OFFICERS recovered hundreds of blades and made 48 arrests as part of a crackdown on knife crime.

Hampshire police seized 213 knives in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight as part of a national week of action to tackle knife crime – Operation Spectre.

READ MORE: What we know so far: Man critically injured after stabbing in Southampton

Twelve knives were taken off the streets and eight arrests were made (seven of these knife-related offences) after 63 stop and searches.

Of these, 30 were in Operation Seaspray, launched after an attempted murder in Coleman Street, Southampton last Friday.

During the week, surrender bins were temporarily set up and 164 knives and bladed items were handed in anonymously.

There were also community engagement events, weapon sweeps in parks with the help of metal detection groups, workshops in schools, and visits to retailers to make sure they were legally compliant about selling knives.

Chief Inspector John Halfacre, lead for knife crime in the force, said that education and prevention is crucial.

He said: “It is important to remember that most of us do not carry knives and will probably never be affected by knife crime – which is why we must dispel the myths around carrying a knife to help prevent anyone picking one up in the first place.

“We want to make it clear that carrying a knife really doesn’t make you safer, it can be used against you, it’s also illegal and can potentially result in a prison sentence and puts your and others' lives at risk.

“We will take robust action against those who break the law as the results have shown, and just as this week is over, our work is ongoing as we proactively tackle this type of violent offending.”

PCC Donna Jones commended the teams involved in the week of action, which has taken “a huge number” of weapons off the streets and will “no doubt save lives”.

She added: “More police on the streets, more visibility and more stops and searches is a clear deterrent, it takes dangerous people off the streets and protects young lives.

“In the background, education and awareness is key if we are to achieve long-term societal change. As your police and crime commissioner, I am committed to having a zero tolerance to knife crime by funding early intervention and prevention projects which focus on stopping young people from committing crimes, particularly those that result in serious violence and injury.

“Schools, parents and guardians of young people also have a responsibility to educate and take action to prevent young people from carrying knives and it has been great to see the wider community and support agencies engaging with young people on this topic.”

If you have any information or concerns about knife crime in your community, report non-emergency crime to 101, visit the police’s website or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

In an emergency always, call 999.

For more information on knife crime at www.Fearless.org

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