Hampshire Police made 19 arrests for knife-related offences and removed a total of 890 knives from our streets during Operation Sceptre.

Throughout the week officers carried out extensive activities, executed a weapons-related warrant, conducted Section 18 premise searches, seized 10 knives and recovered other offensive weapons including a knuckle duster, BB guns and an axe.

A variety of other tactics were used by the force; including weapons sweeps, engagement with schools and local communities, knife arches in public places, and knife surrender bins for the public to hand over any bladed weapons.

Forming a significant part of the week of action were 320 community engagement activities. Aimed at helping young people to move away from violence and involvement in gang activity and educate the wider community on risks and consequences of knife crime and providing reassurance and advice towards building community resilience.

The week also focused on education and engagement with members of the public and retailers who sell knives. Police officers from our educational and partnerships team, visited 11 schools and delivered workshops to around 5,000 students.

There are strict rules in place for retailers selling knives. To further safeguard against illegal knife sales, ID checks on the sale and delivery of knives should be done, and refusal to sell to anyone under the age of 18. Neighbourhood and Licencing officers carried out spot checks and spoke to shop staff about the sale of knives. Out of the 25 test purchases made at businesses 28 per cent resulted in failure. Retailers which fail test purchases are given education and advice about the regulations when selling knives, or prosecuted in some circumstances.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary’s tactical lead for knife crime, Inspector Mike Minnock, said: “This week of action has seen really positive results that are a direct cause of meaningful action – from engagement with young people, to strong collaboration with our partners and a shared commitment to making our streets safer. It’s only by working together that we can create lasting change and protect our communities because policing cannot do it alone.

“The majority of retailers are working with us to ensure dangerous weapons don’t end up in the wrong hands and prevent the sale of knives to young people. There is still work to be done and we are committed to cracking down on those that continue to break the law.

“It’s also very positive to have met with so many members of the community, and it’s clear we all have the same determination to tackle knife crime. Over the last three years, we are continuing to see a 22.4% reduction in serious offences involving a knife across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, which isn’t the same in other parts of the country.

Whilst that is only a statistic – we know, feel and see first-hand the tragic consequences and far reaching impact that knife crime has on individuals, families and communities. This Force is committed to make our streets safer and to build brighter futures for all

“If someone you know is carrying a knife you can report it to the police, speak to a trusted family member or teacher, or you can report it anonymously to Crimestoppers.”

Partnership working

• In Portswood, the Neighbourhood Policing Team were joined by the Southampton University security to search the surrounding area of the campus along Lovers Walk, Southampton Common. Although, no knives were found, bolt cutters were discovered and separately, a stolen motorbike which was hidden away under a blanket and leaves.
• Southampton Neighbourhood Policing Team, and the Violent Crime Taskforce (VCT), collaborated with Southampton City Council’s Safer Communities Team, to carry out test purchasing operations at 15 different retailers along Shirley High Street. An encouraging result came from these operations as all but one passed.
• In Test Valley, Andover Neighbourhood Policing Team and cadets conducted a test purchasing operation. Out of eight stores that were tested, six of them passed.
• The VCT also joined Southampton Football Club and attended St Mary’s Stadium on Sunday for a community event day organised by the Saints Foundation. Young fans, families, and adults engaged with the officers who were there to educate, raise awareness, and bust myths around knife crime. The Force, teamed up with the Saints Foundation Kicks to carry out several free football sessions to connect with young people across Southampton and to help unlock opportunities for their future throughout the year.
• A knife arch, also known as a walkthrough metal detector, was temporarily installed outside The Station pub in the High Street, Eastleigh. Aimed at prevention, this type of equipment identifies those carrying weapons and deters future offending. Equally it provides an opportunity to identify any items that could pose a risk, and to educate on the risks and consequences of knife crime. The Station pub partnered with the Eastleigh Neighbourhood Team to work together to encourage a safer night time economy in the town. No knives or other weapons were found.

 

If you are worried or concerned about knife crime, support is available through the charity The Ben Kinsella Trust and you can also speak to us by calling 101 and asking for the local Neighbourhood Team. In an emergency, always call 999.

If there are areas where you live or spend time that don’t feel safe you can report this anonymously via StreetSafe. The information is given to your local police force who can then look at what they can do to improve safety in that area.

Anonymous reporting is available through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.