Dorset Police has joined forces with police departments across the country in support of a national week of action to combat knife crime as part of the Sceptre campaign, an initiative led by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC). Running from Monday 19 May to Sunday 25 May, the campaign focuses on prevention, education, and enforcement.
Throughout the week, Dorset Police will deliver a range of activities aimed at educating young people and reducing knife-related incidents in the region, which despite having one of the lowest rates of knife crime in the UK, still faces occasional serious offences.
As part of the initiative, officers will deliver educational presentations in 16 schools across the county, informing students about the dangers of carrying knives and the potentially fatal consequences. The sessions are also aimed at breaking the cycle of fear that can lead young people to carry knives for protection.
Knife surrender bins will be available at Bournemouth, Poole, and Weymouth police stations throughout the campaign week. Individuals are encouraged to dispose of knives anonymously and without fear of prosecution. Station opening hours can be found on the Dorset Police website.
Officers will also use knife detection arches at public engagement events across Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole (BCP), as well as in other parts of the county. In addition, a series of community sessions and awareness activities will take place at Bournemouth and Poole College.
Chief Inspector Andy Bell, Dorset Police’s knife crime lead, emphasized the importance of education and community involvement.
“Although Dorset has one of the lowest rates of knife crime, we must recognise that incidents do happen,” he said. “Our ongoing efforts, which include engaging with national campaigns like Sceptre, are crucial to removing knives from our streets.”
He added: “Knife crime cannot be solved through policing alone. Through a multi-agency approach and the help of the public, we can all ensure Dorset is a safe place to live.”
David Sidwick, Police and Crime Commissioner for Dorset, echoed the importance of education alongside enforcement.
“It can be very worrying to hear about knife crime,” Sidwick said. “The tragic irony is that carrying a weapon does not make you safer—it actually puts you more at risk. This perception that ‘everyone’ is carrying a knife creates fear that drives more people to carry.”
Sidwick praised the efforts of local police and community groups: “I am heartened to see a focus on education and prevention. I’ll be joining officers and the Safer Schools Team during the week to show support for the work being done to keep our communities safe.”
Dorset Police encourages the public to report any concerns or suspicions about knife carrying. Information can be submitted online at www.dorset.police.uk or anonymously via CrimeStoppers at 0800 555 111.
Retailers seeking guidance on knife sales can visit www.nbcc.police.uk/knifeguidance.