30 knives taken off Wiltshire streets during week of action
Two arrests were also made as part of a nationwide campaign
30 knives have been removed from Wiltshire's streets, with two arrests made, during a week of action to tackle knife crime.
Wiltshire Police has been taking part in the nationwide Operation Sceptre campaign.
Officers have also been out to schools to warn young people of the dangers of carrying weapons across the week.
More than 30 stop and searches were carried out, and over 50 weapons sweeps also held throughout Wiltshire.
As part of the week, 52 knife test purchase operations, using police cadets, were also conducted across the county- with 18 of them being failed.
16 of these were for allowing cadets under the age of 18 to illegally purchase knives and bladed articles.
The other two were for failing the Challenge 25 policy, where sellers challenge anyone they think is under 25 for proof of age.
County Superintendent Doug Downing said:
“Sceptre provides all police forces with a great opportunity to shine a light on the year-round work they do on the dangers associated with knife crime, so that hopefully people never make the decision to carry a weapon.
“Across the week, hundreds of our young people were educated on the dangers of carrying knives. We know that some young people carry knives out of fear, thinking they will be safer, but we know that statistically that is not the case.
“You are much more likely to be the victim of a knife attack if you have made the decision to carry a knife yourself.
“The test purchase operations using our excellent police cadets was also revealing as it shows not all stores are doing their due diligence in correctly checking ID.
“The stores were given oral warnings or words of advice. We all have a role to play in ensuring knife crime is addressed in our communities.
“We must remember that Wiltshire remains a very safe county to live in and we are fully committed to keeping it safe.”
Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson said:
"Knife crime has a devastating effect on victims, their families and the wider community and I continue to be concerned that public perception, and particularly the perception of young people isn’t reflective of the reality in Wiltshire and Swindon and perpetuates further crime.
“I’m reassured that despite more than 50 weapon sweeps by neighbourhood officers no weapons were found, but I am concerned that one in three shops failed the test purchases and sold knives to underage police cadets.
“Reducing serious violence and harm is a key priority in my Police and Crime and Plan, and I know Chief Constable Roper shares my commitment to driving down violence in our communities.
“Education and early intervention plays a key role in breaking the cycle and guiding those at risk of committing knife crime away from criminality and I continue to commission specialist services to engage, support and divert young people.
"By continuing to work with partners to disparage any misconceptions through proper education, we can continue to drive down the trend of young people carrying weapons for perceived self-defence and make the streets of Wiltshire safer."