A SOUTH Yorkshire-wide clampdown on knife crime has been undertaken by police in Barnsley.

As part of a national scheme, dubbed Operation Sceptre, covert and overt operations and high visibility policing took place for the week-long project.

There has also been a range of engagement activity taking place with Barnsley’s four neighbourhood teams - based in the town centre, Goldthorpe, Kendray and Royston - holding events in areas identified as being of concern and speaking with young people to raise awareness of the consequences, and how becoming involved can potentially have a detrimental impact on the rest of their lives.

During last Wednesday’s Operation Duxford - which ran alongside Sceptre more than 150 officers flooded Barnsley’s streets and four knives were seized during raids on Milgate Street, Royston.

Det Supt Una Jennings said: “The consequences of carrying a knife or bladed weapon will only ever lead to a devastating and destructive impact on someone’s life.

“People run the risk of up to four years in prison just for possession. If the knife is used and it fatally injures someone, you could receive a life sentence behind bars or, you could be the fatally injured person, and leave your family and loved ones distraught and heartbroken.”