Almost 400 offensive weapons were surrendered and eight arrests made during a week-long knife crime crackdown across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

The national week of action, known as Operation Sceptre, ran from Monday, November 17 to Sunday, November 23. During that time officers carried out 19 hotspot patrols and 31 weapons sweeps, with 385 offensive weapons removed from the streets through arrests and amnesty bin surrenders.

Three bladed weapons were also seized during stop and searches as part of co-ordinated activity across all districts.

Police also completed 216 community engagement activities during the week, including weapon sweeps, knife arch deployments, hotspot patrols and pop-up community engagement events.

Test purchasing was a key theme of this year’s operation, aimed at ensuring knives are not being sold to underage buyers and reminding retailers of their legal responsibilities. The Violent Crime Taskforce carried out 82 visits to local businesses and national chain retailers over three days. Of those, 73 passed inspection, while nine will be referred to Trading Standards.

Youth and school engagement also formed a major part of the operation. Officers visited schools, colleges and universities across the force area, delivering 56 workshops to around 5,000 young people. The sessions focused on the risks and consequences of knife crime and discouraging involvement in violence and gangs.

At Southampton College, PC Paul Richards shared experiences from his 24 years in policing, while PC Kelly Morris spoke about the work of the Youth Offending Team in supporting young people at risk.

In the lead-up to the operation, at about 6.50pm on Sunday, November 2, a motorist alerted police to a man reported to be carrying a knife on Waverley Road in Southsea. Officers detained the man after a short foot chase and found a kitchen knife concealed in his trousers.

Fahad Abbas, 43, of no fixed address, was arrested.

Inspector James Barton, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary’s tactical lead for knife crime, said: “Sceptre is vital because it tackles knife crime head-on. Every knife taken off the streets reduces the risk of serious harm and saves lives.

“Our operation is not just about enforcement; it is about prevention, education and working with communities to make our streets safer. By undertaking this work, we send a clear message: carrying a knife is never worth the risk.

“We have seen strong results from working closely with key partners, demonstrating that collaboration is essential, as policing alone cannot tackle knife crime. It is reassuring to note that the majority of retailers are complying with the law, preventing the sale of knives to young people and following the Challenge 25 rule.

“Dealing with the accessibility of deadly and intimidating weapons is key and we are doing all we can to reduce how easily they can end up in the wrong hands. While there is still more to do, we remain fully committed to cracking down on those who break the law.

“We also met many members of our community who, like us, are determined to keep their neighbourhoods safe from serious violence, and we engaged with thousands of young people. Connecting with individuals at a young age and having open discussions is essential to educate, bust myths and prevent knife crime.

“Knife crime is devastating, and it impacts all individuals, families and communities involved. The reality is that very few people carry knives, but if someone you know is carrying a knife you can report it to the police, speak to a trusted family member or teacher, or report it anonymously to Crimestoppers.”

Partnership work also included two days of joint operations with British Transport Police. One man was arrested near Basingstoke railway station on suspicion of possessing Class A drugs. A second operation along the south coast rail network led to four stop and searches and the recovery of Class B drugs.

In Portsmouth, officers supported the launch of the Artful Dodger Boxing Academy’s “Gloves Not Knives” campaign, aimed at giving young people a positive alternative and safer community space.

Knife sweeps were also carried out in Thornhill, Sholing and Gosport with partner organisations and local councils. No discarded or hidden weapons were found.

Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones said: “We all know knife crime can have a devastating impact on communities.

“While it is encouraging to see nearly 400 weapons handed in, just one can kill. That’s why, through my Violence Reduction Unit, we work closely with the police, councils, schools and health bodies to ensure we identify why some young people feel the need to carry one.

“Often, those children are highly vulnerable to exploitation and come from very difficult backgrounds. We must therefore identify habitual knife carriers and those most at risk and support them accordingly.

“I am determined to keep our young people and communities safe, and we’ll continue to build on the good work we’ve already done here, which has resulted in one of the biggest reductions in knife crime across the country.”

Anyone worried about knife crime can contact police on 101 and ask for their local Neighbourhood Team. In an emergency, call 999. Anonymous reports can also be made to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or via StreetSafe.