Operation Sceptre takes over 2,000 knives off the streets in Beds
Bedfordshire Police's anti-knife crime week helped remove over 2,000 knives from the streets
During a week of action which saw the launch of Bedfordshire Police's 'Just Drop It' campaign, over 2,000 knives and offensive weapons were surrendered.
The campaign called on those carrying knives to give up their weapons, and was particularly targeted around educating young people of the dangers of carrying knives.
Bedfordshire Police's Violence and Exploitation Reduction Unit (VERU) worked in collaboration with local authorities, police, community groups and education settings, which resulted in over 30 weapon sweeps and a positive educational outcome.
The week-long anti-knife crime operations formed part of the country-wide Operation Sceptre aimed at combating knife through a range of activities.
The operation further saw nine arrests, including a teenager who was arrested in Luton after being found in possession of a 30-inch machete, and another teenager who was arrested in Bedford after threatening another boy with a blade.
The 'Just Drop It' campaign further saw the support of Luton Town Football Club and a range of agencies across the county to take a stand against knife crime.
“While we remain clear on our zero tolerance approach to knife crime, we also want young people to know there is help available."
Detective Chief Inspector, Tom Stean, said: “The launch of the VERU’s Just Drop It campaign and Operation Sceptre has seen excellent results that we very much welcome in light of the concerning number of knife related incidents we’ve seen this year. "
“While we remain clear on our zero tolerance approach to knife crime, we also want young people to know there is help available."
“We know that some people carry weapons out of a perceived sense of security, but this isn’t the case. If you’re found in possession of an offensive weapon you will face the law, or you can make a better choice and seek help from our partners at the VERU and other community groups to ensure a brighter future for yourself."
“The key factor here is unity. We know that no one agency or group can tackle this issue, but as a collective and united community we can take a stand against knife crime, ensuring that Bedfordshire is a safe and welcoming county where our young people thrive.”
A total of 2,178 weapons were recovered from 11 weapons bins placed around the county, the second highest total recovered over a six month period by the force in five years.
"The issue of knife crime is one that must be tackled from all angles, and we’re committed to continuing our efforts..."
Alongside Education and Diversion sessions conducted in schools, colleges and universities across the county, a number of shops were subject to test purchases to ensure retailers were carrying out the correct checks to remove sales to underaged buyers.
Festus Akinbusoye, Bedfordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “We have seen incredible efforts to tackle knife crime over the last month and I would like to thank the hundreds of community members who have chosen to be part of these activities."
“I will continue to invest in Bedfordshire Police so that our Chief Constable can maintain enforcement activities against possession of dangerous weapons in our county, as well as working with our local authorities and communities to tackle the causes of knife crime."
"The issue of knife crime is one that must be tackled from all angles, and we’re committed to continuing our efforts while empowering the community to join us in our call for people to just drop it.”