Week of action against knife crime begins in Wiltshire
Operation Sceptre returns
A focus on action against knife crime is underway this week across Wiltshire, as Operation Sceptre returns.
The bi-annual campaign is led by police forces across the country, and sees events and activities take place locally in an attempt to reduce knife crime.
Knife crime has risen in parts of Wiltshire, with the latest figures showing a 15% increase compared to a 3% rise nationally.
A new initiative funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner will take place at Abbey Park School in Swindon, on Tuesday (14 November).
It will see an hour-long workshop delivered to pupils, encouraging them to report through their school or police if someone they know if carrying a knife.
A spokesperson from Wiltshire Police said:
"Young people are shown a film which shows the different outcomes should they do the ‘right thing' and report their concerns that someone they know is carrying a knife. They also see the tragic consequences of not reporting play out.
"The ultimate aim of the workshop is to prevent assaults using knives from taking place because of the increased reporting of knife carrying."
At the session, pupils will also be able to speak to members the Wiltshire Police's Youth and Early Prevention Team, as well as a senior nurse from Great Western Hospitals NHS Trust.