Police arrest 14 people during knife campaign

Dorset Police carried out "high-visibility patrols" during Operation Sceptre

A police force has arrested 14 people on suspicion of knife-related crimes during a week-long campaign.

Dorset Police said it also seized 28 knives during Operation Sceptre, a biannual national initiative that ran from 13 to 19 November.

The force spent £20,000 this year on metal-detecting wands, which were used by officers during the operation, and a portable knife arch.

It said the wands would be distributed to every police vehicle.

The force has bought hand-held metal detectors to search for weapons

The force said knives were surrendered in amnesty bins at police stations in Bournemouth, Poole and Weymouth.

It carried out eight weapons sweeps and four stop-and-searches, as well as giving presentations to pupils in 19 schools.

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said the county had the second lowest rate of knife crime across England and Wales.

He said the new wands, high-visibility patrols and "powerful education" demonstrated the force's commitment to reducing knife crime further.

Ch Supt Heather Dixey said: “Some young people carry a knife because they think it will make them safer, but carrying a knife can actually make them more vulnerable.

"We have been very proactive in providing education and engagement opportunities to local schools and discussing these common misconceptions."