Police say they made 48 arrests and recovered 213 knives in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight during their recent week-long crackdown on knife crime.
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During ‘Operation Sceptre’ which ran from November 14 - 20, members of the neighbourhood policing teams joined partner agencies to hold community engagement events across the county.
Some involved talks by ex-offenders who shared their experiences.
Weapon sweeps in parks and open spaces were conducted with the support of metal detection groups, education workshops were given at secondary schools and licensing teams visited retailers in efforts to check and ensure they are legally compliant and only selling knives to under 18s.
Police say if you have any information or concerns about knife crime in your community, you can report non-emergency crime to 101, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. In an emergency call 999.
There’s more information on knife crime at www.Fearless.org
Image: Hampshire Constabulary