More than 3,500 knives have been taken off the streets in Bedfordshire’s most successful weapon surrender since the launch of its anti-knife crime campaign, Just Drop It.
Officers recovered 3,577 knives and 23 other weapons from the county’s 11 weapons bins ahead of Sceptre, a nationally coordinated initiative to tackle knife crime, held last week (19-25 May).
This brings the total number of weapons surrendered over six months to the highest level since the launch of Just Drop It in 2023, and the highest figure recorded by the force in more than five years.
This milestone reflects the broader work being undertaken to address knife crime, with a range of activities delivered during Sceptre Week.
One of the week’s highlights was a special event hosted by the force in collaboration with Bedfordshire’s Violence and Exploitation Reduction Unit (VERU).
‘Not My Child: A parent’s guide to exploitation, knife crime & county lines’, which was held at Luton Sixth Form College on Wednesday 21 May, aimed to provide vital support and guidance to parents and carers concerned about the dangers that young people may face.
More than 100 parents and partners came together to hear real-life stories from people who have experienced exploitation, as well as expert advice on spotting the signs and keeping young people safe from criminal influence.
Officers also carried out operational and community-focused activities across the county, including weapons sweeps, enforcement operations, school workshops, and engagement events – all aimed at preventing violence and supporting the public.
Superintendent Alex House said, “The latest knife surrender figures demonstrate the growing impact of police and partner efforts to address knife crime, and are a clear sign that communities are listening, engaging and playing an active role in this.
“Getting knives off the streets is important, but it is just one part of the picture. Sceptre helps to showcase the year-round work taking place to tackle violence and make our streets safer.
“Prevention is key, and by engaging young people early, challenging harmful myths and equipping them with the tools and support they need, we can help them choose safer paths and stop violence before it starts.”
