TEN knives and a large stash of drugs were taken off Crewe's streets during a month of action by police.

The weapons and drug haul was part of a series of initiatives by Crewe's Problem Solving Team during September to tackle knife crime in the town.

Working in collaboration with partner agencies, officers carried out targeted activities across the town ranging from weapons sweeps to executing drugs warrants.

Cheshire Police says a "vast amount" of drugs, weapons and cash were seized after one raid in Crewe's West End.

Four knife sweeps were conducted in various areas with numerous weapons being recovered.

And more than 30 people were stopped and searched and significant quantities of illegal drugs were seized as part of two operations held in conjunction with British Transport Police's County Lines Taskforce.

PCs Michelle Prout and Tom Towe, of Crewe's Problem Solving Team, said: "The month of action was set up as part of an ongoing operation to tackle knife crime in Crewe and understand its causes involving young members of our communities.

"We challenge and endeavour to deter those who engage in this type of criminality, through proactive policing activities.

"We work alongside various partner agencies in a bid to stamp out knife crime, and the month of action was really positive in terms of making arrests, protecting vulnerable people and seizing drugs, cash and weapons.

"Ten knives were seized and we are delighted with the results and the positive impact our activities have had on our communities in Crewe.

Crewe's Problem Solving Team was set up a year ago to combat persistent offenders, protect vulnerable people and reduce the demand on the police and other agencies in terms of dealing with repeat offenders,

For the September initiative, officers received help from Crewe Town Council, local schools and a charity run by resident Rachel Dyer.

Sergeant Craig Hodson, who is also a member of the team, said: "The month of action was an extension of the relentless work we carry out as part of our dedicated drive to reduce the impact of knife crime in our communities.

"The police cannot tackle knife crime alone – it is really important that we work closely with local partners including councils, schools and community members.

"We must continue to take this joined up approach to make our streets as safe as we can.

"It has been great to see the community involvement in our work so far and I thank all those who have volunteered their time for the cause."

Cheshire Police's knife crime lead, Chief Inspector. Sarah Heath, said: "Cheshire has a lower rate of knife crime than most other counties in England. We will continue to endeavour through education, awareness and action to make Cheshire a county in which no-one carries a knife or feels that there is a reason to do so."

David Keane, police and crime commissioner for Cheshire, added: "Carrying a knife doesn't make you safer, and the consequences can be devastating for all those involved.

"Cheshire Constabulary is doing all it can to reduce the number of dangerous weapons on our streets, and to educate people about the dangers of knife crime, and I urge anyone with information about those who carry such weapons to come forward in confidence and report it."

To report weapon crime call 101, or 999 in an emergency or information can also be passed to the force online here.

Anyone who knows someone that carries a knife can report it to Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

A knife crime prevention poster competition was held via social media during the month of action, with the winning entry to be displayed on a billboard in the centre of Crewe.