KNIFE CRIME: 100 knives recovered and 12 arrests made in Gwent

A national week of action to tackle knife crime has now concluded, and in Gwent during the operation, we've seen 104 knives taken off our streets, 191 people acting suspiciously stopped and searched and 12 arrests made.

Knives have been surrendered in amnesty bins at Gwent police stations as part of Operation Sceptre, while other bladed weapons were seized by officers during proactive arrests during the 7-day enforcement.

Incidents include one man arrested on suspicion of being in possession of offensive weapons following a 'stop and search' by officers in Newport, where a substantial amount of weapons were located, including several locking knives, throwing stars, axes and machetes. The items were seized and the individual arrested has since been interviewed and released under investigation whilst enquires are ongoing.

Another, saw local officers patrolling in the Rugby Road area of Newport where they conducted a stop and search, leading to the discovery of a large Cannabis cultivation, which is believed to be worth tens of thousands of pounds. Cash was also located including other apparatus and drug paraphernalia. A man from the Newport area was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the cultivation of cannabis and has since been released under investigation.

Operational Support, Superintendent Glyn Fernquest who led the operation for Gwent said: "We've had some fantastic results, this week of action may have finished however, our work has only just started. We will continue with activity and enforcement, as well as engagement and education to ensure we have a fully comprehensive approach to tackle this criminality. The results we have seen across Gwent have been very encouraging along with the support from our communities. The dedication of our officers and staff throughout this operation has been outstanding, and I want to thank them for their efforts. If you carry a knife, whether for so-called 'self-defence' or for 'status' please be assured we will stop you, we will search you and we will seize the weapon and deal with you proportionately through the criminal justice system. For every knife handed in or seized is another off our streets that could potentially cause harm or even take a life."

Police cadets tried to purchase knives from 23 retail stores in Gwent, 6 failed and sold knives to the underage volunteer. They have since been advised of additional requirements for training at the point of sale, as selling to under 18s can result in up to six months in prison and a fine.

Five knives were handed in at Monmouth, 17 in Abergavenny and 4 at Chepstow police stations.