A KNIFE amnesty and pop-up police stations are being introduced as part of a new police operation following the death of Keagan Crimes.

The 27-year-old and two other men were seriously injured in an incident in Cheviot Square, Winsford, on Sunday, October 11.

Local police officers want to reassure the local community after anxious residents have raised a number of issues.

Sergeant Danny Haddock, who is leading the new operation, said: "Having been based in Winsford for more than 12 years I know the community well and I know how committed local residents are in wanting to keep the area safe.

“Understandably, recent events have caused concern in the local community and we want to reassure residents that, in the case of Keagan’s death, it appears that this was not a random attack and many of those involved were known to each other, although we don’t believe that Keagan was targeted specifically.

Northwich Guardian:

Police do not believe that the death of Keagan Crimes was random attack

“It’s also important to remember that knife crime is not an issue that is unique to Winsford and it is worth noting that Cheshire has one of the lowest number of knife crime incidents in the country.

“However, just one knife in the community is one too many, and I appreciate the impact any incident involving a knife will have. This is why the local policing team is committed to working alongside local residents to help remove knives from our streets.

“Over the coming weeks we will be carrying out a number of proactive operations within the community to help reduce knife crime and address some of the concerns which have been raised by residents.”

Extra officers will be patrolling the Over estate, starting on Monday, and a socially distanced pop-up police station will be opened in Cheviot Square.

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Residents are urged to come along and meet their local officers and raise any concerns they may have. There will also be pop-up stations on Wednesday, October 28 and Friday, October 30.

A partnership community walk will take place on Tuesday, October 27, when Chief Inspector Gary Smith and other local officers, will be out and about in the Over area engaging with local residents.

Local police community support officers and representatives from Weaver Vale Housing Trust, Cheshire West and Chester Council and Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service will join them.

A community knife sweep will take place on Thursday, October 29.

CI Smith, who is in charge of policing in Northwich, added: “I know that recent incidents have caused concern in the local community and I want to reassure residents that my team are committed to doing all they can to tackle crime in the area and keep residents safe.

“My officers are working hard with our partners to educate the public and young people about the dangers of carrying knives.

“However, the police cannot achieve this alone and it is an issue that cannot be solved without the support of the public.

“If you have any information regarding knife crime or those who carry weapons please let us know. If you know someone who carries a knife then reporting it to the police could be enough to save a life.”

Knife surrender bins are now available at Winsford and Northwich Police Stations, where residents can safely dispose of any unwanted knives to ensure they never get into the wrong hands.

Local officers are also working with partner agencies, including Trading Standards, to speak to shop owners about the Challenge 25 scheme to stop the sale of knives to under 18s.

A video has also been produced about the dangers of knives which will be shown in local high schools across the area.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire David Keane said: “My deepest condolences go to Keagan’s family and friends who have been left deeply shocked by his death.

“We can never underestimate the impact that knife crime has on our communities and as Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire I am committed to working with all of our communities to tackle this issue.

“I hope that residents feel assured by the positive action taking place in Winsford and I’m pleased to see that a lot of effort has been going into educating our young people about this issue. It is vital that we make every effort to remove knives from our streets and I will work closely with the community in to provide any support that I can.”

To report any type of crime involving weapons call Cheshire Constabulary on 101, or 999 in an emergency. Information can also be passed to the force online via https://www.cheshire.police.uk/ro/report .

Anyone who knows someone that carries a knife can report it to Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously.