IN A BID to tackle knife crime and violence, Hampshire police are intensifying its efforts in a national campaign. 

A week of action known as Operation Sceptre has launched this week. 

Starting on Monday, May 15 and ending on Sunday, May 21, the campaign aims to make streets safer in Hampshire as officers lead activities to protect, prevent and educate. 

Officers will be carrying out patrols, knife sweeps, engagement sessions, and educating businesses on the ‘Challenge 25 ID’ approach.

The aim of this activity is to implement early intervention to prevent young people from becoming involved in violent crimes, by working with businesses, charities, organisations and schools.

READ MORE: Foster Care Fortnight: How Hampshire residents can get involved

As part of the operation, people are being encouraged to leave unwanted knives in surrender bins at police station front counters, including: 

  • Andover Police Station
  • Aldershot Police Station
  • Totland Close, Farnborough 
  • Havant Police Station (between May 15 and 17,  8am – 8pm only)
  • Newport Police Station, Isle of Wight
  • Southampton Central Police Station
  • The Northern Police Investigation Centre, Basingstoke
  • The Tythings, Yateley

Inspector Sarah Nicholson, knife crime tactical lead, said: “Knife crime continues to be an issue that is destructive to communities and families, not only in our counties but across the country. 

"Many young people carry a knife out of fear they might be harmed or because they’re being pressured too, but what they don’t realise is that they are then at a greater risk of being injured or killed themselves, even if they’re the ones carrying the knife. Our main overlying objectives are to protect the public and communities and prevent knife crime."

Throughout this week, Hampshire police will be working alongside the Violence Reduction Units, including health and charities funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commission to aid prevention and engagement in knife crime. 

SEE ALSO: Hampshire hospital staff assaulted more than 300 times in 2022 alone

Donna Jones, Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, said: “Knife crime and associated serious harm has a devastating impact on families and communities and as Commissioner I’m committed to tackling knife crime with a zero-tolerance approach."

If you or someone you care about is concerned and is hiding or carrying a knife call the Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 55 111.

For more information, go to fearless.org/en/give-info.