Thames Valley Police knife crime campaign sees arrests made

As part of Operation Sceptre, which ran from May 16 to May 22, the public were reminded of the permanent knife amnesty bins placed at police stations across the Thames Valley.

In total 88 knives and bladed articles were handed in across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire.

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The amnesty bins gained only six knives in Berkshire and 61 in Buckinghamshire.

Throughout the week multiple activities were carried out including 128 stop searchs with 38 knife related arrests made and seven weapons seized.

Thames Valley Police also visited 81 schools and 178 test purchase operations were carried out in partnership with Trading Standards, Cadets and police volunteers at stores across the Thames Valley.

This was to spot check age compliance for the sale of knives.

Picture: Thames Valley Police

Chief Inspector Chris Young, tactical lead for knife crime, said: “Operation Sceptre is part of our ongoing proactive work to reduce knife crime across the Thames Valley.

“During the week of action, there has been an increased police presence in our communities, with officers engaging with the businesses, young people and working in partnership to disrupt crime.

“As a result, a total of 128 stop searches were made resulting in 38 arrests and 7 weapons removed from our streets. This demonstrates our continued efforts to disrupt knife crime and reduce serious violence.

“I would like to thank everyone who has supported this week of action and all those who continue to support us to tackle knife crime and make our communities a safer place.”

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To report a knife related crime, report it online or call 101.

And always dial 999 in an emergency if there is an immediate danger to life.