Hertfordshire Police Recover 64 Knives in St Albans Over Three Months

Sixty-four knives have been removed from the streets of a city centre over the past three months, as part of a police initiative. Hertfordshire Police confirmed that these knives were collected in St Albans since September 1. The force stated that during a “week of action” conducted last week, it carried out knife sweeps, arranged test purchases of knives in various shops, and engaged with school and college students regarding the dangers of carrying bladed articles. Chief Inspector Martin Turpin indicated that these activities aimed to reinforce the message that “carrying a knife is illegal and will not keep you safe.” Knife sweeps were conducted at Oaklands College, Links Academy, and several parks, though no knives were discovered, according to the force. Officers also spoke with primary school pupils, and teenagers at Oaklands College were given the opportunity to experience a knife scenario using VR headsets. The force reported that two shops failed to prevent undercover police cadets, aged 16 and 17, from purchasing kitchen knives and a pen knife. Additionally, a shop in Harpenden allowed a cadet to buy a pair of scissors. Ch Insp Turpin stated: “Knife-related crime remains low in the St Albans district, but the campaign aims to reinforce the message that carrying a knife is illegal and will not keep you safe.” He mentioned that tactics are employed throughout the year to deter anyone, particularly young people, from arming themselves with a knife. “Please do speak to your children about the dangers of knives and remember – lives not knives.” News updates for Beds, Herts, and Bucks are available on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Information regarding our approach to external linking is available.