Hampshire Police launch Operation Sceptre to crackdown on knife crime

HAMPSHIRE Police have launched a crackdown on knife crime to help tackle violence on the county’s streets.
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As part of Operation Sceptre, police officers will undertake a ‘national week of action’ to eradicate the carrying and use of the potentially lethal weapon.

The operation will focus on prevention through education, with officers going into schools and community groups to talk with children and young people about the dangers of knife crime.

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There will also be targeted intervention with the support of partner agencies to remove knives from potential offenders.

Hampshire Police have launched a crackdown to tackle knife crime.Hampshire Police have launched a crackdown to tackle knife crime.
Hampshire Police have launched a crackdown to tackle knife crime.

To cut off the supply of knives the Border Force will be monitoring the illegal import of weapons.

While lockdown has led to a fall in violence, recent years have seen a rise in knife crime on the county’s streets.

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Chief Inspector John Halfacre, lead for knife crime at Hampshire Constabulary, said: ‘The Force is supporting a national week of action against knife crime, and will be tackling these issues throughout the week to offer some reassurance to residents.

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‘Our focus is on those vulnerable people living within our communities who could be targeted by others connected with drug and knife-related crime, which can have a devastating impact.’

Chief Inspector Halfacre has urged residents to continue to inform the police of any ‘unusual activity or someone carrying a knife’.

National police chiefs’ council lead for knife crime, deputy assistant commissioner Graham McNulty, added: ‘Forces are determined to tackle violent crime and with the restrictions easing, taking knives off our streets and helping people understand the dangers of carrying a knife remains a top priority.

‘Our work with Border Force, Trading Standards, the Violence Reduction Units and many other partners means we are able to tackle some of the significant underlying causes of knife related violence.

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‘Operation Sceptre brings forces together and highlights that we will be united in doing everything possible to stop those intent on causing serious violence.’

Anyone who witnesses or suspects someone is carrying a knife should call 101.

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