247 knives surrendered in Hampshire amnesty
Arrests also made as police work to reduce knife crime
Last updated 27th May 2022
Hampshire Police carried out activities in support of Operation Sceptre, the national week of action, to challenge and reduce knife crime across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
During the week of action, between Monday 16th to Sunday 22nd May, officers reminded the public that there were thirteen amnesty bins available at police stations across the county to prevent unwanted knives from finding their way into the streets.
In total 247 knives and bladed articles were handed in.
A number of other operations aimed at tackling knife crime also saw 12 knife related arrests.
This included 24 different inputs into schools by officers to educate and inform students about the dangers of carrying weapons and the fatal consequences associated with carrying a knife.
68 stop and searches all related to knife crime were conducted, resulting in 3 knives being recovered and 9 arrests. 25 test purchase operations were carried out in stores across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to spot check age compliance with the sale of knives. Overall, there were 98% pass rate, with one fail being reported for summons on a second failed test purchase in Fleet.
Chief Inspector John Halfacre, tactical lead for knife crime said:
“Operation Sceptre is part of our ongoing proactive work to reduce knife crime across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. This work demonstrates our continued efforts to deliver a number of activities to reduce the threat of knife crime protect our local communities and raise awareness of the dangers involved."
“Part of our work on this operation has involved am increased police presence in our communities, with officers engaging with the public and disrupting crime throughout the week of action. Because of this a total of 12 arrests were made during our work on Op Sceptre."
“With every operation, we seek to raise awareness of the dangers of carrying knives. While the police continue to take action to tackle those who carry weapons, we all have a duty and role to help keep each other safe."
"If you have concerns that someone is vulnerable and maybe drawn into crime or carrying a knife, speak to someone – the police, school, any trusted adult / professional – let’s get them the help they need and prevent future tragedies. In addition, if you have any information about someone carrying a knife or using weapons involved in violence, report it to police or anonymously to Crimestoppers.”