Latest news with #SgtMickJohnson
BBC News
3 days ago
- General
- BBC News
More than 1,100 knives seized in week-long Lancashire crackdown
More than 1,100 knives were recovered in a week-long initiative to tackle knife in parts of 1,173 knives were taken off the streets in an operation officers hailed as yielding "good results" in the east of the scheme, called Sceptre Week, targeted people who carry dangerous weapons on the streets and aimed to raise awareness of the consequences, while also engaging with schools and Mick Johnson said: "There is nothing good that can come from carrying a knife. They are dangerous, and by carrying one, you put yourself at greater risk of harm." Swords, cleavers and a variety of knives were collected when officers emptied six knife amnesty bins. Police also carried out test purchases to check if shopkeepers were complying with legislation, and 217 street searches took also visited schools to give a range of talks. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
BBC News
19-05-2025
- BBC News
Blackburn apprentices make bench out of surrendered knives
A bench made by engineering apprentices from knives surrendered in a weapons amnesty has been installed as part of efforts to raise awareness about the impact of knife "swords-into-plowshares" artefact at Blackburn Cathedral was created using 127 knives collected from surrender bins. They were converted into the bench by apprentices at a local engineering company, WEC Group large bench is being used as a major exhibit in the city as part of Knife Crime Awareness Mick Johnson, from Lancashire Police, said: "Turning something as dangerous as a knife into a place for reflection has been a really moving experience for all involved." 'Patchwork of blades' The young apprentices led the design and manufacturing Group academy manager Kris Mercer said the group had been exploring "the realities of knife crime, both nationally and within our own communities here in Lancashire".He added: "Rather than just talking about the issue, our apprentices took meaningful action. "They designed and built a powerful piece - a bench constructed from a patchwork of surrendered knives and swords."Sgt Johnson added: "These knives represent choices that could have led to tragedy. Instead, they are now a place where people can stop, think, and remember the impact these weapons have. "Having young apprentices involved in the build was a deliberate choice."It is important young people don't just hear about knife crime – they are part of the solution." Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on BBC Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer.
