More than two hundred knives were taken off local streets by Avon and Somerset in May as part of Operation Sceptre.
The exercise was aimed at deterring people from carrying knives through prevention, disruption and enforcement tactics, alongside community engagement to educate the public about the risks and consequences of carrying a bladed weapon.
School visits, weapons sweeps searching undergrowth and public spaces for any discarded or hidden knives, and installing new community bleed kits, were just some of the actions that took place.
It resulted in four knives being recovered during 73 weapons sweeps. 234 knives recovered from weapon surrender bins.
42 community engagement events delivered. Visits were made to 43 retailers advising on the law and safety around knife sales.
Knife crime lead for Avon and Somerset Police, Chief Inspector Mike Vass, says the key focus throughout the campaign was to encourage young people to stop carrying knives in public, by tackling the misconception that people need to arm themselves to be safe. He says the results were exceptional but that the issues of knife carrying and serious violence are year-round efforts. Not only is it illegal to carry a bladed item, but it can place a person at greater risk of being injured.
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