Recently, Avon and Somerset Police took part in Operation Sceptre, a national week of action, with the aim of reducing the number of people carrying knives.

The operation, co-ordinated and led by the National Police Chief's Council (NPCC), brings police forces across the country together in a period of intensification to concentrate efforts on enforcement, education and engagement.

From 26 April through to 2 May, officers across Avon and Somerset carried out a range of activities including:

Educational visits to schools and colleges to talk to young people about the dangers and consequences of carrying a knife

Visits to retailers to educate them on their responsibilities and the law around selling knives to under 18s

Knife sweeps in locations where intelligence suggested weapons may be stored or hidden

Knife surrender bins installed in extra locations in addition to the permanent locations across Avon and Somerset.

Partnership work with Border Force to monitor and intercept knives and other offensive weapons bought online and being brought into our area

Work with our partners in the region's Violence Reduction Units (VRUs) to engage with young people on issues which can lead to them becoming involved in knife crime

The week's operation resulted in:

26 knives taken off the streets, 22 of which were surrendered to our bins

82 weapon sweeps being carried out

35 lessons delivered across schools

9 neighbourhood police surgeries and engagement events at youth clubs and other community settings

5 arrests

5 warrants being executed

36 shops visited

Avon and Somerset Police's force lead for serious violence Superintendent James Raphael said: "Reducing violence in our communities is a key priority and we work hard every day of the year to realise this aim. However, taking part in Operation Sceptre twice a year allows us to target our efforts to tackle knife crime through education, enforcement and engagement, and achieve real results which make all of us safer.

"Although knife possession offences in Avon and Somerset reduced by 21 per cent in 2020 compared with 2019, some of this reduction can be attributed to the fact that lockdown meant there were fewer people out and about on the streets. Despite the pandemic, proactive enforcement continued and significant intervention and diversion work was carried out, with agencies adapting to online working and engagement through other means. Last year's decrease in knife possession offences is a step in the right direction and we want to build on these reductions moving forward.

"Reducing knife crime and serious violence will never be achieved through police enforcement alone, which is why the work of our VRUs, which bring together partners from agencies including police, education, local authorities, health and the charity sectors, is essential to deliver long term change."