Campaign to reduce knife-related violence sees safety initiatives launched, test purchasing operations and weapon sweeps held in Wiltshire

Wiltshire Police carried out a series of weapon sweeps and test‑purchase operations last week as part of Sceptre, the national campaign to reduce knife‑related violence.

The week also marked the launch of two countywide safety initiatives: the Wiltshire Police Bleed Kit Partnership and a trial of the Safer Knives replacement scheme, funded through the Drug Forfeiture Fund with support from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.

The scheme offers households at higher risk of knife‑related harm the chance to exchange traditional pointed kitchen knives for specially designed rounded alternatives.

Supt Mike Vass said: “We’ve had a really busy week of proactive, preventative work with the launch of the Bleed Kit Partnership and the Safer Knives scheme. Both initiatives should have a positive impact on our communities and reflect our commitment to tackling knife crime in Wiltshire.

“It has been reassuring to have seen first-hand the enthusiasm amongst the general public in relation to the bleed kits when we launched the partnership last week.”

During the week, the knife arch was taken to a number of schools and colleges including New College in Swindon and Salisbury College, with some positive engagement taking place with young people. Officers paid a visit to Roots & Shoots – a football initiative for young people in Devizes where they discussed the dangers of carrying knives.

During the test purchasing operations with the assistance of our police cadets, we visited a variety of retailers across the county from well-known national businesses to small independent stores to ensure the Challenge 25 policy was being adhered to when selling knives.

In Trowbridge, six businesses were tested and only two passed. In four of the shops, our young cadets were able to purchase knives without being challenged. In Devizes, two out of three shops failed, and in the Tidworth and Amesbury area, several shops were visited and one business failed.

Lianna Bradshaw, Anti Social Behaviour Hotspot Manager, said: “It’s really disappointing to hear a number of retailers failed to uphold the challenge 25 policy and it shows that more needs to be done to ensure retailers are aware of the important role they play in helping us tackle knife crime and ensuring knives sold unlawfully do not end up in the hands of young people.

“Test purchasing helps us work with local businesses to strengthen compliance, raise awareness and keep people safe and we will continue to work with business owners throughout the year. I’d like to thank our young cadets for their assistance in these operations.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson said: “Making our communities safer is about working together to prevent harm before it happens. These initiatives show the strength of partnership working in Wiltshire, bringing police, local organisations and residents together to reduce risk and protect those who may be vulnerable.

“Whether it’s providing life‑saving bleed kits or encouraging safer choices in the home, these are practical steps that can make a real difference. Through funding from the Drug Forfeiture Fund, we are reinvesting money taken from criminals back into projects that protect our residents and support Wiltshire Police in their efforts to cut violence.

“The test purchasing results are concerning and show clearly that more must be done to ensure retailers are playing their part in keeping knives out of the hands of young people. Businesses have a responsibility to challenge and refuse sales where appropriate, and we will continue working with them to raise standards and protect our communities.”