Hertfordshire to carry out week of action on knife crime

Hertfordshire Constabulary will conduct a week of action to combat knife crime between Monday 16 May and Sunday 22 May as part of Operation Sceptre, a national knife crime initiative.

 

Knife related crime remains lower in Hertfordshire than in other parts of the country, but the campaign aims to reinforce the message that carrying a knife is illegal and will not help to keep you safe.

During the week the Constabulary will be conducting activities aimed at reducing knife crime, including conducting knife sweeps and talking to retailers about making sure knife sales are age checked, as well as educating young people about the dangers of carrying a knife through engagement.

During the campaign, any knives in your possession that you do not want or should not have, can be surrendered at one of the following police stations: Hatfield, Stevenage or Watford. There will also be temporary knife bins in locations around the county and there are permanent surrender bins in Waltham Cross, details of which can be found on our Amnesty page.

Items can be surrendered anonymously during the amnesty in the knife bins provided, the locations and opening times of these stations can be found on our Police Station page.

Inspector Nicola Dean from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Crime Reduction Unit, who is leading on the operational activity for Operation Sceptre, said: “Whilst knife crime remains relatively low in Hertfordshire compared to other parts of the country, the regular weeks of action are part of our wider strategy to tackle violent crime. During the week we will be conducting operations to reduce the number of knives in circulation, whilst also raising awareness that in most circumstances it is illegal to carry a knife in public and may lead to arrest.

“The week of action also provides opportunities to engage with young people about the dangers of carrying a knife and raise awareness amongst local businesses that selling certain knives to anyone under 18 is illegal.”

If you are concerned or have information about someone carrying knives or are aware of anyone involved in knife crime you can report this by calling the Hertfordshire Constabulary non-emergency number 101.

You can also report information online or speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat.

Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org (opens in new window).

If you would like further information on support services relating to knife crime visit: Fearless (opens in new window).