Surrey Police sees positive week-long action against knife crime

Surrey Police has once again been intensifying its efforts last week in support of Operation Sceptre, a national knife crime campaign which takes place twice a year, supporting the work which goes on around the clock to keep communities safe.

Knife crime remains low in Surrey, however it continues to have a devastating impact nationally and that’s what makes our participation in these types of campaigns so important.

During the week of action, officers have been working on a mix of targeted operational and educational activities to remove knives off the streets of Surrey, and also to reassure and educate young people.

Our knife banks, which are now in place permanently, give people the opportunity to surrender their knives or weapons without fear of prosecution or questions being asked.

Youth Engagement Officers have been continuing to intensify their efforts within schools and colleges, talking to young people about any concerns or worries they may have, as well as educating them on the dangers of carrying a knife together with our partner agencies.

Retailers play an important role in preventing knife crime by ensuring knives don’t fall into the wrong hands. Our officers have been working in partnership with Trading Standards, engaging with retailers on the importance of challenging underage customers.

We have also held dedicated operations at train stations to combat serious organised crime and habitual knife carriers who may be travelling into Surrey from other areas, as well as knife and weapon sweeps in hotspot areas.

Detective Chief Inspector Amy Buffoni, who leads on tackling serious violence for the Force said:

“With lockdown restrictions over the past year, it has been great to see our officers being able to get back into schools and engaging with our young people.

“Our knife banks have given people the opportunity to safely surrender their weapons, without fear of prosecution or questions being asked. Each knife taken off our streets is potentially a life saved.

“The message to those who carry a knife, or are thinking of carrying one, is that a knife does not protect you. It could make you more vulnerable placing you in danger of serious harm.

“It is important to reiterate though that we are making good progress in tackling knife crime in Surrey and it remains one of the safest places in the country. We are working with partners across all agencies targeting this crime type and we would encourage anyone with information or knowledge of knife carrying to report this to us or via Crimestoppers anonymously.”

During the course of the week, the Force has been sharing the ‘Hard Calls Saves Lives’ campaign which follows and tells the story of mothers who have tragically lost their children to knife crime.

Calling with information about knife crime may feel hard, but there are harder calls.

You can help save a life by calling to report information. Even tiny details can help stop knife crime and keep your community safe. Call Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111.

You can find out more about the campaign here.