Hampshire police to work with shops, youth groups and charities to tackle 'devastating' knife crime

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POLICE officers will engage with shops, youth groups and charities across Hampshire this week in a bid to tackle knife crime.

Hampshire and the Isle of Wight is part of 43 forces as well the British Transport Police who will take part in operation sceptre from May 16 to 22.

Throughout this week the force will continue to work closely with young people to further understand the reasons why individuals carry knives and to educate them around the dangers and illegality of carrying one.

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Most importantly, the week will aim to highlight that there are no positives to carrying a knife.

Hampshire Constabulary’s lead for knife crime, Chief Inspector John Halfarce, said: ‘Knife crime can have a devastating impact on families and communities, police forces are working night and day to tackle this problem. Operation Sceptre offers us the chance to concentrate our efforts in tackling knife crime, a significant contributor of violence in the UK.

‘The week will focus on many different areas, including education, engagement and prevention. This is a system wide approach and one we work closely with our partners to achieve. We are intensifying the efforts that take place all year round in getting knives off the streets, potentially saving lives.

‘We want those who may be carrying a knife out of fear to come forward and speak with police or an adult that they can trust such as a youth worker, teacher at school, charities or by calling crimestoppers. We want to help young people get out of the cycle of violence and stop the devastation caused to them and their families due to knife crime.

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‘You will see knife arches, amnesty bins and officers doing weapons sweeps during the week as we work to remove knives and stop serious violence on our streets.’

If you are aware of anyone who carries a knife or have concerns that someone you know may carry a knife, please report it to police or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

It comes as Hampshire police is also holding a two-week anonymous surrender of firearms and ammunition between May 12 and 29.

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