A crackdown on knife crime saw dozens of blades being surrendered and two people being arrested.

Wiltshire Police officers carried out several days of prevention, education, engagement and enforcement activities as part of Operation Sceptre.

Between May 13 and 19, 30 sharp objects were dropped into six surrender bins around the county while police located no knives in 51 weapon sweeps but found one during 32 stop-searches, took part in 26 knife awareness sessions at schools and community sites, and arrested two suspects for knife-related offences.

Police cadets tried to purchase knives at 52 stores to see if the traders were following the law. Of these, 16 allowed cadets under the age of 18 to illegally purchase knives and bladed articles while two other retailers failed the Challenge 25 policy of asking anyone they think is under that age for proof of identity.

A new permanent knife surrender bin has been installed in Devizes at the Wiltshire Football Association Headquarters.

County Superintendent Doug Downing said: “Sceptre provides all police forces with a great opportunity to shine a light on the year-round work they do on the dangers associated with knife crime, so that hopefully people never make the decision to carry a weapon.

“We know that some young people carry knives out of fear, thinking they will be safer, but we know that statistically that is not the case.

“You are much more likely to be the victim of a knife attack if you have made the decision to carry a knife yourself.

“The test purchase operations using our excellent police cadets was also revealing as it shows not all stores are doing their due diligence in correctly checking ID.

“The stores were given oral warnings or words of advice. We all have a role to play in ensuring knife crime is addressed in our communities.

“We must remember that Wiltshire remains a very safe county to live in and we are fully committed to keeping it safe.”

The South West Regional Organised Crime Unit worked with Border Force teams to carry out 15 visits to people who bought weapons online, which included flick knives, karambits, butterfly knives and swords.

They issued cease and desist notices and arrested one person who has since been released.

Many of the people visited were unaware that the weapons they bought were illegal and so advice and education was provided by the officers. In one case, a young person had purchased a weapon without the knowledge of the parent.

SWROCU DI Lucy Edgeworth said: “We are committed to tackling the importation of illegal knives into the south west by working closely with Wiltshire Police and partners to offer advice and assistance and to disrupt this area of criminality.

“The devastation caused by knife crime continues to fracture our communities and destroy lives.

“I urge parents to have conversations with their children, to search rooms and bags and to know what knives are in your kitchen as they are the most common weapon used to cause serious injury in the UK.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson said: "Knife crime has a devastating effect on victims, their families and the wider community and I continue to be concerned that public perception, and particularly the perception of young people isn’t reflective of the reality in Wiltshire and perpetuates further crime.

“I’m reassured that despite more than 50 weapon sweeps by neighbourhood officers no weapons were found, but I am concerned that one in three shops failed the test purchases and sold knives to underage police cadets.

“Education and early intervention plays a key role in breaking the cycle and guiding those at risk of committing knife crime away from criminality.

"By continuing to work with partners to disparage any misconceptions through proper education, we can continue to drive down the trend of young people carrying weapons for perceived self-defence and make the streets of Wiltshire safer."