Raising awareness of knife crime in Welwyn Hatfield

The Welwyn Hatfield Neighbourhood Policing Team have joined together with Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council to raise awareness of knife crime.

Officers and council staff visited secondary schools as part of Sceptre, the national campaign which aims to reinforce the message that carrying a knife is illegal and will not keep you safe.

The campaign ran between Monday 11 and Sunday 17 November.

On Wednesday (13 November), police and the council visited Onslow St Audrey’s school in Hatfield. The next day (Thursday 14 November) they visited Stanborough school in Welwyn Garden City.

The teenagers were warned about the dangers of carrying knives and what do if they suspect someone is carrying a knife. They also got to see the metal detector wand which can be used to detect if a knife is on a person.

In addition to the school visits, police conducted knife sweeps in locations including Alban Way, Link Walk, Goldings Crescent, the Hilltop and Parkway.

Knife sweeps involve officers searching areas for discarded or hidden knives.

Throughout the week, a bin was in the station reception area of Hatfield police station for residents to dispose of any knives.

Inspector Amy Sheldon, from the Welwyn Hatfield Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Tackling knife crime is a priority for us all year round and Sceptre is an important date in our calendar. It gives us an extra opportunity to raise awareness of the dangers of carrying a knife. The pupils were really engaged with the sessions and some even volunteered to have the metal detector used on them.

“I’m glad to say that no knives were found during our knife sweeps and I hope residents feel reassured by this. We know that criminals sometimes hide knives for future use so these results are pleasing.

“I’d like to remind the public to please get in contact if you have any concerns about knife crime. We take reports of this nature extremely seriously.”

Councillor Sandreni Bonfante, Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council Executive Member for Environment said: “Operation Sceptre is an opportunity to remind teenagers and young people of the dangers of carrying knives and what to do if they suspect someone is carrying a knife. 

“It is reassuring that no knives were found this year during knife sweeps in Welwyn Hatfield.  I would like to thank police officers and council staff for the work that they do tackling knife crime and I would encourage anyone that has information about knife crime to report it directly to the Police or through Crimestoppers.”

You can report information about knife crime online, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101.

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 further information on support services relating to knife crime visit crimestoppers fearless page.