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While knife crime remains low in Hertfordshire, in comparison to other parts of the country, we are committed to doing everything we can to tackle serious violence by working hard closely with our partner agencies and other organisations to ensure our county is safe and feels safe.
Hertfordshire Constabulary run activties throughout the year to reduce knife related crime to ensure residents can feel safer in their community. This work forms part of Sceptre, the national knife crime reduction campaign.
Our officers undertake a range of activities including targeted operations, engagement and education to reassure young people they are safer not carrying knives, and to walk away from harm.
Following a change in the law, which bans the possesion, ownership and sale of zombie style knives and machetes, there will be an amnesty and compensation scheme operating nationally.
The amnesty will run between Monday 26 August and Monday 23 September, during which time knives can be surrendered at Hatfield, Stevenage and Watford police stations. The locations and opening times of these stations can be found here: www.herts.police.uk/stations.
Anyone surrendering knives that meet the criteria will be eligible for compensation, under the government scheme. Detailed guidance on the kinds of weapons that will become illegal and eligible for surrender and compensation can be found at: Compensation scheme for 'zombie' knives and machetes - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Outside of any knife amnesties, regular kitchen knives should be wrapped up and taken to recycling centres (opens in a new window). Larger knives can be taken to your nearest police station or if you are unable to attend, call 101 to arrange a collection.
Our message to those who carry a knife, or are thinking of carrying one, is 'LIVES NOT KNIVES', carrying a knife does not protect you. It only adds to your vulnerability, placing you in dangerous situations, and at risk of serious harm, not to mention the legal consequences of being found in possession of one.
Knives destroy lives, altogether affecting you, people who love you, your family and the wider community.
Hertfordshire Constabulary has a number of measures to help tackle knife crime. These include dedicated units, such as the Child Criminal Exploitation Prevention and Diversion team, working with young people in schools; proactive and intelligence-led activity in response to the needs of communities; stop and search.
Enforcement alone will not tackle the root causes of why people become involved in violent crimes and knife crime. Across our county, we collaborate with partners including councils, schools, colleges, youth agencies, businesses such as clubs and bars, the British Transport Police, Crimestoppers, and Hertfordshire Trading Standards to help keep our communities safe.
We also work with local retailers to ensure they are aware of the law which prohibits the sale of knives to anyone aged under 18 years. We carry out test purchase operations with police cadets to ensure the rules are followed.