More than 130 knives surrendered during Hertfordshire knife amnesty

More than 130 knives have been surrendered in Hertfordshire during the latest Operation Sceptre week of action against knife crime, which concluded on Sunday 19 November.

A knife amnesty began on Monday 13 November and was part of the week of action to reduce the number of illegal knives in circulation. Due to an increase in concerns about knife crime across the country in recent years, regular knife amnesties are being carried out, which provide a great opportunity to raise awareness and give advice about the risks of carrying a knife in public.

During the week 139 knives were surrendered across the county which included swords, hunting knives, machetes and a variety of pocket and kitchen knives.  

Other activities carried out during the campaign included engagement events with young people in schools and public areas and visits to retailers to ensure they are adhering to laws regarding knife sales to those aged under 18. Knife detection operations, including covert and high visibility patrols and knife searches in public areas were also conducted at locations across the county.

Sergeant Karen Mellor, from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Community Safety team who led the campaign, said: “There is always a great response from local residents during our weeks of action and we always get lots of positive feedback from all the young people we speak to.

“As part of our activities we conducted a survey to understand local people’s views on knife crime. More than 1,500 people completed the survey and as part of our Prevention First approach we will use this information to shape our response to knife crime in Hertfordshire. We continue to work with local schools, colleges, charities and councils, to steer young people towards positive life choices and help them to understand the dangers knives pose, as well as ensuring that knives are not readily available, whether online, in shops or passed around in the community.”   

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

You can report information about knife crime 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 (opens in new window).