Officers take part in knife crime campaign

Officers in Welwyn Hatfield took part in a national knife crime campaign last week.

Sceptre, which ran from 19-25 May, aims to raise awareness of the dangers of carrying a knife.

Across the week, officers carried out a range of activities in support of the campaign.

This included knife sweeps to look for any discarded weapons. Thankfully none were found.

Officers also visited all the homes of those who have had a history of carrying a knife. They reminded them of the dangers of doing so. Officers also visited those currently bailed in connection with knife offences to ensure they were adhering to their conditions.

Two combat knives were also seized after officers attended Stanborough Lakes car boot sale. The seller will be attending a voluntary interview.

In addition to the officers being out and about, there was also a knife bin at Hatfield Police Station where people could anonymously surrender any knives that they did not want or should not have.

Residents who follow Welwyn Hatfield Police on Facebook will also have seen numerous messages raising awareness of knife crime.

Sergeant Neil Gordon, from the Welwyn Hatfield Community Safety Unit, said: “Knife crime is a priority for us all year round, but Sceptre presents a great opportunity to raise more awareness of the dangers of carrying a knife.”

“We reminded our habitual knife carriers of these dangers. Many are under the impression that carrying a knife gives you protection, but the statistics show you are actually more likely to come to harm.”

“The incident at the car boot sale should also be a reminder to the public about selling knives. Legislation forbids the sale of knives to any person under 18 years of age and the sale of any knife that suggests it is suitable for combat. Anyone considering selling at a car boot sale any knife other than a folding blade of 3 inches (7.62 cm) or less may be committing the offence of possession of a bladed or sharply pointed article in a public place.”

“While Sceptre has now finished, our work does not stop. If you suspect someone you know is carrying a knife, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. There are a lot of charities and support services who will help the knife carrier get back on the right track. You can also report information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers.”

You can report information about knife crime online at herts.police.uk/report, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat at herts.police.uk/contact 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 at crimestoppers-uk.org.

In an emergency, always call 999.

If you would like further information on support services relating to knife crime contact fearless.org.