Crackdown on knife crime this week across Surrey and Hampshire
The two police forces have joined a national campaign.
Police across Surrey and in Hampshire are taking part in the national Operation Sceptre campaign to help reduce knife crime.
The two forces are joining others in a week of action - which includes a knife amnesty.
Operation Sceptre runs until Sunday (2 May).
It will see officers carry out weapon sweeps.
And it is also giving people the opportunity to dispose of knives anonymously in amnesty bins.
Forces are also working with schools to discourage young people from carrying knives.
The aims are to remove dangerous weapons from the streets, reduce knife crime and raise awareness of the dangers and consequences of carrying a knife.
Detective Chief Inspector Amy Buffoni, who leads on tackling serious violence for Surrey Police, explains:
“We are giving people of Surrey the opportunity to surrender their knives and weapons without fear of prosecution or questions being asked. Knife bins are located at the front counters of Staines, Guildford, and Reigate police stations as well as Woking Council Offices to enable people to give up their weapons safely. These bins have been well used in the past, and we want to ensure that success continues during this campaign.
“Officers will also be undertaking proactive activity across the county to raise awareness, particularly amongst young people, that carrying a knife can have fatal consequences. The message to those who carry a knife, or are thinking of carrying one, is that a knife does not protect you. It could make you more vulnerable placing you in danger of serious harm.
“It is important to reiterate though that we are making good progress in tackling knife crime in Surrey and it remains one of the safest places in the country. We are working with partners across all agencies targeting this crime type and we would encourage anyone with information or knowledge of knife carrying and activity to report this to us or use the anonymous reporting system via Crimestoppers.”
Chief Inspector John Halfacre, lead for knife crime in Hampshire Constabulary, said: “The Force is supporting a national week of action against knife crime, and will be tackling these issues throughout the week to offer some reassurance to residents.
“Our focus is on those vulnerable people living within our communities who could be targeted by others connected with drug and knife-related crime, which can have a devastating impact.
“Silence will not stop violence. If you notice unusual activity in your street, or you are concerned about someone carrying a knife, please let us know, either by calling 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
Knife amnesty bins have been placed at the following places:
Surrey:
Guildford police station
Reigate police station
Woking Council offices
East Hampshire:
Aldershot Police station
Yateley Council offices
As part of this week of action, Surrey Police will be sharing‘Hard calls save lives’– a campaign that shares the heartbreaking stories of mothers whose sons lost their lives in stabbing incidents.