250 knives handed in during Operation Sceptre in Thames Valley

06/05/2021

“The public …  can help us as additional eyes and ears in our fight against serious violence and knife crime”

Over 250 knives and bladed articles were handed in across the Thames Valley during Operation Sceptre last week.   44 of those were in Oxfordshire.

During the week a knife amnesty bin was placed at Banbury Police Station and 10 other police stations across the area, allowing members of the public to dispose of unwanted knives safely, in order to prevent them from finding their way onto the streets.

Officers across the force carried out a number of proactive activities in an effort to tackle knife crime, which included 135 inputs to schools.

Metal detectors were used by officers in Banbury’s parks and public spaces to try and locate hidden knives.

In addition, 85 test purchase operations were also carried out in partnership with Trading Standards, cadets and police volunteers at retailers across the force. Officers also attended community meetings and conducted high visibility patrols.

Assistant Chief Constable Christian Bunt, force lead for Operation Sceptre, said: “Thames Valley Police is wholly committed to reducing the threat of knife crime within our communities.

“Operation Sceptre is a national week of action that highlights our work to tackle this crime type, however it is important to stress that our work continues beyond this week of action.

“The public have an important part to play also in helping to keep knives off our streets. They can help us as additional eyes and ears in our fight against serious violence and knife crime. By making a report to us you could help save a life.”

Anyone worried that someone they know is using violence or is carrying a knife is asked to report it so the police can then take the necessary steps to safeguard them and identify those responsible.


Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam

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