Blade amnesty bin at Lymington police station as part of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary’s Op Sceptre campaign

A knife bin will be at Lymington’s police station this week for those who want to surrender blades.

It’s part of a week of action aimed at tackling knife crime, and no action being taken against those who hand them in.

Operation Sceptre, led by the National Police Chiefs’ Council, sees officers taking dedicated action to make communities safer from knife-related crimes.

Acting inspector and tactical lead for knife crime for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, Christian Lavin, said: “A huge effort is being made to work closely with local and national partners to educate, prevent and reduce knife crime in our communities.

“Through a multifaceted approach, Op Sceptre will include operations across our two counties such as educational talks, community engagement activities and enforcement tactics, warrants, knife surrender bins, weapon sweeps, knife arches, and hotspot patrols.”

He added: “Our approach has also been strengthened through new legislation changes that have been made, which reduces the availability of certain knives and weapons and increases policing powers to seize these to protect the public and make communities safer.

“We understand it can be worrying to hear about knife crime. Though knife crime figures in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are comparatively low, knife-related offences continue to fall within our communities.

“Carrying a weapon yourself does not make you safer, but puts you more at risk. Very few people carry knives, but if someone you know is carrying one, you can report it to a trusted family member or teacher, to Crimestoppers anonymously or their youth brand Fearless, or to the police.”

The force says it is working closely with its Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) and partners, such as local authorities, public health, charities, and youth workers to make communities safer and prevent young people from being drawn into knife crime.

Some of the increased police activity during Op Sceptre will include additional high visibility patrols, particularly in identified hotspot areas, and working with schools, colleges, and youth groups to educate young people on the dangers of knife crime.

The force says tackling knife crime is a priority all year round, and as a result, knife-related crime in Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary has fallen over the last four years by 8.6%.

If someone you know is carrying a knife, you can report it to the police on 101 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.