Week of action to reduce knife crime sees weapon sweeps and test purchasing

A campaign aimed at reducing knife-related violence saw policing teams across Wiltshire conduct 23 weapon sweeps, 11 education sessions and test purchasing operations at six different towns.

Sceptre, a national week of action focused on reducing knife crime through education, prevention and enforcement, saw neighbourhood policing teams highlighting the need for responsible retailing from local business owners.

Joined by our police cadets, officers visited a variety of retailers from well-known national businesses to small independent stores to ensure the Challenge 25 policy was being adhered to when selling knives.

Chief Insp Steve Jolly, who led Sceptre 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 without our communities. I’d like to thank the stores that passed the tests for their responsible approach to the sale of knives, and the cadets for their professionalism and cooperation throughout the operation.”

Weapon sweeps were conducted at 23 different locations across the county. This involved members of our neighbourhood policing teams and volunteers using metal detectors and search poles to meticulously search hedgerows, pathways and open areas at various locations for any discarded or hidden weapons.

A total of 11 educational sessions were held in primary and secondary schools to raise awareness of the dangers of weapons.  

Chief Insp Jolly added: “We are committed to tackling knife crime all year round; however, proactive activity like this is crucial to keep it at the forefront of everybody’s minds, including retailers, and the important role they play in preventing knives falling into the wrong hands.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson said: "Ensuring our communities are equipped with strong preventative education, alongside meaningful engagement with the public, is essential if we are to stop knives reaching our streets. While Wiltshire continues to experience comparatively low levels of knife-related offending, keeping these numbers low remains a priority. 

"It is disappointing that two out of seven retailers in Trowbridge failed to uphold the Challenge 25 policy during the test purchase operation, but these proactive checks are vital in exposing weaknesses and ensuring retailers fully understand their responsibilities. 

"Tackling knife crime is not simply a policing issue. It demands sustained early intervention, effective education, and robust enforcement working together, not in silos. 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.”