Dorset Police Engage Public with Knife Arch in Weymouth
As part of a national campaign to tackle knife crime, Dorset Police have been actively engaging with the public in Weymouth. On Tuesday, May 14, officers from the Weymouth Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) set up a ‘Knife Arch’ at The Marsh, inviting people to try it out and discuss the impact of knife crime on their lives.
Knife arches, which are portable metal detectors, help police to search for concealed knives. This community engagement event is part of Dorset Police’s week of action under the national campaign of Operation Sceptre. The primary aim of this week is to raise awareness about the dangers and consequences of carrying a knife. The campaign includes enhanced enforcement, engagement, and education initiatives by officers.
A knife surrender bin has also been set up at Weymouth Police Station during this week to encourage people to turn in unwanted knives.
A spokesperson for Weymouth and Portland Police commented, “Weymouth NPT officers set up the Knife Arch at The Marsh yesterday to talk to young people and families about knife crime and the impact it has on them. People aged from five to 50 were amongst those to try out the arch and find out more about Dorset Police’s bid to reduce knife-related crime.”
The event saw participation from a diverse age group, reflecting the broad community interest in reducing knife crime. The officers’ presence and the interactive nature of the Knife Arch helped facilitate meaningful conversations about the dangers of carrying knives.
This initiative is part of a larger, nationwide effort under Operation Sceptre, a week-long campaign aimed at combating knife crime across the country. The campaign encourages people to bring unwanted knives to police stations across 43 forces, including Dorset.
The effort by Dorset Police to set up the Knife Arch and engage with the public is a proactive measure to address knife crime. By involving the community and providing opportunities for dialogue, the police hope to educate and inform people about the severe repercussions of carrying knives. This initiative underscores the importance of community involvement in crime prevention and the role of law enforcement in fostering safer neighborhoods.
Overall, the Knife Arch at The Marsh is a step towards reducing knife-related incidents and promoting a culture of safety and awareness within the community. As part of Operation Sceptre, Dorset Police continue to demonstrate their commitment to tackling knife crime through a combination of enforcement, education, and community engagement.