Early action and partnerships at the heart of knife crime prevention

Early action and partnerships at the heart of knife crime prevention

West Mercia Police is continuing its commitment to tackling knife crime through a combination of early intervention, community engagement, education and targeted enforcement.

A range of initiatives aimed at preventing young people from becoming involved in knife crime have been developed by the force.

One example is the Steer Clear programme, an early intervention initiative supporting young people aged 10 to 17 who are at risk of becoming involved in knife-related activity.

The programme provides education about the dangers and consequences of carrying knives, supports positive relationships and helps young people access diversionary activities. It is delivered in partnership with the Police and Crime Commissioner and The Children’s Society.

The force continues to engage with young people, families and community organisations to raise awareness of knife crime, its risks and consequences, and encourage early intervention.

Alongside education and early intervention, officers carry out proactive hotspot patrols and locally focused prevention activity to identify risks, address community concerns and take action to help prevent knife crime.

This work is supported by the Knife Crime Concentration Fund (KCCF), a Home Office-funded initiative that targets knife crime through a combination of problem-solving, partnership working and targeted enforcement activity.

Through the KCCF, the force works closely with local authorities, community safety partners, youth services and other organisations to deliver a multi-agency approach in identified hotspot areas. This includes long-term interventions, awareness activity, high-visibility policing and targeted patrols, alongside other crime prevention measures designed to reduce harm and improve community safety.

Operation Sceptre continues to take place across the force twice a year, a national police operation focused on tackling knife crime and reducing the risk of knives causing harm in our communities.

The operation brings together prevention, education and enforcement, including engagement with young people and schools, community education, retailer visits, knife surrender initiatives and targeted police activity.

Our support for Sceptre is part of our wider commitment to keeping young people and communities safe. By working alongside police, schools, retailers and local partners, we help raise awareness of the risks associated with carrying knives and encourage positive alternatives.

Superintendent Edward Hancox said: “Preventing knife crime requires more than one organisation working alone. It requires strong partnerships, early intervention and meaningful engagement with our communities.

“The work taking place across West Mercia demonstrates our commitment to preventing young people from becoming involved in knife crime, supporting those who may be vulnerable and taking action to protect our communities.

“We will continue working with our partners to prevent serious violence, educate young people and take action where necessary to keep people safe.”

Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said: “Knife crime offences remain low in West Mercia, but I regularly hear from the public about their concerns and perceptions of knives in their communities. That’s why the work taking place locally - from proactive enforcement by West Mercia Police to specialist education programmes for young people - is so important. I remain committed to doing all I can to support those efforts.”