Hertfordshire Constabulary will conduct a week of action to combat knife crime between Monday, November 9 and Sunday, November 15 as part of Operation Sceptre, a national knife crime initiative.
Knife related crime remains lower in Hertfordshire than in other parts of the country, but the campaign aims to reinforce the message that carrying a knife is illegal and will not help to keep you safe.
During the week officers will be conducting activities aimed at reducing knife crime, including conducting knife sweeps and talking to retailers about making sure knives sales are age checked, as well as educating young people about the dangers of carrying a knife through engagement.
Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire, David Lloyd, said: “Hertfordshire remains a low crime area with much less knife and serious crime than many parts of the country. But we are not immune from national trends, which includes criminals travelling in from London and across county lines.
“Understandably knife carrying and serious youth violence is a high public concern, which is why my office and the Constabulary are putting considerable effort and resources in to combat it
“Operation Sceptre is one of the strategies used, every blade removed from the streets takes away the risk of it being used to threaten or injure someone.”
Hertfordshire Constabulary‘s Gangs and Schools team has been live streaming events for young people via Instagram, to raise awareness of the danger of knife crime and gang involvement. You can view the most recent broadcast here instagram.com/p/CGkyMK-HcKp.
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.
You can also report information online at herts.police.uk/report or speak to an operator in the Force Communications Room via the online web chat, which can be launched here herts.police.uk/contact.
Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.
If you would like further information on support services relating to knife crime contact Fearless.org.
You can let us know how you feel we are dealing with knife crime in your local area by answering two quick questions.
Simply visit bit.ly/herts-knifecrime – all responses are anonymous and may help to contribute towards local initiatives.
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