More than 100 knives handed in during successful week-long amnesty in Surrey

Tackling knife crime is a daily priority for Surrey Police, and our involvement and support of Operation Sceptre, a national anti-knife crime campaign has proved a success once again.

Officers have been visiting schools and continuing to engage with communities to highlight the choices people have, and the dangers of carrying a knife.

Knife banks were located at Woking, Guildford, Reigate and Staines Police Stations, giving knife carriers the opportunity to surrender and #BinTheBlade safely without fear of questions being asked or prosecution. A total of 108 weapons were handed in from Monday, 11 to Monday, 18 March.

In addition to our knife banks, neighbourhood teams were out in force with street sweeps, community engagement events, retailer visits, and talking to children in schools across the county to raise awareness and find out their concerns.

Chief Inspector Mark Offord said: “We are determined to steer our young people away from a culture of violence and to break the cycle as we have seen the devastating effect knife crime has on people’s lives both across the country and here in Surrey. We want to reassure the public that while knife crime has risen, it remains low in Surrey and much of what does take place is related to drugs and gang activity. We are working hard to tackle the threat of ‘county lines’ gangs who are using vulnerable people in our towns to spread their supply network. This is a priority for us and you will see more activity in the coming months.

“We all have a responsibility to help stop knife crime and to spot the signs, whatever your role in our communities. Is someone you know, or your child becoming withdrawn? Are they suddenly coming into money and you don’t know where they are sourcing it? Is your child playing truant from school and you don’t know where they are? This bigger picture could perhaps show they are becoming involved in criminality and may choose to carry a knife to protect themselves.

“Your local authority and schools will have dedicated advisors who can provide support and guidance, and of course we are there should you need us. Anyone with information on knife crime can call 101 or report online. In an emergency, always dial 999.

“We would also like to say a big thank you to all those who supported and helped promote Operation Sceptre throughout the week!”