Dorset Police support nationwide campaign tackling knife crime
Forces across the country are intensifying efforts to tackle knife crime
Operation Sceptre launched this week bringing a nationwide focus to knife crime, including here in Dorset.
Data from the Office for National Statistics show in 2019-2020 Dorset Police recorded 273 offences involving a knife or a sharp weapon.
That was up 84% from the 148 reported in 2012-13, when comparable records were first published.
Knife crime has continued to rise across England and Wales in recent years, with roughly 35 knife or sharp weapon offences per 100,000 people in Dorset last year – a record high, and up from 20 per 100,000 seven years earlier.
The week of action is giving forces the opportunity to build on existing activity, highlighting at a national level the key prevention and engagement work taking place locally.
Officers are also continuing to look at early intervention with the aim of identify and tackling the root causes of knife crime and discourage young people from carrying knives.
National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for knife crime, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Graham McNulty, said:
“Coronavirus has been a huge part of everyone’s lives for over a year now but we want to remind people that our normal policing role hasn’t stopped during this time.
“Forces are determined to tackle violent crime and with the restrictions easing, taking knives off our streets and helping people understand the dangers of carrying a knife remains a top priority.
“Our work with Border Force, Trading Standards, the Violence Reduction Units and many other partners means we are able to tackle some of the significant underlying causes of knife related violence.
“Operation Sceptre brings forces together and highlights that we will be united in doing everything possible to stop those intent on causing serious violence.”
Dorset Police have also tweeted to remind people unwanted knives can be disposed of at your local recycling centre or safely packaged in your household waste.