"Shocking" figures show how offences involving carrying a weapon are "out of control" in Merseyside.
Freedom of Information data obtained by the ECHO shows the sheer number of crimes reported to Merseyside Police that have involved a bladed article.
Last year saw a total of 1,461 crimes reported to the force involving a blade, of which 171 were reported in October alone.
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In the same year, Merseyside Police confirmed 1,643 bladed articles were seized by officers, but the force saw a 41.4% decrease in hospital admissions linked to a knife or sharp object in those aged under 25.
However, incidents involving bladed articles do not necessarily mean stabbings, they can include incidents when someone has made threats referencing a bladed article as well as incidents involving anything that could pierce the skin.
Campaign groups across the region have been working tirelessly to educate the younger generation on the heartbreaking consequences carrying a weapon can have.
Adam Ellison was stabbed in Market Place, Prescot, on November 4, 2017 following an altercation with two men who were on a scrambler bike, he was stabbed in the neck.
Family and friends have pledged to never give up fighting for justice for their "beautiful Adam" and, as a result, the Adam Foundation was born.
They have also been visiting schools in Knowsley in a bid to educate youngsters on the seriousness of carrying a weapon and the possible consequences for not only the victim and the offender, but for their loved ones also.
Adam's childhood friend and foundation committee member, Mollie Swadkins, told the ECHO these latest numbers were "appalling" and "out of control".
She said: "When you see the numbers laid bare it is a shock. It highlights the message that education is key and the important work of the Adam Foundation and other foundations.
"As much as those figures are shocking, we need to have that awareness and there needs to be that push to have organisations like us going into schools.
"Children need to know from a young age. We've been visiting years five and six and they don't know the real risks of carrying a weapon.
"Most say they carry a weapon for protection. We need to educate parents as well. They need to be aware children have that belief. We all have a part to play as it's getting out of control.
"These numbers are just one region, it speaks volumes.
"The ripple effects of a crime are devastating. There's no going back and it's appalling. It's not just the victim but family and friends impacted, the community.
"Adam was killed in Prescot and Prescot really pulled together. It was such a shock for the whole community."
The FOI data shows in 2021, October saw the highest number of crimes reported involving a bladed article, close behind was November with 154, and then December with 145.
In terms of weapons seized by officers, September was the month with the highest number of bladed articles seized with 168, followed by October with 165 and then May with 164.
The month with the lowest was January with 98 bladed articles seized followed by February with 103 and March with 114.
The ECHO also asked for the top five areas in Merseyside that involved the most crimes involving a bladed article in 2021.
These included the city centre, Vauxhall, Everton and Anfield, Kensington and Clubmoor, Birkenhead and Bootle.
Chief Inspector Phil Mullaly said tackling knife crime is a "key priority" and officers carry out work 365 days a year to bring offenders to justice.
He added: "We know all too well the devastating consequence of carrying a knife. In attending incidents where victims have been hurt or even killed, and seeing the pain and grief this leaves family and friends with, our officers are as determined as anyone to make sure the people of Merseyside are protected from this scourge, and further incidents stopped from happening.
“Not only do the victims suffer, but you are more likely to become a victim of knife crime yourself if you carry a knife, as well as risking losing your liberty, seeing future job prospects ruined and your family left counting the cost."
"Operations are carried out where there could be problems and they have a range of tools to root out offenders including open land searches, high visibility and plain clothed patrols, weapon sweeps as well as working with partners, schools and youth clubs."
There were 95 fewer offences reported involving a bladed article in 2021 (1,461) compared with 2019 (1,556), representing a 6% decrease.
In July 2021, new legislation came into force under the Offensive Weapons Act 2019 making it an offence to possess weapons such as flick knives and zombie knives in a private place.
Chief Inspector Phil Mullaly said: "As we should all now be aware, knives can be incredibly dangerous and it is important that we all work together to help young people understand the dangers and long term consequences of carrying or using a knife."
As well as visiting schools to deliver the To The Edge awareness programme, police aim to provide youngsters with advice and support to seek more positive futures.
The collaborative BladeFree campaign provides a hub for young people in their area offering alternatives to crime, in which volunteers can get involved.
Colleagues at the Merseyside Violence Reduction Partnership also aim to prevent people from picking up a bladed article in the first place, educating young people and ultimately sparing families the trauma of seeing their loved one hurt.
Chief Inspector Mullaly said: “With our continued determination together with support from the public, I have no doubt that we can make further changes for the better in our communities to ensure the safety of everyone in Merseyside."
Anyone with concerns can report to Merseyside Police or via CrimeStoppersUK on 0800 555 111, or the Fearless campaign website.
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