HAMPSHIRE police have supported a national knife crime campaign.

Operation Sceptre took place last week and was a national week of action against knife crime.

The operation aimed to highlight the risks that carrying a bladed weapon can bring, as well as targeting offenders who use and carry knives.

Officers carried out test purchase operation of knives from identified retailers, as well as high visibility patrols, local engagement activity, weapon sweeps and use of surrender bins as part of the action against knife crime.

In total, 140 knives were recovered and seized, and 97 were discarded in surrender bins across the force.

Knife crime lead for Hampshire Constabulary, temporary superintendent Claire Taylor, said: “Even though levels of knife crime in Hampshire and Isle of Wight are low, there is a continuing concern nationally around knife crime, which has seen an increase following a downward trend.

“In our week of action operation we targeted habitual offenders in crime hotspots, resulting in arrests and weapons seized.

“We also worked with Trading Standards to identify retailers who are failing to meet their responsibilities under the law on selling.

“We have been supporting the Knife Free campaign led by the Home Office, encouraging under 18s to not carry weapons.”

Over the course of the week, Hampshire police recovered 26 knives from 55 weapon sweeps, and six retail premises failed test purchases from 25 test.

The force also carried 50 engagement and education events.

Claire Taylor added: “We take knife crime very seriously, and as part of my role sitting on the National Working Group, we will be working with our partners to look at best practice across the country to reduce access to and the use of knives in crime.

“This will be considered to identify opportunities to tackle knife related criminal activity occurring in Hampshire.

“Our primary focus is on those vulnerable people living within our communities who could be targeted by others connected with drug and knife-related crime, which can have a devastating impact.”

Michael Lane, Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “This week of action by the force is important and it is encouraging to see some significant and far reaching results, not only in terms of knives seized and arrests, but also in terms of engagement with partners and local communities.”