Police deliver major knife crime education programme ahead of Sceptre week

Two thousand students in Luton have been involved in Bedfordshire Police’s most ambitious effort to educate young people about knife crime in the lead-up to the national knife crime week of action.

Students at Luton Sixth Form College took part in sessions led by the force’s Education and Diversion team alongside Community Policing teams, focusing on the dangers and consequences of knife crime – all delivered over just five days last week.

They heard powerful real-life stories from individuals in Bedfordshire affected by knife crime, challenged common myths around carrying knives, and explored issues further through immersive VR film on knife crime, county lines and exploitation.

This marked the force’s most intensive education initiative to date, and was delivered ahead of Sceptre – the national week of action against knife crime – which takes place this week (17-23 November).

In addition to the work with schools and young people, a dedicated event will be held in Leighton Buzzard to help parents and carers recognise the signs of exploitation and gang involvement, and how to get support.

‘Not My Child: A parent’s guide to exploitation, knife crime and county lines’ will take place tomorrow (Wednesday) from 5.45pm to 9.15pm at Cedars Upper School, following on from previous events held in Luton and Bedford earlier this year.

A range of operational activities are also planned across the week, including weapon sweeps, retailer checks and engagement events – highlighting the ongoing efforts by police, partners and communities to tackle and prevent knife crime.

The force is also continuing to promote Bedfordshire’s anti-knife crime campaign, Just Drop It, and urging anyone carrying a weapon to dispose of it safely using one of the county’s 11 dedicated knife bins.

Superintendent Alex House, Bedfordshire Police’s knife crime lead and national lead for Sceptre, said: “Sceptre provides an opportunity to shine a light on the breadth of work taking place, both locally and nationally, to reduce knife crime.

“Enforcement remains a key part of our response, but the impact of knife crime on victims, families, residents and even offenders also underline why education, early intervention and sustained community engagement matter more than ever.

“Strong partnerships across services are also vital to addressing root causes and preventing violence before it happens.

“We are committed to continuing and building on the work that is already happening, and we’re grateful to all those working alongside us to reduce harm, support and guide young people, and encourage them to drop the knife.”

Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner John Tizard said: "We must do everything we can to prevent people, especially young people, carrying knives on the streets and elsewhere, and I fully support the work of Bedfordshire Police and the Violence and Exploitation Prevention Partnership (VEPP). We must also enforce the law against those who carry and use knives. Prevention requires action by schools, retailers, the police and all of us.

“I am pushing for the end of the sale of weapons designed with the sole purpose of inflicting harm. Those with such weapons should surrender them.”

Find out more about the work underway to tackle knife crime at beds.police.uk/sceptre