Bedfordshire Police is taking part in Sceptre, a nationwide week-long initiative that launches today (Monday) to tackle the rise of knife crime.
The force will be working with parents, students and the community to face the issue head on, bringing together partner agencies across the country.
Throughout the week, officers will be carrying out a range of operational activities, including weapons sweeps to locate and safely dispose of hidden or discarded knives, retailer checks to ensure knives are not being sold to underage individuals, and community engagement events to educate and reassure residents.
There will also be a number of workshops in schools across the county, delivered by the force’s Education and Diversion team. The specialist officers will highlight the impact of young people carrying knives and encourage young people to bin the blade.
You can find out the location of dedicated knife bins in the county here.
The force is also supporting the Bedfordshire Violence and Exploitation Reduction Unit’s (VERU) Just Drop It Campaign, which shines a light on the harsh realities and the ripple effect of knife crime.
During the last Sceptre week of action in November, more than 1,500 knives and other weapons were recovered from the county’s 11 dedicated knife disposal bins.
Officers are once again urging anyone in possession of a weapon to surrender it anonymously and safely during this week’s amnesty.
Superintendent Alex House, leading on violence prevention, said: “Sceptre is a key moment for police forces across the UK to highlight the tireless work being done to tackle knife crime.
“We are speaking directly to those who carry knives – this is your opportunity to make a change. Surrender your weapon. If you know someone who carries a knife, encourage them to use one of our knife bins.
“Choosing not to carry a blade could save a life – possibly your own. We are committed to making Bedfordshire a safer, more welcoming place for everyone, and we need the support of our communities to achieve a knife-free future.”
John Tizard, Police and Crime Commissioner for Bedfordshire, said: “Tackling knife crime must be an imperative for every public service. The police have a major role to play, but local authorities, parents, schools, retailers and others have roles too. Prevention is always preferable to enforcement and most importantly to a death.
“I support this week of awareness. However, this requires focused action every week of every year.”
To report concerns about knife crime, please do so via beds.police.uk/ro/report or call police on 101.
Visit Bedfordshire Police’s campaign page to find out the locations of the county-wide weapons bins, and more about the work the force is doing with its partners to keep children and young people in Bedfordshire safe.
