South Glocs Council appeal to reduce knife crime as Operation Sceptre continues
Operation Sceptre - a national campaign to get weapons off the streets - is being carried out across the country
South Gloucestershire Council are appealing to continue the work of reducing knife crime across the region this Knife Crime Awareness Week.
It comes as police forces across the country are joining with Operation Sceptre - a national campaign to get weapons off the streets and educate people about the dangers of carrying them.
According to stats revealed by South Gloucestershire Council, seven out of 10 young people who end up in A&E with a knife injury have been stabbed with their own knife.
As well as encouraging anyone who carries a knife to place it in an amnesty bin, the local authority's Violence Reduction Unit has been assisting with community knife sweeps in parks and public places.
It follows data from Avon and Somerset Police, which shows 'encouraging' signs that fewer people carry knives - but South Gloucestershire Council say more needs to be done.
Philippa Isbell, Acting Service Director for Safer Communities at South Gloucestershire Council said: “We are committed to putting an end to knife crime and are working with young people in South Gloucestershire to educate, inform and engage with them about the dangers of carrying a knife.
“We are making encouraging progress and I want to thank everyone who has surrendered a knife or stopped carrying one to help protect themselves and others. I encourage parents and carers to help by sharing information and advice and asking any young people in their household to complete our knife crime survey.
“My message to anyone carrying a knife is to take advantage of this opportunity to dispose of it safely and anonymously in one of the amnesty bins provided. It could save someone’s life; including your own.”
In 2017-18, knife crime and possession increased in Avon and Somerset by 53 per cent.
The rise has slowed dramatically since the pandemic, with the latest figures showing a reduction of 0.3 per cent with possession offences also down from last quarter, from 10.2 per cent to 4.2 per cent.
Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner, Mark Shelford said: “This national knife crime awareness week is wonderful opportunity to highlight the creative initiatives which are being delivered across our area all year round.
"I would like to thank the South Gloucestershire Violence Reduction Unit team and partners for their support during this week and beyond. It is vital our young people understand the dangers and consequences of carrying knives. Let us also remember that 99% of young people are not carrying a knife.”
Everyone can help. If you have teenagers in your household, or know young people in South Gloucestershire, they're encouraged by the local authority to fill in this short survey.
The aim of the survey is to listen to the views of secondary school aged young people on knife crime. It is also to allow young people to put forward solutions or suggestions to help them feel safer.
Knife amnesty bins are located in Patchway, Staple Hill and Kingswood, and any bladed article can be wrapped and put inside without question or fear of prosecution.
For further information and what to do if you are worried about a child or need support, click here.
You can find out more about Operation Sceptre here (Gloucestershire Police) and here (Avon and Somerset Police).