Wiltshire Police launched their national knife crime campaign - Sceptre yesterday, 13th May.
The week-long campaign aims to reduce knife-related violence and educate people on the dangers of carrying bladed weapons.
Last night, Calne, Chippenham and Corsham Neighbourhood Teams worked alongside the Neighbourhood Harm Reduction Unit and Police Cadets to see whether shops in the three towns would sell bladed articles to underage customers.
Nine shops were visited and although six shops successfully challenged the youths for identification and refused to sell the items, three shops failed the test and sold knives or other bladed items to cadet volunteers who were aged between 15 and 16 years old.
Officers spoke to the store managers involved and underlined the importance of Challenge 25 and urged them to ensure all staff members were aware of the dangers of not following this when selling bladed articles.
Reducing Violence across the county is a priority under Chief Constable Catherine Roper, and the latest figures show the volume of crimes involving knives and bladed articles in the 12 months to April 2024 has reduced by 5.6% compared to the previous year.
The arrest rate for crimes involving knives and blades over the last 12 months is 51%, an increase of 5.2% compared to the year before to April 2023.
County Superintendent Doug Downing said: “Knife crime has a devastating impact on families and communities.
“That’s why we are using this week of action as an opportunity to showcase the year-round work of officers and partners, to not only enforce but to prevent and engage with communities about the dangers of knife crime.
“There is no excuse for carrying a knife. Our message is simple, carrying a knife puts yours and other lives at risk. Our officers are committed to keeping people safe on our streets – anyone caught with a knife will be arrested and put before the courts.”
Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson said: "Over the past few weeks, the devastating impact of knife crime has been highlighted again following the sentencing of three teenagers from Wiltshire for the murder of Mikey Roynon at a house party in Bath.
“This shows why we police forces, local councils, health agencies, police and crime commissioners and, most importantly, local communities, need to work together to combat knife crime.
“It’s important we engage with young people, who are more likely to be involved in knife crime, and to use every means possible to divert them from participating in dangerous criminal behaviour.”
As part of Sceptre, a new permanent knife surrender bin has been installed in Devizes at the Wiltshire Football Association HQ at Green Lane.
This is the first outside Swindon and marks the continuation of plans to install them across the county.
These bins can be used by people to safely and anonymously discard any knives or weapons they are carrying.
If you know someone who carries a weapon, encourage them to surrender it – “Bin a Knife, Save a Life”.
Photo credit Wilts Police
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