19/05/2026
This week, we’re once again taking part in Sceptre – an initiative which sees police forces across the country take intensified action to reduce the number of knives on our streets and educate people, in particular young people, about knife crime.
This Sceptre, officers and PCSOs will be carrying out additional patrols in targeted areas; carrying out knife sweeps in the search for hidden weapons; and taking our Neighbourhood and Community Engagement Vehicles out across the county from where they’ll provide advice and reassurance to members of the public about knife crime.
Our Youth Engagement Officers will also be delivering inputs on knife crime to both primary and secondary school pupils which will include highlighting the real life consequences that can come with carrying a knife.
Dedicated amnesty bins have been placed in police stations around the county for anyone who wants to dispose of a knife or bladed article.
To hand a knife or bladed article in, use a few sheets of newspaper or cardboard to wrap around it, ensuring that there is enough material to prevent it piercing through. It should also be sealed with sticky tape to stop the knife being easily removed or falling out of the wrapping.
You can find bins at the following stations:
* Hester's Way, Cheltenham
* Bearland, Gloucester
* Stroud
* Cirencester
* Coleford
Chief Inspector James Wyatt, our Crime Prevention Lead, said: “Policing uses a multifaceted approach to tackling knife crime including; stopping the sale and supply of knives solely intended to harm, understanding the drivers behind knife carrying, engaging with current and potential carriers, finding and seizing knives and supporting our communities to feel safe.
“Dealing with the accessibility of deadly and intimidating weapons is key and we are doing all we can to reduce how easily they can end up in the wrong hands and to educate young people about the devastating consequences which may come from carrying a knife.
“However, policing cannot tackle knife crime alone which is why we’re also working closely with a range of local and national partners to prevent knife crime, support young people and create safer communities.”
