Hertsmere sees 46 knives surrendered in week of action

Hertfordshire police's "Operation Sceptre" concluded on Sunday (November 19), and saw 139 blades surrendered across the county.

This included swords, hunting knives, machetes and a variety of pocket and kitchen knives. 

The operation at West Herts College. (Image: Hertfordshire Constabulary)

The number of weapons surrendered in each area can be seen below:

• Stevenage, 27
• Three Rivers, 54
• Watford, 10
• Welwyn Hatfield, 2
• Hertsmere, 46

As part of the operation, knife-detection operations and engagement events also took place.

A number of knife-detection operations took place. (Image: Hertfordshire Constabulary)

Sergeant Karen Mellor said: “There is always a great response from local residents during our weeks of action and we always get lots of positive feedback from all the young people we speak to.

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“As part of our activities we conducted a survey to understand local people’s views on knife crime.

"More than 1,500 people completed the survey and as part of our prevention first approach we will use this information to shape our response to knife crime in Hertfordshire.

The Apprentice star Thomas Skinner joined the operation in St Albans. (Image: Hertfordshire Constabulary)

"We continue to work with local schools, colleges, charities and councils, to steer young people towards positive life choices and help them to understand the dangers knives pose, as well as ensuring that knives are not readily available, whether online, in shops or passed around in the community.”   

Police finding a knife in Hemel Hempstead. (Image: Hertfordshire Constabulary)

Police searching for knives on the Alban Way. (Image: Hertfordshire Constabulary)