Wiltshire Police stepping up efforts to tackle knife crime with two week amnesty
WARNING: Contains graphic images
Last updated 16th Nov 2021
Wiltshire Police is trying to crack down on knife crime and raise awareness of it's dangers as it takes part in Operation Sceptre.
The national week, which sees forces from across the country taking part, runs until Sunday (21st November) but Wiltshire Police are continuing their work until the following Sunday.
They're giving people the chance to hand in their unwanted blades anonymously.
People can do so by putting them in any number of amnesty bins that are dotted around the county.
This includes the Police offices in Bourne Hill in Salisbury as well as the SP2 Community Centre.
The last time the force held a knife amnesty in 2019 a total of 321 bladed articles were handed in.
The force is also running education workshops in schools with the aim to educate young people about the effects of knife crime, help understand the law, and prevent them from carrying knives.
This type of offence remains low across the county, with 2% of all crime reported to Wiltshire Police last year relating to knife crime.
However, figures are on the rise nationally.
Assistant Chief Constable Debs Smith said:
"Knife crime nationally has increased but thankfully here in Wiltshire it remains comparatively low. It is something that still only impacts a small proportion of people living here, and is certainly lower than in other parts of the country.
“However, that doesn’t mean we should become complacent in our approach. We still need to take steps to prevent this awful crime happening; for those it does affect - directly and indirectly - the consequences can be devastating.
“We know that knife crime often involves our young people, and - although most children and teenagers are not involved in criminal activity, nor would they ever dream of carrying a knife or bladed weapon - we know that possession of knives is on the rise nationally.
"Young people hear about it on the news, they talk about it at school, and we know some, because they tell us, would carry a knife for protection. However, we know carrying a blade means you are more likely to find yourself in a situation where you could get seriously injured or even killed.
"We, the police, can't stop knife crime alone, so Operation Sceptre is about us working with our partners like the local authorities, charities and other emergency services, as well as the public to educate, engage and prevent knife crime. Also, giving people the opportunity to get rid of those illegal knives during our amnesty - especially as legislation around the ownership of certain knives has recently changed, making it illegal to have these knives even if they are just left at home."
"more needs to be done to make sure people feel safe in their communities"
During the week, police will also be reminding people about the changes in legislation which came into effect in July this year making it an offence to possess certain items, such as knuckledusters, throwing stars and zombie knives, even in private places – including people’s homes.
The maximum penalty for an adult carrying a knife is four years in prison and an unlimited fine. If a person is convicted of carrying a knife more than once, then they will be given a prison sentence.
Wiltshire PCC Philip Wilkinson said:
“Whilst our officers are doing great work to get knives off the streets in Wiltshire, more needs to be done to make sure people feel safe in their communities.
“It’s ultimately through the work of our early intervention teams that we’ll be able to effectively deal with knife crime. Knife crime not only ruins the lives of victims and their families but also of the perpetrators, who, in the majority of cases, are young.
“The Police and law enforcement agencies have their part to play in stopping knife crime but my office and other bodies have to intervene earlier where necessary, to make sure that we’re providing positive alternatives and opportunities to those who are at risk and vulnerable to being targeted and drawn in."
Anyone handing in a knife or weapon during the amnesty is advised to check the opening times of their nearest bin by visiting the Wiltshire Police website or calling 101.
If you have information about someone who carries a knife or is involved knife crimes you should call 101 or 999 in an emergency.