Gloucestershire Police take part in National Sceptre Week

Gloucestershire Police is stepping up its efforts to tackle knife crime as the force once again joins Sceptre Week, a national operation involving intensified action across England and Wales.

The campaign runs from today [Monday] until Friday, with officers carrying out a range of targeted activities to help keep communities safe.

Throughout the week, police will undertake additional patrols, conduct knife sweeps, and engage with young people in schools to raise awareness of the risks and consequences associated with carrying weapons. The initiative forms part of ongoing work with local partners aimed at reducing knife-related harm and preventing young people from becoming involved in violence.

As part of Sceptre Week, dedicated knife amnesty bins have been placed at stations around the county. Members of the public can safely dispose of knives or bladed articles—no questions asked.

To hand in a knife safely, the force advises wrapping it in several sheets of newspaper or cardboard, ensuring there is enough material to prevent it piercing through. The bundle should then be secured with sticky tape to prevent the knife from slipping out or being easily removed.

Amnesty bins can be found at the following Gloucestershire police stations:

• Hester’s Way, Cheltenham

• Bearland, Gloucester

• Stroud

• Cirencester

• Coleford

Gloucestershire Police encourages anyone in possession of a knife to make use of the amnesty bins and help reduce the number of blades on the county’s streets.

Gloucester News Centre – http://gloucesternewscentre.co.uk