Dorset Police roll out metal detector wands to officers as part of nationwide campaign against knife crime – Operation Sceptre

METAL detector wands have been issued to police across Dorset as part of a bid to crackdown on knife crime.

Officers will be able to use the handheld devices as an aid to their stop and search powers in a move coinciding with Operation Sceptre – a nationwide campaign against the offences.

The week-long initiative launched on Monday and runs until Sunday 19th November.

The wands will not replace the requirement for a physical search but act as screening devices during such lawful and justified action following an arrest.

Assistant Chief Constable Neil Corrigan said: “The use of these wands, alongside operations such as Sceptre and high-visibility patrols in Dorset, are driving down knife crime and educating people about the dangers of carrying a knife.”

All 43 forces across England and Wales are taking part in Operation Sceptre, with intensified efforts being carried out.

Dorset Police is providing knife amnesty bins for unwanted blades at stations including Bournemouth, while Southampton Central police station is one of those in Hampshire.

This week’s campaign is built around raising awareness of online knife retailers and the sort of packages being sent to young people at home.

Retailers are being urged by Dorset Police to be aware of who they are selling to and to ensure they are following the appropriate safety guidelines for legal sale and distribution.

The force’s safer schools and communities teams will also be visiting schools to educate youngsters about the consequences and dangers of carrying a knife.

Parents and care givers are also urged to ensure they know what their youngsters are receiving through the post.

Mr Corrigan continued: “We would always encourage people to report information about knife carriers, but I would like to reassure the public that this is not just about us wanting to catch more young people with knives, it is about protecting young people from harm and educating them about the dangers.

“We take knife crime very seriously and will pursue those who carry knives and commit offences with weapons, to remove knives from the streets of Dorset.”

Anyone with information or concerns about someone carrying a knife should contact officers online at dorset.police.uk or call 101.

Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously at crimestoppers-uk.org or on 0800 555 111.

Advice for parents can be found at parents.actionforchildren.org.uk and guidance for retailers is at nbcc.police.uk/knifeguidance