Avon and Somerset Police are taking part in an operation to reduce knife crime, with Operation Sceptre involving a range of different tactics including test purchase exercises, surrender bins, targeted patrols of hotspot areas and education.
The educational part of the campaign is both of retailers about their responsibilities in selling knives to under 18s; and of young people on the consequences of carrying knives.
Force lead on knife crime, Chief Inspector Zoe Chegwyn said: “Over the past 12 months, Avon and Somerset saw a 23.6 per cent increase in knife crime, which is higher than the national average of 15.2 per cent.
“Worryingly, nearly 15 per cent of people found carrying knives or involved in knife crime, are aged 17 and under, and 18 per cent are aged 18-24.
“That’s why we are focussing much of our work on education. Over the past few months, we have been working with retailers to educate them about their responsibilities when it comes to selling knives.
“It’s against the law to sell knives to anyone under the age of 18 and ID should always be sought if the seller is unsure, in the same way they should be checking ID for young people buying alcohol.
“We also have a wider, on-going project with schools where we deliver hard hitting workshops which really bring home the impact knives can have not just on individuals, but on families and communities. We need to understand why young people are carrying knives and work to dispel the myth that knives are somehow cool.
“We also want to let young people know that if they are worried that someone they know is carrying a knife, but are nervous about talking to the police, that they can contact Fearless (The Crimestoppers youth arm) anonymously and potentially help to save a life.”
Knife surrender bins are in the front offices of many of the local police buildings for the duration of the week, in the following locations:
- The Bridewell;
- Broadbury Road;
- Patchway;
- Bridgwater;
- Taunton Station;
- Frome Station;
- Yeovil Station;
- Weston – Alliance Homes drop in centre / information station.
Two further bins remain in place at Bristol Magistrates Court and Bristol Crown Court.