Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have made 272 arrests since the start of the year as part of a knife crime operation.

Named 'Operation Venture', it aims to tackle knife crime by deploying to hotspots to prevent, deter, and reduce knife crime.

In addition to the arrests, police also seized 91 weapons, conducted 22 disruption visits, seized 178 vehicles, and seized over £225k.

And GMP will be intensifying its knife crime operation throughout this week with the launch of Operation Sceptre, a national week of intensification to tackle knife crime.

Operation Sceptre will include more police activity around Stockport and Greater Manchester, and there will also be talks showcasing the risks and consequences of carrying a knife.

Officers will also be working with local businesses to ensure they are following Challenge 25 policies for those buying knives.

Police officers across Stockport and Greater Manchester will continue to clamp down on knife crime (Image - GMP)

Superintendent Richard Thompson, who leads GMP's response to knife crime and serious violence said: "Knife crime has no place in our communities and on our streets.

"We know how devastating the impact knife crime can cause on families, and the wider community which is why the Operation Venture team have so far dedicated over 12,000 hours since the beginning of the year to tackle this head on.

"We are committed to tackling knife crime head on, and with your support we can continue to arrest people, take weapons off the streets and keep people safe."

Kate Green, Deputy Mayor of policing, crime, criminal justice, and fire, said: "Operation Venture has a huge impact in terms of reducing knife crime and serious incidents across Greater Manchester by proactively patrolling violence hotspots and using intelligence to take knives and weapons off our streets, making our communities safer.

"To support this work, our Violence Reduction Unit is working with partners to educate people about the dangers of carrying weapons and the penalties for doing so, along with prevention work to provide positive activities and support for young people and families where it is needed.

"Collectively, we will continue to address the root causes of violence in our communities and help make them safer and more resilient, and our city-region the best place for young people to live well."

Residents are also encouraged to report any concerns to police via LiveChat at www.gmp.police.uk, or by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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