More Than 200 knives Surrendered To Police

[Hereford Voice]

More than 200 knives have been surrendered and 15 people arrested as part of a national campaign to tackle knife crime.

Last week, West Mercia Police took part in Op Sceptre – a national dedicated week of action to tackle knife crime. During the week:-

• 231 knives were deposited in our knife surrender bins
• 15 people arrested
• 87 stop searches carried out
• 178 visits to local schools were made where officers talked to pupils about the dangers of carrying a knife
• 37 community events were held
• 50 diversionary visits
• 10 test purchases carried out to ensure retailers were complying with the law and not selling knives to children and young people under 18
• 207 retailer visited and advised around their responsibility in selling knives.

Superintendent Edward Hancox said: “We were pleased to once again be involved in operation sceptre, the dedicated week of action gives us an opportunity to highlight the work we do all year round to tackle knife crime.

“While our level of knife crime is relatively low across Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcester, we are not complacent and we know that incidents do happen, often with devastating consequences. One incident is one too many which is why we will not stop in our work to bring down the level of knife crime even further.”

During the week police also joined up with the NHS to highlight vital first aid people can give to someone who has been stabbed.

Supt Hancox added: “Police alone cannot tackle knife crime and the support we have from our partner agencies, such as expert advice from the NHS, is absolutely crucial in helping prevent the number of people killed or seriously injured by a knife.

“While much of our work focusses on prevention and early intervention to stop a knife incident in the first place, if someone is stabbed first aid in the initial aftermath could potentially be the difference between life and death.”

Four simple steps to help someone who’s been stabbed:

1. Is it safe to approach? Consider your own safety

2. Put pressure on the wound.

3. Call 999.

4. Keep pressure on the wound until and ambulance arrives.

Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said: “It is brilliant to see the impact West Mercia Police has made across Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcester to tackle a crime that tears communities apart.

“As PCC, I am committed to delivering my Safer West Mercia Plan by ensuring your police force has the resources and tools it needs to combat knife crime.

“By working closely with local partners, society can turn the tide on knife crime by educating young people about the dangers of carrying a weapon and offering them the support they need to enjoy their childhood free from harm.”