Police officers will conduct weapons sweeps in Salford to locate discarded or hidden blades in support of a national initiative to tackle knife crime.
Officers will carry out underwater sweeps of the Bridgewater Canal this week to detect any weapons in the waterway.
Police will also deploy walk-through metal detectors to reveal concealed weapons and will visit knife retailers.
Their clampdown on knife crime in Salford and Greater Manchester is part of Operation Sceptre, a national initiative which runs until 24 May.
Detective Superintendent Richard Thompson said: “Knife crime causes significant misery within communities, and we understand and share the concern of residents who are fearful of the harm knives cause.
“We have made significant progress in tackling knife crime, but we appreciate there is more to be done. While crimes involving knives have reduced, one life lost to knife crime is one too many, and I’d like to reassure communities that we will not stop in our fight against this dreadful crime.”
Greater Manchester police noted that Knife crime reduced by 16.3% in the year up to March 2026.
Deputy Mayor of Safer and Stronger Communities, Kate Green, said: “It’s encouraging to see knife crime continuing to fall across Greater Manchester, but we know the devastating impact these offences still have on victims, families and communities.”
“We are continuing to work closely with Greater Manchester Police, youth services, schools and community organisations to prevent young people from being drawn into violence.
“Sceptre is an important opportunity to engage directly with communities and raise awareness, while supporting the ongoing work taking place every day across Greater Manchester to tackle the root causes of knife crime through strong enforcement, early intervention and support.”
Greater Manchester Police’s involvement in Operation Sceptre began on Monday when the force hosted a question and answer session with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Oasis Navigators, CPS and StreetDoctors about knife crime.
Members of the public can still access the questions posted using the following link: Knife Crime Q&A – Monday 18 May.
