More than a dozen people were arrested in Southampton as part of a week-long campaign against drug-related knife crime.

Since Monday, four addresses have been searched and 15 stop and searches were carried out as part of the operation, resulting in 13 people being arrested.

Scott McCleary, who was one of the people arrested, was convicted of four thefts before being jailed for four weeks. The 41-year-old, of Millbrook Road West, Southampton appeared at Southampton Magistrates’ Court, on Wednesday, where he was also ordered to pay a £400 fine.

A 35-year-old man and a 44-year-old man, both from Southampton, were also arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs. They were both released but remain under investigation.

A 15-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl, both from Essex, were among those arrested also, on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs and possession of an offensive weapon. The 15-year-old boy has been released but remains under investigation and the 16-year-old remains in custody at this time.

Officers also arrested a 32-year-old man, from London, on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs and possession of an offensive weapon. He was later released but remains under investigation.

A 16-year-old man and a 20-year-old man, also from London, were arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs. They were later released but remain under investigation.

The campaign is part of Operation Sceptre which aims to take knives off the streets and educate people about the dangerous consequences of carrying such weapons.

People are also being encouraged to dispose of their bladed articles safely and without fear of repercussions in knife amnesty bins, at the Southampton Central and Portswood police station.

Sergeant Charlie Ilderton said tackling violent crime was a priority for them.

He added: “Residents within the community would have seen our teams carrying out these warrants and patrols and we hope that this comes as some reassurance to them and shows that we are taking action and we do take crime of this nature very seriously.

“We know people carry knives for many reasons including fear, or because they think it will protect them.  However, in reality carrying a knife puts them at greater risk of being seriously injured or killed, not to mention being arrested for possession of a bladed article.

“This amnesty is your chance to hand unlawful weapons in and walk away without prosecution and be free from the fear you could be putting yours and your loved ones lives at risk.”