338 knives were seized and 20 knife-related arrests were made by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary during a recent week of action – Operation Sceptre.
Op Sceptre ran between 11th and 17th November with intensified police operational activity carried out to make communities safer from knife-related crimes. Tackling knife crime and serious violence is a key priority for the Force all year long, however, the week of action is an opportunity to intensify efforts.
The Force worked closely with its partners such as the Violence Reduction Unit (VRU), educational institutions, local authorities, charities, and youth workers to prevent young people from being drawn into knife crime.
Officers visited 47 schools across the districts with the aim to educate young people on the dangers of knife crime and prevent them from being drawn into serious violence.
Knife sweeps were carried out in open spaces across districts to clear them of any discarded or hidden knives. It is also an opportunity to engage with the public and to reassure them. A total of 8 knife sweeps were carried out through the week and as a result, 2 weapons were found.
Permanent knife surrender bins were made available at all front offices last year to provide a safe way for the public to anonymously dispose of any knives or offensive weapons. As part of this Op Sceptre, the knife surrender bins continue to be available to the public, including mobile surrender bins and collections were made by officers, leading to 319 weapons being handed over. A full list of permanent surrender bin locations can be found here.
Acting Inspector Christian Lavin, Tactical Lead for Knife Crime, said:
“Efforts have been intensified by officers across the Force during the Op Sceptre week to tackle knife crime in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, which have made a huge impact. We have worked closely with our partners to maximise opportunities to educate, engage, and prevent knife crime. It’s vital that we are being supported by our partners in health, social care, housing, education, and independent charities as police cannot do it solely by law enforcement alone.
Article continues below this advertisement “These figures can seem worrying, but year on year, we are taking more knives off the streets in our communities, which is making a difference as knife-related crimes reduced by 8.6% compared to the last four years.
“We will continue to robustly tackle knife crime with a zero-tolerance approach all year round with our partners to make our communities safer from serious violence. It’s important to remember that very few people carry knives, but if someone you know is carrying a knife you can report it to the police, speak to a trusted family member or teacher, or you can report it anonymously to Crimestoppers.”
To make a report to the police contact 101 or by giving that information anonymously through the independent charity, Crimestoppers or their under 18s service called Fearless, or by calling 0800 555 111.
Any parents and professionals concerned about knife crime in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight can visit Safe4Me for advice, help and support.
Instead of ‘a week of action’, how about the police do 52 weeks of action?
Impossible,the rozzer stations are only open 10 mins a week!
Didn’t stop me nearly getting stabbed, did it.
Police, what police?