Knife crime awareness week begins across Hampshire
Police are launching a week of action to tackle knife crime with patrols, school visits, weapon sweeps and surrender bins
A national week of action to tackle knife crime has started across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, running until Sunday 25 May.
Known as Operation Sceptre, the week will involve police carrying out extra patrols in hotspot areas, conducting weapons sweeps, visiting schools and colleges to educate young people, and staffing knife arches to detect and deter knife-carrying.
People are also being encouraged to hand in any knives or bladed articles at surrender bins across the region, which are available all year round.
Inspector Michael Minnock, Tactical Lead for Knife Crime at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, said: “Sceptre is an opportunity to intensify our efforts to tackle knife crime and keep our communities safe, but it’s also a year-round priority for our Force as we consistently work to disrupt and reduce serious violence.
“Policing alone cannot solve the complex issue of knife crime. That’s why we work closely with our partners across education, health, and community services – collaboration that is crucial to our collective efforts.”
Police will also be carrying out spot checks on knife retailers and promoting knife surrender bins as part of their activities.
Inspector Minnock added: “We understand it can be worrying to hear about people being injured or killed by knives, but carrying a knife yourself puts you at greater risk. It’s important we all remember that very few people do carry knives, but, sadly, some people think it’s acceptable to and it’s important we challenge that behaviour. If someone you know is carrying a knife you must report it for everyone’s safety.”
Knife crime and offences involving bladed articles in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight have fallen by 19% since 2022, according to police, which they say is one of the largest reductions in the country.
The Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, Donna Jones, said: “Knife crime remains a serious concern across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight with many young people saying they carry a knife because they don’t feel safe without one, while in truth it actually puts them at greater risk of being involved in serious violence.
“Sceptre is an important week to tackle knife crime, reduce the number of incidents and get to the root causes of it along with educating parents about the risks of gang culture.”
She added: “The work we have already done has seen Hampshire and the Isle of Wight with one of the largest reductions in the number of incidents involving knife crime across the country, but the pressures on young people today are greater than ever, not least with them being exposed to harmful content online.”
Support is available through the Ben Kinsella Trust. To report non-urgent concerns, call police on 101 and ask for your local neighbourhood team. In an emergency, always call 999.
Concerns about unsafe areas can be reported anonymously through the StreetSafe tool. Anonymous information can also be passed to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.