little bit safer for everyone.”