Nearly 60 percent of shops in Swindon and Wiltshire passed the 'Challenge 25' policy during a week of action focusing on knife crime.

This initiative, part of the Sceptre week—a national knife crime awareness scheme—took place between November 11 and 17, 2024.

During this period, police officers and cadets conducted 39 test purchases across the county.

A test purchase involves a cadet, under 18, attempting to buy a knife or bladed article.

Outlets fail if they sell the item to the young person or don't ask for proof of age if the buyer appears under 25.

Out of the 39 tests conducted, 23 retail outlets complied with the law and passed.

The remaining 16 outlets failed and received oral warnings or advice.

Chief Superintendent Doug Downing said: "I am pleased that the latest test purchase operation, using our excellent police cadets and working with our Trading Standards partners, shows the majority of outlets adhere to the law and so passed the test.

"However, that doesn't excuse the ones who failed.

"These stores were given oral warnings or words of advice."

The week of action also saw 41 stop and searches, with four knives recovered and 13 arrests made, four of which were related to knives.

In addition, 13 knives and weapons were recovered from six surrender bins in Swindon.

Educational engagement was also a key focus, with officers delivering talks on the dangers of knife crime at 17 school events.

Chief Superintendent Downing added: "Sceptre is always a great opportunity to let the public know about the work—day-in, day-out—we do highlighting the dangers linked to knife crime.

"We must remember that Wiltshire is a safe county but we all have a role to play in ensuring knife crime is tackled across our communities."

Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson praised the comprehensive approach of Sceptre week, particularly the focus on educating and protecting young people through school visits and cadet test purchasing.

He said: "It's important that we work to dispel the perception around knife crime amongst young people, as a 2023 schools survey demonstrated that only 3 percent of young people admitted to having carried a knife.

"However, most young people estimated that around 19 percent of their peers carried a knife, demonstrating the significant difference between the perceived threat of youth knife carriers versus the reality perpetuating a culture of fear amongst young people."

The Sceptre week is part of the ongoing, month-long 'Spot the Signs' campaign, which aims to raise awareness of the signs of criminal exploitation.

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