Hampshire police to crack down on knife crime and violence

Officers from Hampshire Constabulary are taking part in Operation Sceptre from today - an imitative to tackle knife crime.

The force will be working alongside British Transport Police in "intensified efforts" to crack down on knife-enabled crime and violence.

Throughout the week of action, police will coordinate activity looking to target the root causes of knife crime.

There will be focus on the different strands of education, engagement, prevention, and enforcement, all of which are important in playing our part to reduce knife crime.

Chief Inspector John Halfacre, the knife crime lead at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, said: “‘Reducing knife crime remains a top priority for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight Constabulary as well as policing nationally.

"Operation Sceptre is a nationally coordinated week of action and an opportunity to highlight some of the activity that takes place across the force area week-in-week-out to tackle serious violence related to knife crime.

“We will employ tactics that are both enforcement and prevention based and include stop and search, weapon sweeps, intelligence-led action against habitual knife carriers, test purchase operations, raising awareness of knife retailers, educational input, and community engagement events."

The force will also be working with Border Force to increase the intelligence shared with forces about those who are importing knives into England and Wales from overseas.

Early intervention will aim to stop those intent on carrying a knife and working with retailers, youth groups, charities and other partners are a vital part of a community led policing response.

Forces will continue to work closely with young people to further understand the reasons why individuals carry knives and also to educate them around the dangers of carrying one.

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

PCC Donna Jones said: "The impact of knife crime on individuals, families and communities is truly devastating and long lasting, that’s why tackling knife crime is one of the top priorities in my Police and Crime Plan.

“Sadly, young people are most at risk of being injured by knives with stabbings occurring every week across the two counties."

She added: "Knife crime is a societal issue. As Police Commissioner, I am committed to tackling knife crime and to reduce the harm.

"I am doing this through funding early intervention and prevention projects, specifically focused on the work carried out by the Violence Reduction Unit.

"The focus is on stopping young people from committing crimes particularly those that result in serious violence and injury.

"Schools, parents and guardians of young people have a responsibility to spot the signs and take action to prevent young people from carrying knives.”