A national initiative was launched yesterday, Operation Sceptre, to tackle knife crime, and will involve a range of different tactics including education, targeted patrols of hotspot areas, amnesty bins and test purchase exercises.
One of the knives bought by a police cadet during an undercover operation at the weekend.
Force lead on knife crime, Chief Inspector Zoe Chegwyn said: “In 2014 – 15 Avon and Somerset saw a 14 per cent increase in knife crime, which is higher than the national average of nine per cent.
“That’s why we are focussing much of our work on education – going into schools and delivering 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.”
During the week of action, officers will be led by intelligence to carry out extra, targeted patrols in areas where police know people are more likely to be carrying knives, and where appropriate, will use stop and search powers.
Knife amnesty bins will also be placed in the front offices of the main police stations and buildings for the duration of the week.
