The Met has launched a week-long campaign to tackle knife crime.

The London-wide initiative, code-named Operation Sceptre, is in its fifth stage as police take to the streets today (June 20).

Weapon sweeps and intelligence-led stop and searches to tackle those specifically wanted in connection with knife-related offences and violent crime are expected to have a real impact, the Met has predicted.

During previous Sceptre stings, more than 3,700 weapon sweeps have been carried out, over 800 weapons have been recovered, hundreds of shops have been visited with Trading Standards to test whether knives are being sold to those aged under 18 and over 1,500 people have been arrested - including 243 for possessing a knife or an offensive weapon.

The number of young people injured by knives was up by 22 per cent in June last year but has been steadily decreasing, with 37 fewer victims compared with the previous 12 months.

Since last summer, Trident and local police gang crime units have been working with Neighbourhood officers, the Territorial Support Group and specialist search officers, to make nearly 16,000 arrests and seize 771 firearms and 3,377 knives.

Other officers from the Trident and Area Crime Command have been delivering educational presentations to young people in schools.

The package aims to make young people think about the decisions they make and the consequences of their actions - its aim is to deter youngsters from joining gangs and getting into a life of crime.

In the last 12 months, officers have delivered this talk to over 14,000 young people across London.

There are a number of knife bins across London and as part of the Met’s effort to take knives off the streets they are working with ‘Words 4 Weapons’ - a charity that has around 30 knife surrender bins located at various sites across London.

A map showing the location of knife bins across London is available by clicking here. 

Also available on the website is advice for those involved in knife crime or those concerned for somebody else, as well as having someone to talk to about the experiences of those affected by knife crime.

If you have information about anyone carrying or using knives please contact your local police or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.