TACKLING violent crime was said to be a top priority for Wiltshire Police, as the force launched its latest push on knife crime.

The Wiltshire police force has joined dozens up and down the country for a national week of action against knives – called Op Sceptre. 

But unlike in previous years, the force is not holding a weapons amnesty. A spokeswoman said this was because the campaign was planned during lockdown when there was uncertainty about when restrictions would end. An amnesty is likely to be held later in the year. 

Chief Constable Kier Pritchard said: “Tackling violent crime and keeping people safe is a priority for this Force and we have various teams of police officers and staff who are working diligently to make this happen.

“I want you to have confidence in Wiltshire Police, and I particularly want you to have the confidence to speak to us about what is happening in your local community.

“Preventing violent crime, specifically the issue of young people carrying weapons, is something we have to work together on, and I would urge anyone with worries, concerns or information, to reach out to us. We are committed to making our streets safer.”

In the 12 months to the end of March 2021, Wiltshire Police recorded 718 knife-related crimes, including simple possession of a blade. That was up from 694 the previous year. 

Knife violence, where a blade was used to carry out violence against a person, was up from 240 reported incidents in 2019/20 to 288 to 2020/21. In the last year, more than half of the county’s crimes where a knife was used or threatened took place in Swindon.

Home Office figures published in February showed a rise in knife offences from 102 in 2012/13 to 288 in 2019/20.  

Police and Crime Commissioner Angus Macpherson said: “I know that both locally and nationally there is concern amongst our communities about knife crime, particularly where young people are involved.

“But I know the Force is committed to tackling all strands of vulnerability. This includes the types of criminality that often come hand in hand with violence – illegal drugs and child exploitation.

“We need to ensure there is support available to provide alternative routes for young people who could find themselves drawn into the world of crime. We need to tackle the root causes to keep all young people safe.”