Police teams from across Wiltshire have been carrying out weapon sweeps, school talks and test purchasing checks as part of a week-long national campaign aimed at reducing knife-related violence.
The initiative, known as Sceptre, focuses on education, prevention and enforcement. Throughout the week, neighbourhood officers visited retailers to remind them of their responsibilities when selling knives and to ensure the Challenge 25 policy was being followed.
Police cadets joined officers during the checks, which covered a range of businesses from national chains to small independent shops. In Trowbridge, seven stores were visited and two failed to ask for identification before completing a sale. Officers gave immediate advice to staff and managers, and Trading Standards will be informed so further checks and follow-up action can take place.
Chief Insp Steve Jolly, who led the Sceptre operation in Wiltshire said: “Test purchasing helps us work with local businesses to strengthen compliance, raise awareness and keep people safe. Knives sold unlawfully can quickly end up in the hands of young people, increasing the risk of harm within our communities. I’d like to thank the stores that passed the tests for their responsible approach, and the cadets for their professionalism throughout the operation.”
As part of the campaign, weapon sweeps were carried out at 23 locations across Wiltshire. Officers and volunteers used metal detectors and search poles to check hedgerows, footpaths and open areas for hidden or discarded weapons. One of the sweeps in Chippenham took place at the Donkey Fields near Sheldon and Hardenhuish schools.
Education was another focus during the week. Police delivered 11 sessions in primary and secondary schools to highlight the risks of carrying weapons and the consequences of knife crime.
Chief Insp Jolly said the force remains committed to tackling knife crime throughout the year, but activity like Sceptre helps keep the issue in the public eye and reinforces the role retailers play in preventing knives getting into the wrong hands.
Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson said strong preventative work is key to keeping communities safe. He said it was disappointing that two Trowbridge stores failed the Challenge 25 checks, but added that proactive operations are essential for identifying weaknesses and ensuring retailers fully understand their responsibilities.
He added: “Tackling knife crime is not simply a policing issue. It demands early intervention, effective education and robust enforcement working together. I will continue to push for the right resources in the right areas so we can confront the harm knife crime causes to families and communities and ensure it is met with decisive, effective action.”
*Photo - Wiltshire Police
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