by Alan Quick

DRIVER THANKED FOR SWERVING IN FRONT OF SUSPECT TO AID POLICETWO 15-year-olds have been arrested in Crediton for knife-related crime in the town.

Devon and Cornwall Police Sgt Harry Tangye, reported on social media "Twitter" this afternoon, Sunday, November 5: "Two 15-year-olds arrested by Armed Response officers with these knives walking down the street.

"They had threatened others with these in Crediton."

He added a picture of the knives next to his police radio and another close-up of one blade with a serrated edge.

He added that the police log reference was incident number 368.

Sgt Tangye later added: "Officers running after the offenders would like to thank the driver of a blue estate who swerved in front of the suspect to allow capture."Devon and Cornwall Police run regular "Bin the Knife" campaigns.

In July the force supported Operation Sceptre, a Home Office instigated week of action aimed at detecting knife related crime, increasing intelligence, community engagement and public reassurance, the main part of which is a knife amnesty.

Members of the public could dispose of unwanted bladed items, without fear of prosecution.

More than 200 knives were collected including zombie knives (long knives with serrated edges), swords, kitchen knives and unwanted collectibles.

Collection bins were available at many police enquiry offices.

When the amnesty was announced, Chief Superintendent David Thorne, said: “This amnesty is for any kind of knife or bladed item that could be used as a weapon. If you possess a knife that has no legitimate use in your home, hobby or profession, please use this opportunity to get rid of it, otherwise it is potentially dangerous to you and others.

“There is no reason for anyone to carry a knife in public. Someone carrying a knife is much more likely to get stabbed themselves as situations which involve weapons can quickly get out of control.

"The messages are clear: There is no excuse for carrying a knife, and getting any unwanted ones out of circulation is important in helping to protect our communities, so bin the knife."

Operation Spectre is now held each July.

Devon and Cornwall Police warns: "If someone is caught with a knife without good reason they will be arrested and prosecuted.  Self-protection is not considered a reasonable excuse for carrying an offensive weapon."