Knife patrols in Stevenage during week of action

Proactive patrols to combat knife crime in Stevenage were stepped up last week (11- 17 November) as part of the Sceptre national week of action.

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

Officers conducted knife sweeps in Chells, the Old Town, Bedwell, The Hyde and The Oval.

They also carried out test purchase operations with eight local stores that sell knives and discussed the retailer agreement regarding their sale. No knives were sold to the underage purchasers (police cadets) during the operation, and all the stores were aware of their responsibilities around the sale of knives. Some staff were also proactively monitoring the cadets while they were in the store looking at the knives.

Stevenage Community Safety Sergeant, Karen Mellor, who led on the operational activity for Operation Sceptre, said:

“Tackling knife crime remains a priority in Stevenage and these weeks of action support our ongoing activity around this type of crime, which forms part of daily police business in the town.”

“They also form part of our continuing strategy to tackle violent crime. They are a great opportunity to reduce the number of knives in circulation and raise awareness of issues around carrying knives, in particular that carrying a knife in public is illegal (in most cases) and could result in arrest.”

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. Always dial 999 in an emergency.

Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form.  

If you would like information on support services relating to knife crime, visit the ‘Fearless’ website.