As part of ongoing engagement during the national Sceptre knife crime week of action, the Test Valley Priority Crime Team hosted a public awareness event in the Chantry Centre on Saturday (25 May).
Officers were on hand between 10am and 2pm to speak with residents about:
- The dangers and impact of knife crime
- The importance of community reporting
- What local policing teams are doing to tackle the issue
The event formed part of a series of initiatives aimed at reducing serious violence and encouraging open conversation around the role of young people, retailers and the wider community in preventing knife-related harm.
A police spokesperson said:
“We’re taking proactive steps to ensure knives do not end up in the wrong hands. Our recent test purchase operation highlights how vital it is for retailers to remain vigilant and follow the law.
We were pleased to speak with so many members of the public in the Chantry Centre and we’re grateful for the continued support from the community in tackling this issue together.”
Andover Police are encouraging anyone with concerns about knife crime or illegal sales to report it, and to continue working together to help keep our community safe.