News Beat
Bolton police take part in Operation Spectre to tackle violent crime
Parks and open spaces which have been searched so far include those around the Halliwell area, and Rawsthorne Park on Boardman Street.
Officers say a knife was found on some grass near Brownlow Way and “has been recovered to prevent anyone, picking it up and using it”.
Areas in New Bury were also searched.
The weapons sweep is part of Operation Sceptre, a national operation to tackle knife and weapon crime.
READ MORE: Bolton police as Operation Sceptre launched to fight knife crime
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A spokesman for GMP Bolton said: “Sweeps like this will be taking place in numerous locations across the Bolton district this week to ensure no weapons have been concealed in public places, and prevent their potential use in violent crime.
“If you have concerns about someone you know who is carrying or hiding a knife, or if you are aware that knives are being concealed in your community or if you have concerns about someone you know who is carrying or hiding a knife, or if you are aware that knives are being concealed in your community, talk to us via LiveChat.
“Dial 999 in an emergency.”
Police officers also visited schools in Bolton to speak about crime, particularly knife crime using real-life scenarios, including how to avoid and de-escalate situations.
The spokesman added: “We will continue to work with and educate our young people on these important issues.”
Officers also visited local businesses to speak about the sale of knives
A spokesman said: “The Bolton North Neighbourhood Team has been visiting local businesses to raise awareness about the safe sale of knives.
“By carrying a knife, not only do you put yourself at risk of a serious or fatal injury, you could face a fine and prison – even if you don’t use it.
“Knives can be safely and anonymously deposited in amnesty bins across Greater Manchester.”
Since the beginning of the year, Greater Manchester Police (GMP)’s dedicated knife crime team Operation Venture have made 272 arrests, seized 91 weapons, conducted 22 disruption visits, seized 178 vehicles, and seized over £225K.
The team move across different hotspot areas all over Greater Manchester, strengthening resources in districts to tackle violent crime and are proactively looking to prevent, deter, reduce, and tackle knife crime head on, and at the root causes.
Their work feeds into the Greater Manchester Violence Reduction Unit, a multi-agency team that seeks to prevent violence by addressing the underlying causes.
This work will continue alongside district activity, including the knife sweeps, amnesty bins, school visits and test purchasing, as part of Sceptre, a national week of intensification to tackle knife crime.
Across Greater Manchester, officers will be undertaking a range of operational activity to target offenders as well as highlighting the risks and consequences of carrying a knife.
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Dedicated knife crime team sees 272 arrests, £225k cash, 178 vehicles and 91 weapons seized in 2025 as Sceptre launches
Superintendent Richard Thompson, who leads GMP’s response to knife crime and serious violence said: “Sceptre is a week of intensification across the country as forces look to tackle the threat of knife crime and serious violence. Within Greater Manchester our dedicated team Operation Venture was set up in 2022 to answer this threat. They are specially selected and ring-fenced to respond to serious violence, working across Greater Manchester helping to detect and deter violent crime.
“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.
“During Sceptre, we will be continuing our focus tackling key hotspot areas of concern as well as providing support to our district teams and reassurance to the community. A key focus will also be working with retailers to ensure they are following Challenge 25 policies and doing everything they can to stop knives falling into the wrong hands.
“We also rely on intelligence from our communities – we have had numerous pieces of intelligence given to us which helps us to understand our hotspot areas and ensure our teams are tackling the concerns and issues that matter to you. I would encourage anyone who has information relating to knife crime and serious violence to speak out. You can do it to ourselves or anonymously through CrimeStoppers.
“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: “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.”
Young people can also pass on information anonymously to Fearless, part of Crimestoppers, by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting fearless.org. There is also lots of help and support available on their website.
