Nine knives were discovered during a weapon sweep in Watford earlier this month.

Police have been clamping down on knife crime by carrying out a number of operations in Hertfordshire to reduce the number of knives in the county.

During one week in November, 168 knives were recovered, including 27 in Watford and 38 in Hertsmere - with a temporary knife bin brought into Hertsmere to allow the public to surrender any knives.

On top of the 27 knives already recovered in Watford, nine knives were found by officers searching the town specifically for knives and other weapons

Other ways of recovering knives included stop-and-search.

Fourteen schools were visited across the county to engage with youngsters, while shops were visited to ensure knives were not being sold to underage customers.

Knife detection operations, including undercover patrols in crime hotspots, were also carried out.

There was also a social media campaign aimed at young people.

The week of action was held as part of Operation Sceptre, a national knife crime campaign.

Inspector Nicola Dean, from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s crime reduction unit, said: "These weeks of action support the other work we are doing throughout the year in schools, colleges and through our other projects, working with young people.

"As part of this strategy we are working with our partners in education, local government and social services to educate young people about the potential consequences of carrying a knife."

Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire, David Lloyd, added: "Although the risk of harm is very low in Hertfordshire we are not immune from national crime trends.

"Knife crime and serious youth violence has been a top priority for the Constabulary and partner agencies for several years. Progress has been made but the war is not won.

"Now, through our serious violence strategy, we have a better understanding of what works so everyone can focus on those areas."