Gloucestershire Police take battle against knife crime into schools
Extra patrols are being put on too as part of Operation Sceptre
Gloucestershire police are participating in Sceptre, a nationwide initiative to curtail knife crime and educate the public, particularly young people, about its dangers.
As part of the initiative, increased patrols will be conducted in targeted areas by officers and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs), complemented by knife sweeps to find hidden weapons.
Neighbourhood and Community Engagement Vehicles will be deployed across the county, offering advice and reassurance to the public.
Youth Engagement Officers are set to visit primary and secondary schools, discussing the real-life consequences of knife carrying.
Dedicated amnesty bins have been placed in various police stations for the safe disposal of knives or bladed articles.
Individuals are advised to wrap knives securely with newspaper or cardboard and seal it with sticky tape before using these bins.
The bins are located at police stations in Hester's Way, Cheltenham; Bearland, Gloucester; Stroud; Cirencester; and Coleford.
Chief Inspector James Wyatt, Crime Prevention Lead, emphasised the importance of a holistic approach to tackle knife crime, stating, “Policing uses a multifaceted approach to tackling knife crime including; stopping the sale and supply of knives solely intended to harm, understanding the drivers behind knife carrying, engaging with current and potential carriers, finding and seizing knives and supporting our communities to feel safe.
“Dealing with the accessibility of deadly and intimidating weapons is key and we are doing all we can to reduce how easily they can end up in the wrong hands and to educate young people about the devastating consequences which may come from carrying a knife.
“However, policing cannot tackle knife crime alone which is why we’re also working closely with a range of local and national partners to prevent knife crime, support young people and create safer communities.”