Dorset Police is  taking part in a national campaign to raise awareness of knife crime and carrying blades.

Sceptre is a national campaign led by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) which has been running this week.

There has been enhanced enforcement, engagement and education opportunities to raise awareness around the consequences and dangers of carrying a knife.

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Some people – particularly young people – think they will be safer if they carry a knife, when in reality they may be putting themselves in more danger and may even end up being injured by their own knife.

During the week, Dorset Police has been looking to dispel common misconceptions with various education and community engagement activities across the county.

These will seek to raise awareness around knife crime and knife carrying, including the use of knife arches in public spaces and knife education assemblies in schools.

Test purchases of knives have also been taking place with local retailers.

The force has been engaging with retailers, ensuring they are aware of who they are selling knives to and confirm they are following the appropriate safety guidelines for legal selling and distribution.

READ: Men charged with threatening Weymouth driver with knife in Park Street

A knife surrender bin has also been provided at Weymouth police station during the week.

Those who carry knives have been encouraged to surrender them without question or repercussions from police.

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said: “Dorset has one of the lowest rates of knife crime in the country, and we want to keep it that way.

"But we know that while young people continue to pick up knives to protect themselves, we still have work to do.

“That’s why I am fully supportive of the work taking place not just in the community, but especially in schools and other education settings as part of Sceptre.

READ: Dorset Police appeal to public to report knife crime

"I have seen first-hand how powerful this bespoke education is and have heard from young people themselves about the positive impact it makes."

Mr Sidwick added: “It is imperative we tackle the causes of knife crime at an early stage to prevent further pain and heartbreak.

"I would urge families to talk to young people in particular about the dangers of carrying knives, as we know this group are more susceptible to thinking they will be safer if they carry them. This is not true, and we all need to be working to dispel misconceptions like this."

You can report any information about knife crime anonymously to Crimestoppers UK on 0800 555 111. 

Retailers can visit this website for guidance on selling knives: www.nbcc.police.uk/knifeguidance