Getting knives off our streets

High profile murders in London, Manchester and Birmingham show that knives are increasingly being carried on our streets, so the local force is holding an amnesty to stop the problem spreading here.

Dyfed-Powys Police is cracking down on illegal possession of knives as part of Operation Sceptre, a national week of action that runs from March 11-17.

The aim of the week is to increase awareness about the dangers of carrying knives and the laws

around buying and selling knives and blades. Knife amnesty bins will also be placed around the force area for people to hand over knives or blades.

It is the second knife campaign the force has taken part in over the past six months. During

September’s operation, 169 knives (some are pictured here) were handed in as part of the amnesty, dozens of engagement events were held, and shops across the force area were visited.

Superintendent for specialist operations Craig Templeton said: “Carrying a knife is a crime which brings that added risk that a minor issue can escalate into something much more serious and potentially life changing.

“The damage caused by knives, not just to the victim and their families, but also to the wider community, can be devastating. We will be doing all we can to spread the message that carrying a knife is not ok.

“We are keen to reach out to members of the public who may have information about people who carry knives, and I would encourage anyone with information to have the confidence to come forward and report it by calling 101.”

During the week, officers will be using their powers to stop and search individuals who are believed to be carrying knives. Educational visits to schools, colleges and youth clubs are also planned to raise awareness of the dangers of carrying knives.

Shops and businesses are being asked to put in robust controls on the sale of blades, such as kitchen knives, as part of the operation.

Amnesty bins are at certain police stations around the force and no questions will be asked at the point of surrender, and no paperwork will be taken.

For more information about Operation Sceptre and the laws around carrying knives, visit

www.dyfed-powys.police.uk.