Police launch major campaign to tackle knife crime across Swindon and Wiltshire
People can now hand in their blades anonymously
Last updated 15th May 2023
Wiltshire Police has revealed it has started two weeks of "intensified action," as it attempts to tackle knife crime across the county.
Over the next fortnight, officers will carry out various activities to crack down on the issue - as part of the nationwide Operation Sceptre.
This includes carrying out test purchases in shops and working with young people to dispel myths around knives.
Surrender bins have also been installed at various locations, where anyone can hand in bladed weapons anonymously. People won't be prosecuted for doing so.
'The dangers of carrying a knife cannot be over emphasised'
Wiltshire's Police and Crime Commissioner, Philip Wilkinson, said: "The dangers of carrying a knife and the consequences being life changing and sometimes tragic cannot be over emphasised.
"The proactive work of Wiltshire Police to maintain a highly visible presence in areas where there are concerns around knife crime, underpins the Chief Constable’s priority of creating safe public spaces and my priority of reducing violence and serious harm.
"But this work needs to be supported by our early intervention team along with schools, charities, community groups, our local councils and the health service to ensure the education about the dangers of carrying a knife reaches beyond the classroom".
'By carrying a knife, you are putting yourself at risk'
Wiltshire Police has also confirmed it's continuing to provide "extra focus and visibility" in Swindon, amid the recent rise in violence across the area.
Last month, a 14-year-old boy was jailed after stabbing two teenagers - one in West Swindon and the other in Royal Wootton Bassett. He was given more than three years behind bars.
In addition, 18-year-old Owen Dunn died after being stabbed in Haydon End in December.
Neighbourhood inspector for Swindon, David Tippetts, said: "By carrying a knife, you are putting yourself and the people around you, such as your family and friends, at risk, and making different decisions – while often the hardest thing to do – is the safest.
"This is an ongoing mission and one which needs collective ambition, energy and patience".
Anyone with any information about knife crime can contact police on 101, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
The locations of the knife surrender bins are listed below:
- Amesbury Baptist Church
- Calne Town Council
- Chippenham Monkton Park
- Devizes St James Church
- Melksham Police Station
- Salisbury Police Station
- Swindon Police Station
- Swindon Christ Church
- Swindon Pinetrees Community Centre
- Trowbridge Police Station
- Trowbridge St James Church
- Warminster Civic Centre