'Hand in your knives' - police hold a one-week knife amnesty in Harborough

You can hand over a knife at Market Harborough police station this week as Leicestershire Police launches a special seven-day operation.

The force is carrying out a week of anti-knife crime action as part of Operation Sceptre, a nationwide crackdown on blades.

The national exercise is starting today (Monday).

It’s being backed by the force’s established #LivesNotKnives campaign and partnership work.

The initiative aims to cut knife crime by targeting those carrying weapons and disrupt the supply of knives available to use.

You can hand in a knife to a special surrender bin at Market Harborough police station on Fairfield Road.

Officers will be “carrying out stop and search activity where appropriate” as well as calling on well-known knife carriers to deliver the #LivesNotKnives message.

Police will also be deploying their knife arch to target people carrying knives along with any other criminality.

“Knife crime awareness classes will take place virtually and act as a forum for teachers and pupils to discuss aspects that lead to knife carrying and offer prevention advice and support,” said Leicestershire Police.

Det Ch Insp Gavin Drummond, of the force’s Violent and Complex Crime Unit, is leading the operation.

“Reducing knife crime is a key element in tackling violence.

“Our officers are working hard to protect communities, tackle this abhorrent crime and educate people on the harm it causes.

“Education and prevention work is key to what we do.

“We have a complex task trying to reach individuals motivated or pressured to carry knives.

“This response not only requires efforts on behalf of the police, but in local schools, charities, from friends and family members, as well as from prominent members of the community,” said Det Ch Insp Drummond.

“Our collaborative #LivesNotKnives campaign which works with the Violence Reduction Network (VRN) aims to give young people and parents support and resources to seek help with the issue across the board.

“Available on our website are further resources inclusive of Multi-lingual flyers, a 10-step conversational guide and direct links to help and support services.

“Ultimately, Knife crime remains a force priority and will not be tolerated.”

Grace Strong, Strategic Director of the Violence Reduction Network, said: “We know there are a variety of reasons that young people may decide to carry a knife.

“It’s important that we understand the root causes and address these whilst continuing to educate young people so they feel safe, understand the consequences of knife carrying and are empowered to make positive choices.

“We believe that violence is preventable and everyone has a role to play in tackling the causes of knife crime.”

She added: “Through providing the right support and interventions as well as involving young people themselves in the solutions, we can reduce and prevent knife crime across our communities.

“Over the last 12 months we have been working closely with Leicestershire Police and to strengthen our prevention offer to young people.

“As a Network, we feel passionately about ensuring we all play our role in reducing serious violence on our streets and will continue to make the case for investment in prevention.”