Dorset Police launches week-long knife crime crackdown
Dorset Police will host public engagement events featuring knife arches
Dorset Police has announced a series of activities and public engagement events aimed at tackling knife crime and raising awareness of the dangers of carrying weapons, as part of the nationwide Sceptre campaign.
The campaign, coordinated by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), sees forces across the UK intensify their work to reduce knife-related harm, support communities, and prevent young people from becoming involved in violence.
Throughout the week, Dorset Police will host public engagement events featuring knife arches in Bournemouth and Weymouth town centres.
Officers and volunteers will be on hand to speak with residents, answer questions, and offer advice on how to stay safe and report concerns.
In addition, thousands of schoolchildren across the county will receive educational presentations on the risks and consequences of knife carrying, as well as information on where to turn for help and support.
To encourage the safe disposal of weapons, knife surrender bins will be available at Bournemouth and Weymouth police stations for the duration of the campaign.
Knives can be surrendered anonymously and without repercussions.
Opening hours for both stations are available on the Dorset Police website.
Officers will also carry out targeted weapon sweeps, focusing on locations identified through intelligence as potential hotspots for knife possession or hidden weapons.
Dorset Police says the campaign forms part of its ongoing year-round commitment to reducing violence and making communities safer, urging anyone with concerns about knife crime to contact police or Crimestoppers anonymously.