More than 160 knives taken off Hertfordshire streets during police campaign

Hertfordshire Police recovered 168 knives through a range of activities including knife sweeps and stop and searches as part of a national knife campaign.

Operation Sceptre concluded on Sunday (November 15), during which the Constabulary carried out a range of operations to reduce the number of knives in the county.

Police also engaged with young people at 14 schools and visited retailers to ensure they are adhering to laws regarding knife sales to those under 18.

Knife detection operations, including covert and high-visibility patrols in areas associated with anti-social behaviour, were also carried out.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire, David Lloyd, said: “Although the risk of harm is very low in Hertfordshire we are not immune from national crime trends. Knife crime and serious youth violence has been a top priority for the constabulary and partner agencies for several years.

"Progress has been made but the war is not won. Now, through our serious violence strategy, we have a better understanding of what works so everyone can focus on those areas.”

Inspector Nicola Dean, from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Crime Reduction Unit who led the campaign, said: “Due to the pandemic, we were unable to hold an amnesty for this Operation Sceptre campaign, but it gave us an opportunity to focus our activities on talking to young people about knife crime and carrying out knife detection operations.

“These weeks of action support the other work we are doing throughout the year in schools, colleges and through our other projects, working with young people. As part of this strategy we are working with our partners in education, local government and social services to educate young people about the potential consequences of carrying a knife.”