Operation Sceptre: Hertfordshire police launch week of action to combat knife crime

A week of action to combat knife crime in Hertfordshire will begin on Monday (May 19).

Incidents in the county remain low, but the campaign aims to raise awareness that carrying a knife is illegal.

The constabulary will carry out knife detection operations and talk to retailers to ensure knives are not sold to under-18s.

The campaign will also educate young people, via school visits and social media, about the dangers of carrying a knife.

A survey will be conducted to gauge residents’ concerns about knife crime and how police are tackling the issue in Hertfordshire. Add your thoughts to the knife crime survey.

Sgt Karen Mellor, who is leading on the Herts activity for Operation Sceptre, said: “Knife crime remains low in the county, but we regularly run these weeks of action, along with our policing partners across the county, as part of a continuing effort to drive down knife crime.

“As part of our Serious Violence Strategy, we aim to raise awareness of knife crime among young people to ensure they don’t become involved in this type of crime at an early age.

“We also target knife carriers, using stop and search and other powers, to ensure they’re not posing a threat to our communities.

“We will also be focusing on those selling illegal knives online and through social media sites, as this is where the majority of the recently banned zombie knives are acquired.”

Knives can be surrendered at police stations. For more details, see www.herts.police.uk/amnesty.