THE fight against knife crime will involve police visiting schools as bins are provided for disposing of blades, including banned zombie knives.
West Mercia Police has joined other forces across the country to take part in Sceptre - a national week of action against knife crime.
Between November 11 and 17, local teams will visit schools to speak to pupils about the dangers of carrying a knife, liaise with retailers who sell knives and install knife arches in prominent places.
The week of action gives West Mercia Police the opportunity to focus on prevention, enforcement, education, and engagement, all of which are important in playing a part to reduce knife crime.
In September it became illegal to be in possession of a ‘zombie style’ knife and machete after a change to the Criminal Justice Act 1988; that means it is now illegal to be in possession of a ‘zombie style’ knife and machete.
It is also against the law to manufacture, import, sell or supply these items.
Superintendent Brian Gibbs Said: “All too frequently we see the devastation and harm caused by knives and other weapons to victims, their families and the wider community. Sceptre is an opportunity to highlight the work West Mercia Police and partner agencies conduct every day to keep our communities safe.
“It is critical that individuals who carry knives understand that it places them in harm’s way, they are statistically more likely to become a victim themselves and the presence of a knife will only create harm.
“We understand the importance of early intervention with children and young people through diversion and education. We champion the Steer Clear program which, along with other multi agency work, offers support to young people and their families on the periphery of offending or becoming involved in knife crime”.
During the week members of the public are being encouraged to drop off unwanted knives and blades in dedicated knife surrender bins to ensure they are disposed of safely and do not get in the wrong hands.
Locations of the bins are as follows:
- Worcester- Castle Street, Worcester, WR1 3QX
- Telford- Malinsgate Police Station, Telford, TF3 4HW
- Kidderminster- Habberley Road, Kidderminster, DY11 6AN
- Shrewsbury- Clive Road, Monkmoor, Shrewsbury, SY2 5RW
- Hereford- Bath Street, Hereford HR1 2HT Worcester- Castle Street, Worcester, WR1 3QX
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