Hampshire police are taking part in a national week of action that aims to tackle the menace of knife crime.
Operation Sceptre, which runs until Sunday, May 25, is a multi-agency initiative designed to reduce violent crime by taking dangerous weapons off the streets.
Police are staging extra high-visibility patrols, particularly in knife crime hot spots, as well as targeting repeat offenders.
Officers are also promoting the use of "surrender bins", where people can deposit knives and other bladed weapons safely and anonymously.
Spot checks will be carried out across the county to ensure that traders are complying with laws relating to sale of knives.
Those involved in Sceptre will also work with schools, colleges, and youth groups to educate young people on the dangers of carrying blades.
A Hampshire police spokesperson said: "We will be co-ordinating additional policing activity and working closely with partners including the Violence Reduction Unit, local authorities, public health, youth workers, and charities to protect communities and young people from the threat of knife crime.
"Collectively we are making progress in reducing knife crime and its root causes.
"Since 2022, knife crime and bladed article offences have gone down by 19 per cent in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, which makes it one of the largest reductions in the country."
READ MORE: Knife crime in England and Wales: Latest numbers and trends
Inspector Michael Minnock, tactical lead for knife crime, stressed that tackling knife crime is a year-round priority.
He added: “A central part of what we do is dealing with the accessibility of deadly and intimidating weapons and we’re doing all we can to reduce how easily they can end up in the wrong hands.
"By taking a public health approach, we are maximising opportunities to divert individuals away from violence and towards safer, more positive futures.
"Very few people carry knives but some people think it’s acceptable to and it’s important we challenge that behaviour.
"If someone you know is carrying a knife, you must report it for everyone’s safety.”
Hampshire's Police and Crime Commissioner, Donna Jones, added: "Knife crime remains a serious concern, with many young people saying they carry a knife because they don’t feel safe without one, while in truth it actually puts them at greater risk of being involved in serious violence.
“Sceptre is an important week to tackle knife crime, reduce the number of incidents and get to the root causes of it along with educating parents about the risks of gang culture.
“Tackling knife crime requires a multi-agency approach and it remains one of my top priorities."
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