This week West Mercia Police is taking part in the national anti-knife crime intensification week, Operation Sceptre.
During this week, officers will be undertaking a range of activity to target offenders including carrying out test purchases at retailers who sell knives, utilising weapon arches at key locations and making educational visits to raise awareness of the consequences of carrying a knife and highlight the diversionary pathways away from knife crime.
Levels of knife crime in Shropshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Telford & Wrekin are relatively low in comparison to other parts of the country, however, work to help keep these levels low continues. West Mercia Police has seen a 4% decrease in recorded knife crime over the past 12 months.
Head of Prevention for West Mercia Police, Superintendent Edward Hancox said: “Although knife crime continues to decrease across the force, we have seen a number of tragic incidents across the force. Every report of knife crime is one too many and is ultimately preventable.”
“Early intervention is vital when it comes to tackling knife crime. Steer Clear is an early intervention programme, funded by the Police and Crime Commissioner for West Mercia and in partnership with The Children’s Society, that helps young people who are involved in or on the periphery of being involved in knife crime through a mentoring approach.
“I would urge any parent or carer, teacher or professional to refer any child or young person they think may be involved in knife crime.
“Carrying knives or other weapons do not keep you safe. By carrying a knife you are putting yourself in much greater danger, and more likely to become involved in a violent situation and get injured yourself.”
During the week members of the public are being encouraged to drop off unwanted knives and blades in dedicated knife surrender bins to ensure they are disposed of safely and do not get in the wrong hands.
Visit our website for more information about the intervention programme, Steer Clear. Knife Crime | West Mercia Police or The Children’s Society – Steer Clear | The Children’s Society (childrenssociety.org.uk)
Concerns about knife crime can be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through Fearless www.fearless.org.
