Last week marked Sceptre week, a national initiative aimed at raising awareness of knife crime and the proactive measures taken to address it.
Between 11th and 17th November 2024, Wiltshire Police carried out a series of targeted actions across the county to educate, engage, and enforce laws surrounding knives and bladed articles.
One of the key focuses was a test purchase operation, where police cadets, all under the age of 18, attempted to purchase knives from local shops. Of the 39 stores visited across Swindon, Trowbridge, Melksham, and Salisbury, nearly 60% passed the test by adhering to the ‘Challenge 25’ policy. However, 16 outlets failed, resulting in oral warnings or words of advice from the authorities.
Chief Superintendent Doug Downing praised the efforts of the cadets and Trading Standards partners but stressed the importance of continuous improvement:
“I am pleased that the majority of outlets adhere to the law, but those who failed must do better. Sceptre allows us to demonstrate the dangers linked to knife crime and highlights the day-to-day work we do in partnership with others to keep our communities safe.”
Key Outcomes from Sceptre Week:
- Test Purchases: 39 tests conducted, with 23 shops passing and 16 failing.
- Stop and Searches: 41 carried out, resulting in four knives recovered and 13 arrests, four of which were knife-related.
- Surrender Bins: 13 knives handed in from six bins located in Swindon.
- Weapons Sweeps: 17 conducted, though no weapons were recovered.
- School Engagement: Officers delivered 17 educational talks on the dangers of knife crime.
Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson highlighted the importance of education in tackling knife crime, pointing to the discrepancy between young people’s perception of knife carrying and the reality. He cited a 2023 schools survey that revealed only 3% of young people admitted to carrying a knife, despite a perceived rate of 19% among their peers:
“The culture of fear amongst young people must be addressed. Sceptre, alongside our Spot the Signs campaign, focuses on dispelling these misconceptions and educating young people about criminal exploitation. The more informed they are, the less likely they are to engage in such activity.”
Sceptre week forms part of the broader, month-long Spot the Signs campaign, which raises awareness about child criminal exploitation and equips young people to identify and report concerns.
