900 offensive weapons taken off the streets of Hampshire
Officers made 19 arrests for knife-related offences and removed a total of 890 knives from the streets during Operation Sceptre
Last updated 3rd Jun 2025
During a week of action tackling knife crime, Hampshire Police have seen almost 900 offensive weapons removed from our streets.
Officers made 19 arrests for knife-related offences and removed a total of 890 knives from the streets during Operation Sceptre.
Throughout the week the force carried out extensive activities, executed a weapons-related warrant, conducted Section 18 premise searches, seized 10 knives and recovered other offensive weapons including a knuckle duster, BB guns and an axe.
A variety of other tactics were used by the force; including weapons sweeps, engagement with schools and local communities, knife arches in public places, and knife surrender bins for the public to hand over any bladed weapons.
Forming a significant part of the week of action were 320 community engagement activities. These were aimed at helping young people to move away from violence and involvement in gang activity and educate the wider community on risks and consequences of knife crime and providing reassurance and advice towards building community resilience.
The week also focused on education and engagement with members of the public and retailers who sell knives. Police officers visited 11 schools and delivered workshops to around 5,000 students.
Neighbourhood and Licencing officers carried out spot checks and spoke to shop staff about the sale of knives. Out of the 25 test purchases made at businesses 28 per cent resulted in failure. Retailers which fail test purchases are given education and advice about the regulations when selling knives, or prosecuted in some circumstances.
Meaningful
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary’s tactical lead for knife crime, Inspector Mike Minnock, said: “This week of action has seen really positive results that are a direct cause of meaningful action – from engagement with young people, to strong collaboration with our partners and a shared commitment to making our streets safer. It’s only by working together that we can create lasting change and protect our communities because policing cannot do it alone.
“The majority of retailers are working with us to ensure dangerous weapons don’t end up in the wrong hands and prevent the sale of knives to young people. There is still work to be done and we are committed to cracking down on those that continue to break the law.
“It’s also very positive to have met with so many members of the community, and it’s clear we all have the same determination to tackle knife crime. Over the last three years, we are continuing to see a 22.4% reduction in serious offences involving a knife across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, which isn’t the same in other parts of the country.
Whilst that is only a statistic – we know, feel and see first-hand the tragic consequences and far reaching impact that knife crime has on individuals, families and communities. This Force is committed to make our streets safer and to build brighter futures for all
“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.”