More than 2,000 knives and other weapons have been surrendered across Bedfordshire as part of ongoing efforts to tackle knife crime and serious violence.
Bedfordshire Police said 2,065 knives and weapons were collected from the county’s 11 surrender bins since the previous national Sceptre knife crime initiative in November 2025.
789 of these were in Bedford.
The figures were released following the latest Sceptre week of action, which ran from Sunday, 18 May to Saturday, 24 May and involved enforcement, education and community engagement activity across the county.
Weapons surrendered
The force said the number of weapons handed in highlighted continued public support for removing dangerous items from circulation.
During the week, officers carried out school workshops, weapon sweeps, targeted patrols, and test-purchasing operations involving retailers.
Live Facial Recognition (LFR) technology was also used to identify and engage individuals linked to habitual knife carrying, while officers carried out visits to people suspected of involvement in gang activity.
Police also supported community engagement events in Luton aimed at raising awareness of knife crime, promoting the availability of bleed kits and signposting support services for those at risk.
The events included a youth football session organised with the Luton Town Football Club Community Trust.
A further 120 weapons were surrendered through a mobile knife surrender van operated by the anti-knife crime campaign FazAmnesty.
Arrests made
Superintendent Tom Stean, Bedfordshire Police’s lead for knife crime and the national lead for Sceptre, said enforcement remained an important part of the force’s response.
“Last week, seven people were arrested on suspicion of possession of offensive weapons offences, and over the weekend we charged an individual in connection with a stabbing in Westbourne Road, Luton,” he said.
“But enforcement alone isn’t enough. Prevention, education and partnership working are critical in reducing harm and creating lasting change.
“While we are currently seeing lower levels of knife crime compared to previous years, two recent stabbings have been a stark reminder that the risk remains very real.”
He added: “Our message to young people remains clear – carrying a knife will only ever put you and others in danger. There is always another choice and support available to help you to ‘Just Drop It’.”
Prevention focus
The latest Sceptre campaign coincided with Knife Crime Awareness Week, a national campaign led by The Ben Kinsella Trust.
Bedfordshire Police signed the campaign pledge, reaffirming its commitment to raising awareness, preventing knife crime and protecting young people.
Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner John Tizard (Labour) said: “Knife crime remains a major challenge. We must continue to enforce the law and take knives and those intent on doing harm with them off the streets.
“We must also take action to prevent knife crime through education and early intervention, and I am pleased to support the great work with children and young people being done by the police, the Bedfordshire Violence and Exploitation Prevention Partnership and others.
“We must call on the government to further outlaw the sale of dangerous weapons.”
