Week of action against knife crime begins in Swindon

Operation Sceptre returns

Published 13th Nov 2023
Last updated 13th Nov 2023

A focus on action against knife crime is underway this week across Swindon, 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 series of workshops, called Blunt Truth, will be delivered in schools with the aim of encouraging young people to report through their school, the police or Crimestoppers.

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.

A key feature of this iteration of Operation Sceptre is the launch of four new permanent knife surrender bins installed around Swindon.

The bins – which are located at Broadgreen Community Centre, Liden Library, Pinehurst Community Centre and Walcot Dome – are a safe way for carriers of knives and bladed articles to dispose of them anonymously.

If you know someone who carries a weapon, we ask you to encourage them to surrender it – “Bin a Knife, Save a Life”.

New Swindon Hub Commander, Superintendent Guy Elkins, said: “Operation Sceptre isn’t just about enforcement activity, it’s also about education and wider awareness of knife crime.

“Teams across Swindon and the rest of Wiltshire will be conducting a wide range of activity, working with our partners in education and public health to highlight the risks of knife crime and the dangers of carrying a knife.

“We know the huge damage carrying any kind of bladed article can cause. That is why we have installed four permanent knife surrender bins in Swindon where people can safely dispose of a knife, blade or other weapon.

“Once deposited in the bin then it will be secure until it’s removed by professionals.

“I would encourage anybody in Swindon who carries a knife to please consider their choices and think about the terrible consequences that it can have, both to yourself and other people.”

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.