Knife crime increase across Avon and Somerset over past year

PUBLISHED: 07:55 19 March 2019

Henry Woodsford

Police took action against 73 children in the 12 months ending September 2018. Picture: Avon and Somerset Constabulary

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Officers are taking part in Operation Spectre, a week of action where tactics including educating young people and retailers, targeted patrols of hot spot areas, weapons sweeps and knife surrender bins are used.

From April 2017-18, there were 1,835 incidents of people carrying or using a knife, compared with 1,201 in the previous 12-month cycle – an increase of 634 crimes.

There were 538 knife-related crimes which resulted in an injury from January to December last year, which equates to seven per cent of total knife crime reported.

MORE: Dozens of children caught by police with knives.

Police and Crime Commissioner, Sue Mountstevens, said: “Knives do not keep you safe, young people need to be aware by carrying a knife, you are putting yourself in much greater danger and are more likely to become involved in a violent situation.”

To reduce the problem, a knife bin where items can be surrendered has been installed at Weston Town Hall.