Commissioner Praises Strong Lancashire Response During Sceptre Week

Held twice a year, Sceptre brings together policing, education, health, local authorities, and community organisations to reduce the harm caused by knives. Co-ordinated by Clive Grunshaw’s Lancashire Violence Reduction Network (VRN), this year’s activity saw wide-ranging enforcement, education, and engagement efforts delivered across communities.

To highlight the devastating impact of knife crime, Deputy PCC Kimberley Whitehead shared her personal experience of losing her brother, speaking powerfully about the lasting impact on her life and family.

As part of enforcement activity, police and Trading Standards officers worked alongside cadet volunteers to carry out test purchases at 79 retailers across Lancashire to ensure compliance with legislation on knife sales. Fourteen premises failed the checks. In Burnley, where the Deputy PCC took part in the operation, one in six retailers tested did not meet legal requirements. Lancashire Council Council’s Trading Standards team will be working directly with the store as a result.

Education remained a key focus throughout the week. Police officers delivered 55 sessions in schools, helping young people understand the dangers and consequences of carrying a knife. The VRN’s Champions programme also delivered knife safety sessions and hosted events across eight Football Community Trust areas.

Supporting this work, Commissioner Grunshaw attended and opened a Champions event in Morecambe, which brought together local young people with police, NHS professionals and a spoken-word artist to encourage open conversations around violence and its impact.

The Commissioner also announced new investment through the VRN, with £10,000 allocated to support Emergency Department Navigators in delivering ‘Knife Savers’ training. This initiative equips young people with potentially life-saving skills to respond to serious injuries.

In addition, since November 2025, more than 2,600 knives have been removed from Lancashire’s streets through knife bins across the county.

Throughout the week, targeted messaging was delivered to encourage young people to report knife crime concerns through Crimestoppers and Fearless.

Following the week, Commissioner Clive Grunshaw said:

“No one should have to live in fear of dangerous weapons in their community. Education about the risks and realities of carrying a knife, combined with strong enforcement against those who break the law and endanger others, is essential.

“I commend everyone involved for their continued efforts to remove knives from our streets and keep our communities safe. I would particularly like to thank my Deputy PCC, Kimberley Whitehead, for bravely sharing her personal story and highlighting the profound impact knife crime can have on families.

“I would encourage anyone who has information or concerns to come forward and report either to the police or anonymously via CrimeStoppers. As Police and Crime Commissioner, I will continue to support the Violence Reduction Network as it works with partners to take meaningful action to prevent and reduce serious violence.”

Chief Inspector Gemma Barr, Operational Lead for the VRN said:

“Sceptre Week provides a valuable opportunity to showcase the work taking place across Lancashire, but it represents just one week of activity in a year-round effort.

“The Violence Reduction Network and our partners are committed to preventing violence, supporting young people and reducing the risks associated with knife crime every single day. By combining early intervention, education and robust enforcement, we can address both the causes and consequences of violence.

“However, we cannot do this alone. We encourage parents, carers and communities to stay engaged, have conversations, and support the collective work to keep young people safe.”

Any concerns related to knife crime can be reported to Lancashire Police via 101 or online. To report anonymously head to crimestoppers-uk.org or call 0800 555 111. In an emergency always call 999.