Week of action by Force to tackle knife crime delivers positive results
A week of action by Dorset Police to tackle knife crime has delivered positive results for the county.
The Force took part in the national Sceptre campaign led by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), running from Monday 18 May to Sunday 24 May 2026.
The campaign saw police forces across the country intensify their efforts to crack down on knife crime and raise awareness on the dangers of knife carrying.
During the week, Dorset Police executed a number of proactive warrants at addresses across the county, visited knife crime nominals and carried out high visibility patrols and weapon sweeps in crime hotspots.
A stop search in Westby Road in Bournemouth at the beginning of the week led to an address search, where officers subsequently recovered a flick knife along with a quantity of suspected class A and B drugs and cash. A 43-year-old Bournemouth man was arrested in connection with the incident and has been released under investigation.
In Weymouth, officers carried out a section 8 pace warrant at an address in the area of Lynch Lane. A number of weapons were seized, including a Rambo knife, samurai swords and throwing knives, as well as suspected drugs and three motorbikes believed to be stolen. Enquiries are ongoing in relation to this matter and no arrests have been made at this time.
Test purchases were carried out at retailers with support of the cadets. In Bournemouth, a total of 12 shops were visited and three ‘failed’ after selling knives to the cadets without asking for ID. In the wider Dorset area, five shops were visited and two of these failed. These businesses were spoken to and Trading Standards have been notified.
Engagement events were hosted across the county, including in the town centres of Weymouth and Bournemouth, with the knife arch present for some.
Support from partners allowed for additional engagement events to take place at Bournemouth University and Bournemouth and Poole College, providing officers with the important opportunity of interacting with hundreds of students.
Firearms officers delivered presentations to around 1500 pupils at Dorset schools, educating them on the dangers of knife carrying and offering them support.
As well as this, knife surrender bins were provided at stations, allowing for knives to be deposited anonymously without question or repercussions from police. A number of weapons were surrendered, including knives and a sword.
Officers also worked with the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) to deliver an educational webinar for parents on knife crime awareness. More than 200 people signed up to attend and the event received highly positive feedback.
Detective Superintendent Andy Bell, knife crime lead for Dorset Police, said: “Sceptre week is a crucial part of our ongoing efforts to tackle knife crime.
“Our focused work throughout the week has led to more knives being removed from the streets, and these results are testament to the hard work of police officers and staff, supporting partners and the co-operation of the public.
“I would like to re-iterate that rates of knife crime in Dorset are low and have continued to decrease year on year. However, we will not be complacent and continuing to reduce knife crime remains a priority for the Force.
"I would also like to remind those retailers selling knives of their responsibilities to not sell knives or bladed articles to anyone who appears to be under the age of 18 in the absence of approved identification. We will continue our work around the sale of knives and take enforcement action to those who breach this legislation."
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick said: “Sceptre demonstrates our unwavering commitment to keeping Dorset one of the safest places in the country. I want to thank our officers and staff for their outstanding work throughout the week – targeting those who are known to carry knives, removing weapons from our streets, engaging directly with communities and educating young people about the very real dangers of carrying a knife are essential. Their professionalism and dedication make a tangible difference.
"I’m also pleased that, working in partnership with Dorset Police, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner helped deliver an educational webinar for parents, with strong engagement from our communities. The recording has now been shared more widely with over 200 recipients, ensuring that vital prevention messages continue to reach families across Dorset.
"Tackling knife crime is about robust, relentless enforcement, effective education and prevention programmes and working with our partners to take positive action and this week has shown the strength of the combined approach.
"I am absolutely determined that we will continue to do everything in our power to keep knife crime down and keep Dorset’s communities safe.”
If you have any information or concerns about someone carrying a knife, please report it to Dorset Police online via the website.
You can also report any information anonymously to CrimeStoppers UK on 0800 555111. Your information could help save a life.
Retailers can visit this website for guidance on selling knives: www.nbcc.police.uk/knifeguidance
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