A county-wide campaign aimed at reducing knife-related violence launches today across Wiltshire.
Sceptre is a national knife crime campaign which takes place twice a year and focuses on prevention, enforcement and community safety.
This month’s campaign will include test purchasing operations at retailers across the county, with support from Wiltshire Police cadets, to ensure knives are being sold responsibly and legally.
Police will also carry out weapon sweeps using metal detectors, while a knife arch will visit various locations across Wiltshire during the week.
Superintendent Mike Vass said: “Knife crime has a devastating impact on victims, families and communities.
“Retailers can make a real difference by ensuring knives are sold safely and responsibly. Together, through strong partnerships and a shared commitment to public safety, we can reduce the risk and protect those most at risk of harm.”
The campaign coincides with the launch of the Wiltshire Police Bleed Kit Partnership, a joint initiative involving Wiltshire Police, HeartSafe UK, NHS England South West and South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust.
The project aims to increase the availability of emergency bleed kits in public spaces across Wiltshire communities.
Supt Vass said: “It is crucial that people know where their nearest bleed kit is so that if they do find themselves in a life or death situation, they are best equipped to help.
“The kits come with fundamental life-saving equipment and clear instructions to help provide emergency first aid for someone who is suffering significant blood loss prior to emergency services arriving on scene.”
Each bleed kit contains emergency first aid equipment including haemostatic dressings, trauma dressings and a tourniquet designed to help control severe blood loss before paramedics arrive.
Wiltshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson said the initiative would help improve public safety across both urban and rural communities.
He said: “These bleed kits can make a life-saving difference in the critical moments after a serious injury, giving members of the public the tools and confidence to act before emergency services arrive.”
Wiltshire residents, businesses and community groups interested in hosting a bleed kit can contact Wiltshire Police via
Anyone witnessing an incident involving a knife or offensive weapon is urged to call 999 immediately.
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