The Force continues efforts to educate public on dangers of knife carrying
Dorset Police is continuing its efforts to tackle knife crime and educate the public on the dangers of knife carrying.
Various activities have been lined up to take place in the county this week as part of the Sceptre campaign led by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC).
The initiative, running from Monday 17 November to Sunday 23 November 2025, sees police forces across the country intensify their efforts to crack down on knife crime.
Public engagement events using knife arches will be hosted in the town centres of Bournemouth and Weymouth during the week, and educational presentations will be provided to thousands of children at schools across the county, providing information about the dangers of knife carrying and offering support.
Knife surrender bins will also be provided at the Bournemouth and Weymouth police stations during the week of activity. Those who carry knives are encouraged to surrender them without question or repercussions from police, to help keep themselves and others safe. You can find the opening hours of these stations on the Force website.
As well as this, weapon sweeps will be taking place in the region, with officers focusing on ‘hot spots’ identified by intelligence.
Detective Superintendent Andy Bell, knife crime lead for Dorset Police, said: “We have low rates of knife crime in Dorset – one of the lowest in the country - but one person carrying a knife is one too many, and that is why it remains a Force priority to tackle these offences.
“We will therefore relentlessly strive to remove knives from our streets and pursue those who choose to carry them and commit offences, helping to keep Dorset as one of the safest counties in the country.
“National Sceptre week is important in highlighting and intensifying our ongoing efforts, with use of the knife arches, educational opportunities in local schools and the provision of knife surrender bins being just some of the ways we are raising awareness of the dangers of knife crime to both prevent and reduce it.
“The presentations in schools are particularly important in prevention and dispelling the common misconception that a person will be safer if they carry a knife.
“Although we take part in weeks of action like this one, I want to reassure the public that tackling and preventing knife crime, as well as remaining vigilant around knife carrying, is a key priority throughout the year.
“The issue of knife crime cannot be solved through policing alone – we also rely on the support of our partner agencies and the help of the public.
“The reality is that very few people carry knives, but if someone you know is carrying a knife, please do report it.”
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said: “Dorset has a low rate of knife crime, but it is vital we demonstrate through effective prevention, education and robust enforcement how seriously we take these offences.
“Sending a strong and clear message to those who choose to carry knives that their actions could lead to serious harm and heartbreak is a key part of this.
“That’s why I am so pleased Dorset Police are continuing their powerful educational presentations this week to thousands of school students, along with public engagements in the heart of our communities and enforcement activities to tackle those intent on causing harm.
“Every young person we steer away from violence, every knife removed from our streets, and every life saved truly matters.”
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