Merseyside Police seized 230 knives and arrested 40 people in a week-long knife crime crackdown under Operation Sceptre.
From November 17-23, the campaign tackled knife crime with a goal to reduce knife-related violence across England and Wales.
Throughout the campaign, Merseyside officers completed 420 stop-searches, 72 weapons sweeps and land searches, and 98 test-purchase operations at retailers to ensure compliance with knife-sale laws.
Retailers who failed the checks were given training to prevent knives from getting into the wrong hands.
In addition, members of the public surrendered 204 weapons, including knives, knuckledusters, and other weapons.
Superintendent Phil Mullally, Lead for Serious Violence and Knife Crime, said: “Knife crime has absolutely no place in Merseyside.
“Every blade we remove from our streets is one less opportunity for harm, and we will continue to take a hard stance against those who carry or use knives.”
Operation Sceptre was launched by the Metropolitan Police in July 2015.
It was designed to coincide with new legislation that meant those convicted of carrying a knife for the second time would face a mandatory custodial sentence.
The operation later grew into a nationwide campaign, and it usually takes place twice a year across all 43 police forces in England and Wales.
As part of the campaign, police marked a milestone for their education programme, Operation Prospect, which has reached 20,000 young people in Merseyside since launching in November 2024.
The programme helped secondary school students understand the real-world consequences of knife crime through immersive assemblies featuring real-life police scenarios.
Superintendent Mullally said: “Operation Prospect reinforces the message that carrying a knife is unacceptable and that no good can come from carrying one.
“Early intervention and addressing root causes are essential. We remain committed to working collaboratively with partners and communities, building on the success we’ve already achieved to make Merseyside safer.”
Although the week-long campaign has ended, the police said their commitment to reducing knife crime will continue throughout the year.
