Parents in Luton are among those being called on to play their part in tackling knife crime as Bedfordshire Police launches a week-long campaign aimed at education, prevention and enforcement.
The initiative, part of the national Operation Sceptre, began on Monday and will see police forces across the UK taking coordinated action against knife-related violence. In Bedfordshire, efforts will focus on empowering parents and engaging directly with young people in a bid to reduce harm in communities.
One of the central events in the county will take place at Luton Sixth Form College, where a session titled Not My Child: A parent’s guide to exploitation, knife crime & county lines will aim to give carers and families the tools needed to help protect young people from being drawn into violence.
Alongside the event, officers will carry out weapons sweeps to locate and remove hidden knives, run test purchase operations to make sure retailers aren’t selling blades to under-18s, and hold community events to inform and reassure residents.
Workshops will also be delivered in schools across Luton by the force’s Education and Diversion team. These sessions will focus on the dangers of carrying knives and encourage young people to ‘bin the blade’.
Police are also supporting the Bedfordshire Violence and Exploitation Reduction Unit’s (VERU) Just Drop It campaign, which highlights the devastating consequences of knife crime and its impact on families and communities.
During the last Operation Sceptre in November, more than 1,500 knives and weapons were recovered from the county’s 11 knife disposal bins. Officers are again encouraging anyone in possession of a weapon to surrender it safely and anonymously during this week’s amnesty.
Superintendent Alex House, who is leading the campaign, said: “Sceptre is a key moment for police forces across the UK to highlight the tireless work being done to tackle knife crime.
“We are speaking directly to those who carry knives — this is your opportunity to make a change. Surrender your weapon. If you know someone who carries a knife, encourage them to use one of our knife bins.
“Choosing not to carry a blade could save a life — possibly your own. We are committed to making Bedfordshire a safer, more welcoming place for everyone, and we need the support of our communities to achieve a knife-free future.”
Police and Crime Commissioner John Tizard added: “Tackling knife crime must be an imperative for every public service. The police have a major role to play, but local authorities, parents, schools, retailers and others have roles too. Prevention is always preferable to enforcement and most importantly to a death. I support this week of awareness. However, this requires focused action every week of every year.”
Residents can report concerns about knife crime via the Bedfordshire Police website or by calling 101. More details about the campaign and the location of knife bins across the county can be found on the police force’s dedicated campaign page.
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