THE COUNTY’S police force is once again gearing up to come down hard on knife crime across the district as part of a national campaign.
West Mercia Police kick started Operation Sceptre on Monday (May 13) to target those involved, or on the periphery of being involved in knife crime.
Across Worcestershire, the force have been utilising knife arches, visiting retailers who sell knives and attending community engagement events and schools to highlight the devastating effects of carrying a knife and encourage diversionary pathways away from knife crime.
Superintendent Brian Gibbs, West Merica’s force lead for knife crime, said: “Knife crime has a devastating impact on families and communities.
“Weeks of action like Sceptre are an opportunity to show the work West Mercia Police is engaged in all year round to tackle the issues and protect communities.
“We take a robust approach to anyone found illegally in possession of a knife or bladed article on the streets and want to take early intervention to stop this from happening.
“I would encourage everyone to take the opportunity to rid yourselves of any unwanted or illegal weapons by taking them to our knife surrender bins and stop the knife from getting into the wrong hands.
“Carrying knives or other weapons do not keep you safe. It puts you in much greater danger, and you are more likely to become involved in a violent situation and be injured yourself.”
Knife surrender bins are located at police station front counters situated in Shrewsbury, Telford, Kidderminster, Hereford and Worcester. Op Sceptre concludes on Sunday (May 19).
Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said: “Knife crime continues to devastate lives and local communities within West Mercia.
“We all have a part to play to change this too familiar story. I welcome this important operation by West Mercia Police which gives people the opportunity to make a change and drop the knife.”
People are also urged to report information regarding knife crime.
Visit www.Fearless.org or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 to report.
