IN A week-long national campaign, Hampshire police intensified their efforts to tackle knife crime.

From May 15 to May 21, as a part of Operation Sceptre, police officers joined forces with partners, schools and organisations in a bid to make streets across the county safer. 

Police focused their efforts on pursuing criminals known to carry offensive weapons but also on the prevention and education of young people about the dangers of carrying a weapon.

Throughout the week, 123 knives were disposed of across the force region by members of the public using the knife surrender bins that were installed in 16 locations. 

There was also an increase in stop searches, from 63 to 142, compared to Op Sceptre last November, with 14 knives recovered and 17 arrests, as part of targeted patrols and intelligence-led policing.

Operations using knife arches were carried out in four of the districts. These were used as a visual deterrent and to engage with the community.

At the University of Winchester, in a joint operation with the university’s security, 743 people went through the arch.

Inspector Sarah Nicholson, knife crime tactical lead for Hampshire, said: “The operation has been a huge success with some excellent results and community engagement to prevent knife crime has been carried out in every District. 

“We’ve also been working very closely with the charity, Fearless, which has been an excellent support in engaging and educating young people about the dangers and ramifications of knife crime. 

“Knife crime will continue to be a priority for us, beyond the national week of action, to ensure people feel safe in their communities. We will continue to work with partners and will relentlessly pursue criminals who choose to carry a knife and be involved in criminal activity."

Inspector Nicholson thanked all of the partners who worked alongside the police to make the operation a success. 

Officers from Test Valley collaborated with Andover charity, Yellow Brick Road, who provided a guest speaker whose lived experience involved knife crime and being part of a gang.

Donna Jones, Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Hampshire said: “Operation Sceptre has helped make our communities safer because each knife taken off our streets is a potential life saved.

“I have been so pleased to see the results from this intensified week of action from engaging with young people to proactive patrols, and I will continue to do everything I can to ensure the force is equipped to tackle knife crime and serious violence."