Over 2,000 knives collected from amnesty bins in Bedfordshire
It follows a national week of action, Operation Sceptre
Bedfordshire Police have gathered more than 2,000 knives in the last six months as part of a county-wide effort to combat knife crime.
The knives were collected from 11 amnesty bins across Bedfordshire since November 2025.
It follows Operation Sceptre, which is a national week of action, running from 18th to 24th May, to address knife crime and serious violence through prevention, education, and community engagement.
During the week, seven people were arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon, and one individual has been charged over the weekend in connection with a stabbing in Westbourne Road, Luton.
Live Facial Recognition technology has also been used by officers to help identifying individuals associated with knife carrying, while they conducted targeted visits to those suspected of gang activity.
Superintendent Tom Stean, Bedfordshire Police’s lead for knife crime and the national lead for Sceptre, said: “Enforcement will always remain a key part of our response to knife crime.”
“But enforcement alone isn’t enough - prevention, education and partnership working are critical in reducing harm and creating lasting change.”, he adds.
“While we are currently seeing lower levels of knife crime compared to previous years, two recent stabbings have been a stark reminder that the risk remains very real.
“We will continue to speak openly about the risks and realities of knife crime, and encourage anyone with information to come forward - whether about these specific incidents or wider concerns around knife crime and exploitation.
“Exploitation too often thrives in silence. By having open conversations within our communities, schools and families, we can recognise the warning signs early, support those most at risk and intervene before situations escalate.
“Our message to young people remains clear – carrying a knife will only ever put you and others in danger. There is always another choice and support available to help you to ‘Just Drop It’.”
Bedfordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner John Tizard added: “Knife crime remains a major challenge. We must continue to enforce the law and take knives and those intent on doing harm with them off the streets.
“We must also take action to prevent knife crime through education and early intervention, and I am pleased to support the great work with children and young people being done by the police, the Bedfordshire Violence and Exploitation Prevention Partnership (VEPP) and others.
“We must call on the government to further outlaw the sale of dangerous weapons.”